Sunshine No. 1 the southside gift shop celebrating Scotland’s artists and makers

If you’ve been in Mount Florida over the past few years, you might recognise one of the more colourful shops on Cathcart Road.

Located just a couple of minutes from Hampden Park stadium and not far from Mount Florida train station, the aptly named Sunshine No. 1, is a gift store offering a distinctly Scottish array of epic products created by artists and makers who live all across Scotland.

Based at 1043 Cathcart Road, owner Suzi Nicol left her role as a civil servant after over two decades, to embrace her passion for independent crafts and to set up the now-famous shop.

“We first opened back in August 2015,” the keen sewer and candle maker stated. “It’s unbelievable and also exciting to think I’ll be celebrating 9 years open in just a few months.”

Everyone who visits can expect a warm, friendly welcome, with people regularly popping in for a chat with Suzi, who says the store really does have “something for everyone” and is more than happy to help you choose too if you need some inspiration.

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And when it comes to the unique name, Suzi said it was hard to come up with one that fit, she said: “I had left my Civil Service job because I had a sudden realisation of how short life is after my mum died from bowel cancer and then 6 months later my dad was diagnosed with it too.

“My mum called me ‘Sunshine’ so I thought it would be lovely to incorporate that (she also called me Chicken but that would be a weird name for a gift shop.).

“I also wanted to bring a splash of happy sunshine to Mount Florida! The No.1 part came about as a joke from my husband that it could be the first of many shops. Running 1 shop is challenging so I don’t think there’ll be a No.2.

“As a maker, I used to sell my own products at craft markets and was always amazed at the wealth of talent in Scotland.

“I wanted to bring some of that talent together in a physical, permanent shop and show people that you don’t have to buy from large chains or break the bank to have beautiful, quality gifts and art. I also wanted to be able to showcase and support small businesses who might not have the opportunity to have their work seen on the high street.”

Now selling everything from prints and original art to jewellery and pottery as well as home fragrances, skincare products, homewares, kid’s clothes and so much more, Suzi has loved every moment of being part of the local community, who have fully embraced her wee store.

Suzi said: “The people in the community – it’s an amazingly friendly and supportive place and it’s great to be part of customer’s lives – being here for almost 9 years means I get to be a small part in customer’s lives – celebrating their happy occasions and being a friendly ear for sad times is a real privilege! Also, it’s a brilliant business community too – I love that we have such a diverse range here now.”

It seems her success has paid off with the independent shop owner, recently celebrating a UK-wide small business award win.

“It was very exciting, especially as part of the win was going to a small business conference with Theo Paphitis of Dragon’s Den fame! I got to meet him and he’s now the proud owner of one of my tote bags.

“It’s amazing to have your hard work recognised, especially when owning an independent, high street business has been tough over the last few years.”

And the past few years have provided more than a few challenges and hurdles for Suzi to overcome.

She said: “Lockdown was brutal for so many small businesses and it’s been heartbreaking to see many of them not surviving. After all the lockdowns were lifted my shop was then flooded!

“It was such a distressing time but thankfully we bounced back only to go straight into a cost of living crisis. I am just so lucky that we have such supportive customers and every single item bought from us helps keep Sunshine No.1 open – a £3 card is so important and these small items are often what keeps an indie shop ticking over.

“I’m hugely grateful for every single customer purchase – without them, Sunshine No.1 wouldn’t be about to celebrate our 9th birthday and continue to support over 120 other small artist and maker businesses.”

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