A lorry driver who had a flash of inspiration during time out after a heart attack has opened his own shop.
Ray McFarlane started Bombs R Us as an online business in April following his heart attack last summer and has just become the latest venture to open a unit at Longton Exchange Shopping Centre in Stoke-on-Trent.
Working with wife Debbie Birchall-McFarlane, he sells a range of bathroom gifts including bath bombs, soaps, shower steamers, skin care items, aromatherapy oils, candles and incense and gift sets.
Whilst they aim to help others relax, the shop is already proving popular, and the pair are still working their original jobs as well for the time-being.
Ray told Daily Focus: “My heart attack took me by surprise because I’m physically fit and go to the gym a lot. But it brought me this business because that is when the idea popped into my head.
“The store itself has been busier than the online shop. We’re really pleased with how it is going.
“I’m still lorry driving and Debbie is still working as a senior carer but it’s just a temporary measure for me – I want to cut down on the driving.”
The shop is open six days a week and is based next door to Kiln at Number 12, a new creative hub which opened the day before Bombs R Us.
The range of stock is being constantly updated.
Popular products include kids’ bath bombs such as the characters from the on-trend Disney film Lilo and Stitch. Bluey bath bombs, inspired by the TV cartoon of the same name, are due to arrive soon.
Ray added: “I never expected to have a shop this year but I couldn’t turn it down.
“I took my wife to have her nails done and ended up with it.”
The shopping centre has welcomed several new businesses in the past 18 months as well as hosting various community events.
