The story behind Handpicked
Hi, I'm Heather.
I started Handpicked because I loved shopping preloved, but couldn't find quite the shop I wanted to walk into.
I loved finding something a bit different. I didn't love the endless scrolling, guessing whether something would fit, or waiting for a parcel only to discover it wasn't quite right.
And I wanted more than a rail of clothes. I wanted somewhere you could enjoy browsing, feel the fabrics, try things on and find pieces that fit into real, everyday life.
Where it began
So I opened the shop I wished existed.
Handpicked began in 2023 with a simple idea: take the best bits of preloved shopping and make the whole experience feel easier, more considered and a lot more enjoyable.
We work with people who are ready to part with clothes they no longer reach for, and give those pieces the chance to find someone who will wear them again.
Everything is chosen individually. We're drawn to great fabrics, current shapes, interesting details and clothes that don't need a special occasion to leave the wardrobe.
It's not about finding the cheapest thing on the rail. It's about finding something really good, at a price that makes sense.
One person's unworn favourite can become somebody else's most-worn piece.
Handpicked today
Still preloved. Always evolving.
The rails change constantly. Some days it's the perfect cashmere jumper, other days it's a brilliant pair of jeans or a bag you weren't expecting to find.
And over time, the shop has grown into more than clothing. We've added gifts and little creative experiences, including our Charm Bar, because shopping on the high street should be fun.
What hasn't changed is the idea behind it all: a carefully chosen shop full of things worth discovering, run by real people who care about what goes on the rails.
What matters to us
Good clothes. Good people. A proper little shop.
Handpicked only works because people choose to be part of it. Sellers trust us with pieces from their wardrobes. Customers come in to see what's new, and often end up staying for a chat.
I want it to feel welcoming whether you know exactly what you're looking for or just fancy a look around. No pressure, no hard sell. Just lovely things, thoughtfully chosen.
And if you're visiting Penrith, I'd love you to come and see it for yourself.
Heather, founder of Handpicked
Come and see us
Find us on Middlegate, Penrith.
Our pink door is open Monday to Saturday. There's always something different waiting on the rails.