ON THE corner of London Road stands a shop which has stood the test of time. As eyes first lock on the exterior, it could be easy to mistake the store as a little place selling novelties and souvenirs.
But for those who have stepped foot into Sally’s Out of Curiosity, they can assure people that it is the total opposite - with doors opening wide allowing customers to embark on a voyage into a deep, Aladdin’s cave of wonders full of hidden treasures from years past.
It is no surprise Sally’s has become a go-to hotspot for BBC’s Antiques Road Trip, after owner Sally Tyrie, 72, spent the last two decades roaming around boot sales and auction houses to browse and get her hands on pieces that pop in the shop.
Last week, ex-TOWIE legend Gemma Collins shot an episode of the celebrity take of the classic programme, and the Echo chatted with Sally about her shop and all things retro.
Her mum, Phyllis Lambert, wanted her daughter to open a little shop and sell quirky items and antiques.
But the grandmother-of-nine had no clue where the products would come from and had zero experience in shop work.
“I said: ‘Where am I going to get this stuff from?’ She said: ‘You’ll find it. Start with all the things you’ve got in your shed and then you can go from there,’” Sally recalled.
The pair were toing and froing on names for the business - Sally’s and Out of Curiosity popped up often, but they could not decide between the two. As a result, they put them together.
But Phyllis would not go on to see the shop become a reality as in October 1999, she died at the age of 88.
In 2000, Sally’s Out of Curiosity took up residency in Westcliff and has been delighting guests ever since with its avenues packed to the brim with vintage relics, including vinyls, clocks and china ornaments, and top customer service.
Sally said: “Back in the early days, it was a completely different shop because it was more antiques. But as the years have gone on, it’s what people can afford.
“When I source my items, I’m looking for quality, quirkiness and anything a little bit unusual. They must be cleaned before being put on the shopfloor.
“I’m a people’s person and hands on. I enjoy speaking and helping them. I absolutely love my shop – it’s my passion.”
It is not just antiques the shop has housed; it has also been the spot for a wedding reception, wake and milestone birthday parties.
Looking back over 23 years, Sally said: “I knew I had to open my shop because it was my mum’s wish.
“I only saw myself being here for six months, and I thought if I achieved that, I’ve done what she asked me.
“I love what I do. It’s my passion. It’s my home.”
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