A TRADER’S dream to expand a vintage and retro shop into an emporium has come true.

Christopher Baldwin, who created The Black Bear Vintage Emporium brand, has teamed up with vintage Newport businesses to open the emporium in Commercial Street, Newport.

The Black Bear Emporium, which opened three weeks ago today, offers a range of vintage and retro products and services, from a hair salon to retro clothing.

Joining Mr Baldwin’s vintage clothing in the emporium is Beth Munro Vintage selling vintage children’s clothing, Sugar and Lemon specialising in eighties and nineties urban and streetwear and vintage prints adorning the walls by Rich and Jo.

As well as all this, the emporium offers a hair salon - Trims and Pins - with a stylist offering vintage styling in a 1950s themed salon.

“The first few weeks have gone amazingly,” said Mr Baldwin, 35, of Clewer Court in Newport.

“People have been very complimentary and the local business support, especially from Coffee and Crumbs and Iceilocious, has been great too.

“The emporium offers clothes and furniture from 1950s and will always have something to dress your home and/or self.

“The plan is is to bring affordable vintage and retro styling for your home or selves to the masses at honest prices.

“I have dreamed of owning a shop like this for years. Luckily I have met some amazing people and it’s a reality.”

Mr Baldwin, who previously worked in mental health and has always had a passion for vintage products, first launched The Black Bear Vintage Emporium brand in January.

He took over the vintage and retro section of the Friends of St Anne’s Hospice charity shop in Commercial Street, Newport, with his products proving popular.

The emporium is situated opposite the newly opened Kaspa’s dessert bar.

To find out more and for updates search for The Black Bear Vintage Emporium on Facebook.