A Winter wonderland in Something Different

Rooted in Bailieborough for over thirty years, Wilma Whyte truly brings something different to the town in her determined, outgoing and fun personality and her dedication to her store.

Her gift shop, aptly named Something Different, has been open for eight years. Upon entering the store and meeting its owner, the Celt immediately notices how the quirky shop reflects Wilma’s personality and her love of the festive period.

Among mugs, photo frames and candles, Tipperary and Galway Crystal and Belleek Living crockery, Wilma’s winter wonderland has nestled itself in the store. Customers are greeted with the distinct Scots Pine smell, wreaths, garlands, baubles, lights and decor galore. The place is a paradise for all things Christmas, and although some may think it’s a bit too early, the festive spirit in store can’t help but bring a smile to your face and that little shrill of excitement for what is to come.

“We have jewellery, we have handbags, we have all sorts of Christmas ornaments, tables, mirrors - you name it,” said Wilma.

Home furniture, large Hollywood lighting mirrors, lamps and paintings adorn the walls. The shop is packed to capacity with every home gift you can think of.

“That is my intention, that I hit on everything,” Wilma laughed.

She is determined to move with the times and has a keen sense of what the customers want. So much is her commitment to fulfilling this need that she has evolved her business over the years.

“I started off with videos would you believe and, when they started to wane away, someone said, ‘why don’t you do a bit of fancy goods?’

“It just took off from there. I started with a shelf full of stuff and then,” she says, throwing her eyes around the store and laughing.

“It grew from there.”

Behind a counter in the town for a “very, very” long time, she says “oh I love it.”

“There’s people coming in to talk to you, I’m on my own now, I’m widowed.

“What would you be doing with yourself at home?”

“I just love it, absolutely and I love going to shop for it,” she explains.

“I take myself off to the shows in England and everywhere, and I even went to Madrid for a show looking for stuff,” she says.

“All that keeps me occupied and amused.”

“It’s not a job when you like it that much.”

The Celt asks Wilma where the best place for a photo in the store may be.

“Oh, I’ll take you up to the Christmas stuff upstairs,” she says, already setting off towards a staircase, which is half hidden by a winding green garland, while one is left to wonder how the downstairs display could be topped.

Christmas trees stand tall around the room, garlands hang from the roof dotted with silver, gold and red baubles, snowmen and santa figures are waiting on the shelves, while santa stop here signs are propped up waiting to be wedged into the gardens of Bailieborough and beyond. It’s an impressive display, with a lot of passion behind it.

Originally from Killinkere and having lived in Mullagh and now Bailieborough, Wilma considers herself “a Bailieborough person”.

“I’ve always worked in Bailieborough and went to school in Bailieborough.

“I love the people in Bailieborough, they’re so friendly, I have to say I feel at home.”

Something Different is located on Bailieborough’s Main Street and is open from 9:30am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

During December, the store opens seven days of the week.