Ilkley to be home to new Yorkshire Soap Company store

The popular independent retailer is due to open its doors on The Grove in September to offer a range of "scrumptious soaps" and luxurious products. 

Owners Marcus Doyle and Warren Booth said that they have been on the lookout for premises in Ilkley for years and they’ve now found the perfect spot.

“Ilkley is very personal to us as it is a place we have always visited on days off to relax, walk and shop, steeped in history, beautiful views, fantastic shopping and with a great sense of community and abundant in Yorkshire pride," said Marcus.

“We had previously asked our customers on social media and our customer database where they would like to see the next Yorkshire Soap Company store and Ilkley was always at the top of the list so it made sense to open there next.

“We are incredibly proud of what our team has achieved and we are very excited to throw open our doors to the Ilkley store this September and welcome everyone to our small but growing brand."

The store will sell a range of bath and body care products, hand-made soaps, candles, and home scents.

The pair said they are inspired by everything from artisan sweet shops to the travelling circus and have always wanted to offer a "truly magical retail experience" and create an "irresistible and inviting space" that everyone can enjoy and afford.

The pair opened a store in Otley back in 2007, but it closed in 2011 due to business changes and company plans. 

Warren said: “We had grown an amazing customer loyalty whilst the Otley shop traded, and it was a no-brainer that we returned to the nearby town of Ilkley and re-introduce ourselves to the fabulous people of the Wharfe Valley.”

They are currently recruiting a full retail team consisting of a store manager, store assistant manager, store supervisor and retail sales team members.

Other Yorkshire Soap stores are located in Leeds, Harrogate, York, Halifax, Hebden Bridge and Beverley.

The business began life back in 2004, when Marcus and Warren began to make soap as gifts for friends and family. 

Using Marcus’ experience as a chef, they mixed and muddled ingredients to perfect a recipe that is still used in their popular soaps today. 

The pair hope the new Ilkley store will add a little bit of "soapy magic" to Ilkley, and be the go-to shopping destination for gifts and "little indulgences".