Sweet spot for gift shoppers

CHOCOLATE SHOP ADDED TO ARCADE

- By KATIE OBORN

A PLYMOUTH shopping spot loved by locals and tourists alike now has an exciting new chocolate shop, making it even better for gift ideas.

The colourful arcade has been a favourite with Plymothians for decades - and there's a range of unique gifts or tree decorations that really enhance the festive time.

From amazing all-natural doggie treats and unique dog leads, that will ensure your furry friend will have the best Christmas, to the hand made macramé gift shop where there really is a present for everyone - and you can even have a tarot card reading while you shop to see what may be in store for 2026.

There's also beautiful earrings made of Devon and Cornwall sea glass, the all-important magical items every Christmas needs, as well as Star Wars, Lego and Pokémon.

Gone Wild The Dog Shop is run by husband-and-wife team Perry Haydon, 43, and Lisa Washbourne, 42.

Lisa said: "We've always had dogs and found that the leads we were buying in bigger stores didn't last very long, we had a climbing rope and so made our own lead, then friends asked us to make them some - and the business idea was born around a kitchen table.

"The shopping arcade really comes alive at Christmas, especially when the Barbican light switch on happens (on Saturday, November 15). We have a restaurant background and using that knowledge we've developed a range of all-natural gourmet snacks for dogs, plus supplements."

If you fancy having your tarot cards read, Joanne Timmins is based at the arcade she also sells spiritual things that she says "help promote wellbeing". After working as a secretary for 30 years, the 54-year-old took the plunge into doing something she really loves, running her business Tarot by Jo at The House That Jack Built.