Alison James established The Curious Merchant and has filled her shop with an eclectic mix of lovingly selected items for the home.
From salvaged one off pieces and decorative antiques through to contemprary ceramics and textiles, pay Alison a visit and allow The Curious Merchant to reveal its secrets. The Curious Merchant is a peculierly™ Masham business. Expore more businesses via our maps below and read Alison’s inside info in the following section.
Peculierly Interesting...
…inside info fromAlison James:
How did you come to run the business?
I had long desired to bring something unique to the north, inspired by working around the world.
What makes your business special?
An amalgamation of my unique and creative careers in styling, food, Interiors and the visual entertainment industry, culminate in a store full of diverse and interesting lifestyle and homeware pieces.
Top sellers:
I have such a large and varied collection of homewares that changes frequently. There does not seem to be one thing, however there is a lot of love for the humble wooden nail brush.
Most peculier product:
Everything is carefully sourced and curated for all its individual uniqueness.
What makes your business special?
The feeling when you step inside to find an unusual and inspiring interior evocative of old french shops selling useful homeware.
Famous customers:
I never kiss and tell!
Favourite place:
Johnny Baghdad’s.
What makes Masham peculier?
Its unpretentious and hard working community who are happy to accept everyone for all their idiosyncrasies, making for a mix of very interesting characters.
Insider tip:
Take time to just sit in the square and admire the architecture.
More Peculierly Masham NewsPeculierly Masham Shop Local
Did you know that every £10 spent in a local independent business is worth £25 to the local economy in terms of jobs supported and money paid to local suppliers, but it’s worth just £14 when spent in national supermarkets?
Support local businesses in Masham and you’ll meet some great people, find interesting souvenirs, and discover so much more about our area. You’ll also be supporting and maintinaing the local economy, independent shops and businesses that locals rely on, which so many visitors come to enjoy. 
Supermarket home delivery is convenient, but shop locally and you will find added value – a friendly smile and a chat, the inside track on where to go and, of course, some great local characters.
So please do your bit and support our local shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs whenever you can. Enjoy Peculierly Masham life to the full.
PECULIER™ and OLD PECULIER™ are trademarks owned by T.&R. Theakston Limited and used with their permission and under licence.
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