'Good times ahead' in Swanage with opening of new florist

The florist TIED will open its first brick and mortar shop in High Street, Swanage, on Tuesday, February 13 - just in time for Valentine’s Day. 

Offering hand-tied bouquets for weddings, events and sympathy flowers, TIED hopes to be Purbeck’s go-to destination for beautifully curated florals. 

Owner Selina Kerley, from Swanage, spent the first part of her career training and working as a florist in London, including in luxury florist McQueens Flowers. 

Selina's work (Image: Selina Kerley, TIED floristry)

She said: “I then moved back to Dorset with my husband because Swanage is where I’m originally from and I’d had enough of London. 

“I had trained as a florist for wedding events in Dorset anyway, so when the opportunity came up to open a shop in Swanage, I had to take it. 

“I come from a family of retailers and I really enjoyed working as a shop florist so it felt right to open my own shop.” 

Selina’s new business, which started online, will also do home deliveries across Purbeck - “a van is on the shopping list,” she said. 

The businesswoman added there are “good times ahead” for Swanage, which is seeing a number of new businesses open along in the town. 

Swanage (Image: Daily Echo)

Swanage appears to be bucking the trend for high streets even down the Dorset coastline to Bournemouth. 

“It feels like the perfect time to open a new business in Swanage, there is so much happening on the high street,” Selina said. 

“A new gift shop has opened, one of the pubs is getting a massive makeover and there is a new restaurant down the road, so it’s all coming to life.” 

Selina added: “I want to thank the community for their support so far and invite everyone to join us as we open doors this Valentine’s.” 

TIED is at 62 High Street, Swanage, and will open for the first time on Tuesday at 11am. 

The shop’s regular opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm, with extended opening hours on national holidays.