**New Wool Shop Weaves Community Spirit into Cardiff’s Morgan Arcade**
A charming new venture has made its debut in Cardiff’s famous Morgan Arcade, inviting craft enthusiasts and curious shoppers alike to immerse themselves in the world of knitting and crochet. Arcade Wool Shop, which officially opened its doors at the end of May, has quickly established itself not merely as a retail destination for yarn and supplies, but as a welcoming haven for creativity and connection in the heart of the city.
The shop is the result of a heartfelt collaboration between Sian and her daughter Angharad – a duo whose passion for all things woollen is interwoven with a desire to create a supportive, community-minded space. The idea took shape after both found themselves at turning points in their lives: Angharad was seeking a fresh direction, while Sian, with a lifetime of experience in textile crafts and previously the owner of a wool shop in Carmarthen, was eager to bring a unique offering to Cardiff’s city centre.
“We realised there wasn’t anywhere in Cardiff quite like what we envisioned,” Sian reflected when asked about their motivation. “While you can source wool elsewhere, we felt strongly that the city needed a place that was as much about people and sharing knowledge as it was about purchasing supplies.” When a suitable unit became available in the picturesque Morgan Arcade, they seized the opportunity to transform their long-held dream into reality.
From its opening day on 31 May, Arcade Wool Shop has attracted attention for its considered approach to ambience and stock. Visitors are welcomed by an assortment of carefully curated yarns across the ground floor, spanning a range of both quality and price. Sustainability and craftsmanship are key themes in their selection, marking a conscious choice to support responsible makers and inspire local crafters to do the same.
But what really sets Arcade Wool Shop apart is the thoughtful inclusion of a communal zone on its upper floor. Here, customers are invited to relax, consult pattern books, or simply enjoy stitching in good company. While the shop’s regular programme of meet-ups has yet to get underway, both Sian and Angharad are keen to cultivate this element of their business. “We’d love to establish ‘knit and natter’ sessions, where people can gather informally to work on projects and swap tips,” Angharad explained. “It’s important to us that we foster a sense of belonging and shared joy within the craft community.”
This ethos of connection even extends to the physical surroundings, with much of the shop’s furniture having personal significance. Notably, a pair of cosy chairs in the upstairs space were passed down from a family member. “Those belonged to my late aunt,” Sian shared. “She would have felt right at home here – it adds something special to the atmosphere.”
Bilingualism is also promoted at the shop, reflecting the owners’ Welsh roots and offering visitors a chance to converse in their language of choice. Both Sian and Angharad are fluent Welsh speakers, and encourage those who are able to engage in Welsh during their visit.
For now, the focus remains on building relationships with the local community and expanding the product offering in-store. Unlike many modern retailers, the owners have intentionally chosen not to move into online sales, believing in the value of tactile interaction and face-to-face engagement. “There’s really nothing like feeling the texture of wool or seeing colours in person,” Angharad remarked. “It’s also about having a meaningful conversation and finding the right solution together.”
The feedback since launch has been overwhelmingly positive, with customers expressing delight at having a dedicated space for knitters and crocheters in the city centre. Many have shared their enthusiasm for joining workshops or social gatherings once these are up and running.
Arcade Wool Shop, located at 23-25 Morgan Arcade, is now open to visitors, with further updates — including opening hours and future events — available via its active social media presence. As Cardiff’s craft community continues to grow, this new shop stands poised to serve as both a practical resource and an inviting meeting-point, reflecting the enduring power of creative enterprise and personal connection in the city’s ever-evolving retail landscape.