St Albans has welcomed a new shop catering for parents and their babies, opened by an inspiring entrepreneurial owner.

Bambinista has "soft launched" its new store in Christopher Place, after four successful years operating out of Westfield, White City. 

Stocking a plethora of premium baby items, customers can expect to find state-of-the-art strollers, toys, car seats, accessories and more.

Susan and her 8-year-old daughter pose for a picture outside the new shopfront.Susan and her 8-year-old daughter pose for a picture outside the new shopfront. (Image: Submitted) The shop moved into the former Cath Kidston unit, and the owner hopes it will be a hub for childcare.

Owner Susan Daker, 42, who boasts a 20-year background in retail, believed that St Albans was "missing a place for families" to gain advice and the best items for children.

She said: "Everyone’s been so supportive, there's a real sense of community that we never had in Westfield - customers come in and chat and we share stories about being parents."

The mother-of-one expressed her "pride and relief" when opening the store a week ago (Tuesday, October 22), especially after a swift two-week turnaround since receiving the keys to the unit.

"I've been really happy with the first week and look forward to our grand opening in November." Susan added.

The Bambinista shopfloor.The Bambinista shop floor. (Image: Submitted) The Bambinista shop floor.The Bambinista shop floor. (Image: Submitted)After moving to St Albans from South Africa, Susan was shocked to see the lack of mother and baby shops in the city. 

Many years later, while selling out of White City, Westfield, she remembered this and began the search for a St Albans lease.

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Susan told The Herts Advertiser that the business was inspired by the birth of her own daughter during her university degree.

"One of my modules was entrepreneurship where we had to start a company, I had a baby on the mind and I pushed through with this business idea which is still around today," she commented.

"This experience made me really passionate about supporting other mums who want to start a business and work around childcare."

Now, the entrepreneur has promised to hire mothers who are balancing demanding jobs with the birth of a new child or children who can offer first hand advice.

The Bambinista Shop floor.The Bambinista Shop floor. (Image: Submitted)The Bambinista shop floor.Bambinista stocks high-tech strollers that are "perfect for Holywell Hill". (Image: Submitted)Bambinista is contracted to a six-month lease, but Susan hopes it will become a staple store in the city centre.

For those thinking of visiting the she said: "Have a look around and meet us, we're here to help with any of your baby requirements and love to have a chat."

Previously, Bambinista won a retail award at The Progressive Pre-School Awards 2023 and named Best Independent Nursery Retailer in the same year.

To find out more about the store and online shop go to https://www.bambinista.com