Shoppers formed queues on Saturday morning as Gonk World UK opened its new permanent store at The Hive shopping centre in Warrington, near Manchester. The retailer, which began as a small market stall selling gnome-like figures, has expanded into a year-round destination.
From Market Stall to Permanent Store
Founded by mother Datsa Gaile, 53, and her son Kristoff Gailis, Gonk World UK started with a stall at Mansfield Christmas market. It evolved into a seasonal pop-up and later a store in Mansfield, but the duo decided to relocate to Warrington due to overwhelming demand. “This year marks our fifth year in business and our sixth Christmas season, so while we’re new to Warrington, we’re certainly not a new business,” Datsa said.
What the Store Offers
The store is packed with gonk figures of all colours and sizes, with prices starting at £1.99 for a croc charm and rising to £29.99 for a large festive gonk. The most expensive item is a 24-day advent calendar priced at £199. The shop sells “gonks for every season,” aiming to bring joy year-round.
Customer Response Overwhelming
The opening day saw customers travelling from across the UK. “Seeing people queue before we opened, welcoming customers who had travelled from all over the UK, and receiving such a warm welcome from the local community was incredibly emotional after five years of hard work,” Datsa said. The business has shipped products worldwide, including to the USA, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Why Gonks Are Popular
Datsa explained the appeal: “People often ask why gonks are so popular, and I think the answer is quite simple, they make people smile. They bring comfort, happiness, and a bit of escapism from everyday life.” She noted that many customers have integrated gonks into family traditions.
Future Plans
The pair believe the Warrington store will help them “further elevate the business,” which also sells via Etsy. “From the moment we arrived, we’ve been struck by the positivity, support, and energy of the town,” Datsa said. “We’re excited to become part of the community and continue growing Gonk World here for many years to come.”
