WARRINGTON went “Gonk crazy” as Warrington Worldwide Editor Gary Skentelbery officially cut the ribbon to open Gonk World UK inside The Hive WA1 shopping centre.
Dedicated shoppers queued outside from the early hours, with enthusiastic collectors travelling from as far as Scotland, London, Hull, and North Wales to be the first through the doors.
The permanent new store on Sankey Street brings a whimsical collection of more than 100 gnome-like figures, home décor items, and Gonks for all occasions to the heart of the town centre
The grand opening marked a nostalgic milestone for honorary guest Gary , who performed the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Speaking at the launch he shared that his very first job in the town centre was as a Saturday boy at his mother’s gift shop on Horsemarket Street.
Returning decades later to launch a unique independent retailer on the high street brought his career full circle, highlighting the enduring value of local trade.
Owned by mother-and-son duo Datsa Gaile and Kristoff Gailis, Gonk World UK originally started in 2021 as a small business operating out of Christmas markets and events.
After running a successful pop-up shop and market stall in Mansfield, the family decided to permanently relocate their retail venture to Cheshire.
Reflecting on the massive crowd waiting outside for the shutters to go up, co-owner Datsa Gaile said:”The response to our Warrington opening has honestly been overwhelming. When I looked at that queue, I didn’t just see customers. I saw five years of hard work, sacrifices, risks, challenges, determination, and a dream that started with a single Gonk.
The launch day proved to be an instant success, helped along by the first 25 customers receiving a free gift. The store caters to all budgets, featuring items ranging from £1.99 croc charms up to large seasonal gonks for £29.99, and a high-end 24-day advent calendar. To add to the opening day fun, atmospheric “Gonkologists” and “Gonkcholitis Virus Doctors” made playful appearances around the boutique shopping centre to interact with families and pose for photographs.
The owners praised The Hive WA1 community and neighboring businesses for helping them settle into their new home—which even included erecting a giant, five-metre-tall Santa Gonk outside the building to greet shoppers.
A video of the opening on Warrington Worldwide social media channels went viral attracting nearly 200,000 views!
