Fashion boutique and creative studio coming to Hull’s Fruit Market

An independent fashion boutique in Hull is moving to the city’s Fruit Market urban village.

Tessies will offer body-positive messaging when it launches on Humber Street, adding its clothing, jewellery and accessories to the waterfront’s retail mix.

Nicola Gibbons, the owner of Tessies, is looking to relocate early in the New Year from the shop’s current premises on Newland Avenue.

The bigger, 1,000 sq ft base will also house a creative studio where Nicola plans to run classes and workshops on topics ranging from jewellery making and creative writing to meditation.

Nicola is originally from Liverpool but moved to Hull 11 years ago and founded Tessies, named after her grandmother, in 2009.

The company sells brands including Daphnea, Neon Rose, Daisy Street and Nova, both in store and online.

Commenting on the expansion, Nicola said: “We can’t wait to join the Fruit Market community! There’s an arty, creative atmosphere in Humber Street and the businesses aren’t afraid to express themselves or try different things – I’m really looking forward to being part of that.

“The Tessies brand is colourful, fun and a bit kooky and we have a really loyal customer base who love our style. We don’t just to sell to people, we sell to personalities and we’re passionate about what we do.”

Phrases on the walls of the shop include positive messages like ‘Say nice things to your body’ and ‘If you like it, wear it’.

Nicola explained: “Part of the vibe of Tessies is about empowering women to love themselves and have a positive body image. It’s something that we’re passionate about and promote in all that we do.”

Tessies’ manager of eight years, Anna Carter, said opening at the Fruit Market represents a “brilliant opportunity” for the business.

She added: “We’re looking forward to being really active in the Humber Street community and working together to promote all the other fab businesses in the area – we can’t wait!”

The reinvention of the Fruit Market is driven by Wykeland Beal, a regeneration company formed between commercial developer Wykeland Group and housebuilder Beal Homes, as part of the Fruit Market LLP joint venture with the city council.

Wykeland development surveyor Tom Watson said: “It’s a very exciting time for the Fruit Market.

“As more buildings are renovated and new builds are nearing completion, we’re experiencing high demand from independent businesses like Tessies who want to be part of this unique community.”

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