A NEW shop selling wooden monkeys, soy candles and designer cards has opened in Brighton.

Hold in North Laine is a “lifestyle boutique” that stocks sustainably-sourced homeware. Senior sales assistant Holly Bird, 22, said the store in Bond Street has already been flooded with compliments since it opened earlier this summer.

She said: “Customers are saying this is exactly what Brighton was missing. They all tell us they’ll be back to get their Christmas presents too.

“One thing they’re all really keen on is this collectable wooden monkey toy: it was a big hit in the fifties and people are so happy to find somewhere that sells it at last.

The Argus:

“We’ve got designer greetings cards (not wrapped in cellophane), body lotions, bath salts, baby clothes, books and stationery. It’s a massive collection really.”

On entering, the smell of incense wafts through the door. The place feels calm.

Holly said: “We’re a great community here. We’ve got lovely people to work with. Everyone’s like-minded, and we’re all really concerned about the environment.

“Besides, we love what we sell. My favourites are the soy-based candles. They’re made from soya wax, and all the packaging is biodegradable. The whole point is giving people the chance to lead an ethical, stylish life – without the moral worry.”