A NEW addition to Wimborne’s High Street is starting small – with a shop just 8ft 10ins wide.

The new branch of expanding homeware business Hintons is thought to be the smallest shop in town. Employing two people, the premises covers just 148sqft.

It joins the existing Hintons Broadstone and the online business hintonshome.com, which is based in Poole.

Hintons boss Richard Smart said: “I’m very excited about bringing Hintons to Wimborne and to have what looks like the smallest and quirkiest shop in the town.”

He describes the shop’s products as “jaunty, whimsical and hard to find on most high streets” and said Wimborne was the “perfect fit” for the business.

“The town embraces old and new, the stylish and unique,” he said.

"Our customers can buy the beautiful pie birds their grandmothers once used, alongside retro telephones, fine bed linen, stylish clocks and quirky British-made gifts for their friends and loved ones.”

The mayor, Cllr Andy Hampton, cut a tape measure-style ribbon at the official opening.

He said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Hintons to Wimborne.

"Richard has used some clever carpentry and design to create a small but beautiful shop, which will be an excellent addition to the town’s diverse retail community.”

Richard Smart’s great-grandfather started Hintons in 1933, as a gift and homewares wholesaler.

Mr Smart, 33, a former John Lewis retail manager, re-invented the business online in 2011. He now employs five staff and plans to open three more Hintons shops in the next four years.