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Rainham gift shop sells 400 flags ahead of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, as OnBuy reports shortage of patriotic supplies

An independent gift shop has sold almost 400 flags ahead of the Jubilee celebrations, as retailers warn of a shortage of patriotic decorations.

Red white and blue garlands and union jack bunting has been flying off the shelves at Homely Gifts in Rainham as shoppers snap up what they need for their street parties and garden get togethers.

Michele Taylor at Homely Gifts Rainham with her cardboard cutout of the Queen
Michele Taylor at Homely Gifts Rainham with her cardboard cutout of the Queen

Now the store in Norreys Road has almost sold out of all of its Jubilee stock but customers are still asking for last-minute supplies.

Owner Michele Taylor said she has had to re-order five times but can't order any more as her wholesalers have sold out too.

And Michele isn't alone, the retail marketplace OnBuy has warned of a bunting shortage and said other items such as button badges, union jack tablecloths and fancy dress props have been selling in huge numbers.

Some of the Jubilee items which have proved so popular at Homely Gifts
Some of the Jubilee items which have proved so popular at Homely Gifts

An estimated 39 million adults will be doing something to celebrate the Jubilee. In Kent, the county council has approved 567 road closures over the four days from June 2 until June 5 so that street parties can take place.

Michele said: "It has been surprising how well stock has sold. I did my first order of Jubilee things in February and I thought that would be enough. But I've had to do five other orders.

"I've sold nearly 400 flags, 60 packs of bunting and 30 packs of the garlands which are £30 each. I still have a couple of garlands packs left, but everything else has sold out."

Michele's shop, tucked away in a small street almost a mile away from the town centre, is a treasure trove of gifts – selling everything from teapots to teddies.

The window display at Homely Gifts Rainham
The window display at Homely Gifts Rainham

The business began selling mostly gardening, hardware and pet supplies with just a small section for gifts. But Michele, who opened nine years ago after moving from Essex, said she soon realised the gift shop was the winner.

Her stock is so popular, customers travel from all over Kent as well as London.

The 49-year-old said: "I have people travel for an hour to visit my shop, which is fantastic. It makes my heart soar.

"That is down to the power of social media. I wouldn't be able to survive in the location I'm in without it."

As part of the Jubilee preparations. Michele created a window display with a cardboard cutout of the Queen. She had so many requests to buy Her Majesty that Michele decided to raffle her off to raise money for the Rainham-based children's charity My Shining Star.

Click here to find out more about the shop and enter the Jubilee raffle before the draw on Wednesday.

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