A GIFT shop has opened in Winchester because the people of the city are the top buyers of its taxidermy items.
Tillius, a family-owned business on High Street, had picked up a devoted customer base for its artistic and unique taxidermied animals.
The animals are collected from two local artists in the New Forest area. All its animals are ethically sourced and have died of natural causes.
The shop, which sells a range of items, including house plants, perfume, wall art, statues and candles, had previously been based in Devon.
A shop spokesman said: “We think the animals are wonderful and the practice of taxidermying is an appreciation of their beauty.
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“The people of Winchester have loved it so far and have got great taste. We have always been a little divisive and we know our products are not going to fit in every home.
“The artists are brilliantly talented and through selling their art we are able to support their trade.”
Tillius started in Tavistock and after coming to the end of their lease, they moved to Winchester as the city has a large market for taxidermied animals.
The spokesman added: “We have got great footfall here and the people of the city really appreciate us. Winchester has a lovely community feel and that's exactly why we chose to move here.”
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