On June 28th, 2025, something incredible happened, we opened the doors to our very first Wildbarc store. After nearly five years of being an online only adventure, we have now planted real roots in the heart of Crickhowell, Cymru. And honestly? We’re still pinching ourselves.
This wasn’t just about bricks, paint, and shelves. This was a journey that started years ago and came to life thanks to a community of amazing humans (and their dogs 🐾) who believed in us from day one.
Let’s take a little walk down memory lane…
A New Chapter Begins
It all started with an announcement that gave us butterflies, we were opening a physical shop. Not just anywhere, but in Crickhowell, a charming, fiercely independent town nestled at the gateway of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Surrounded by mountains, history, and some of the kindest people we’ve ever met, it felt like the perfect place for our next adventure.
We promised to bring you along for the ride, and you came with us every step of the way, through the dust, the paint splatters, and the polls about green walls (which, of course, won).
Week by Week: Building a Wildbarc Cabin
Week 1: With keys in hand, we got straight to it, scrubbing, measuring, peeling back old floors, and mapping out our future. We discovered four rooms (and one questionable basement) full of potential, and set to work with more enthusiasm than sleep.
Week 2: Paintbrushes out, we committed to green walls (because what else?) and began crafting our vision. Vern earned the title of "resident carpenter" after building our collar wall and counters by hand. We also began connecting with talented indie makers, and your suggestions rolled in faster than we could say “sawdust.”
Week 3: The transformation kicked up a notch. We hunted for treasures in flea markets and salvage yards, found the perfect centrepiece table, and waxed wood until the whole space gave off serious “cosy cabin” vibes. We even made a wooden fireplace (which you all said gave Calcifer energy, and yes, we’re obsessed). Whilst Vern was adding the details to the shop, Emily was frantically handcrafted collars, leads, treat pouches and everything else for the big opening day! Smashed it!
We started moving in stock, laying out the space, and the shop finally began to feel real.
The Golden Touch
One of the most magical parts of the process was commissioning our friend Neil, a brilliant hand lettering artist, to create the shop front signage. Watching his steady hands craft our name in gold leaf was like witnessing a forgotten art come alive. It was the final flourish our space didn’t even know it needed, and we’re so grateful for his time, skill, and friendship.
DIY SOS
In just four weeks, we transformed a blank canvas into a shop filled with Wildbarc gear, indie treasures, and a whole lot of heart. Think DIY SOS but with just two people and a collie who although her breed are well know for working, our Lola didn't life a paw! Haha!
What a ride! We laughed, we lifted (a lot), we learned, and we leaned on each other. Your support, messages, votes, visits, incredible gifts, DMs, encouragement, and shared excitement kept us going when our energy dipped and the to do list felt endless. Every cheer, every share, every little note mattered more than you may never know.
The BIG Day
On June 28th, we opened our doors for the first time, and what a day it was. Crickhowell was buzzing with its first ever Food Festival, the sun was shining, and so many of you came out to say hello (and bring your dogs!).
We saw familiar faces, met new ones, and finally got to say “Welcome to Wildbarc” in person. The space came alive in the best way—and it’s only just the beginning.
Be Seeing You
To everyone who’s supported us over the years, from our very first online order to walking through our shop door, thank you. This shop isn’t just ours, it’s yours. It’s a space we’ve built together, piece by piece, with love and community at its heart.
We’re still online. We’re still adventuring. But now, we have a cosy little corner in Crickhowell to call home, and we hope you’ll visit us soon.
Here’s to new chapters, new memories, and the incredible pack that made it all possible.
Diolch,
Emily, Vern & Lola 🐾
