Forget chocolates and roses… this Valentine’s Day, a local clothing store is bringing romance back to the high street in a whole new way, encouraging islanders to share heartfelt messages with total strangers.
Drew & May, a clothing shop based on St Helier’s King Street, was founded by Caitlin Finnan and Ash Anderson and launched in August 2024.
Their campaign, ‘Love Note to a Stranger’ is aimed at encouraging islanders to come into the shop to write a love note – not necessarily for a romantic partner, but for a stranger this Valentine’s Day.
Video: Express reporters, Antonia Rubio and Freya Rud visited the local clothes shop to write their own love note and see what others had been sharing…
Each of those notes is then placed on the window – bit by bit, filling up a giant heart.
Caitlin said: “I’ve always loved the idea of passing a kind note to a stranger in passing, that’s when it clicked, why not make it a campaign for valentines to share a positive note to a stranger”
The love notes are currently being displayed in their shop window which has taken form in the shape of a giant heart which they hope encourages islanders to feel that “love is actually all around us.”
They launched the initiative in January and the heart has been filling up over the past few weeks in time for Valentine’s Day.
In a post on social media, they wrote: “We’re spreading love, kindness and positivity in the simplest way possible, with a heartfelt note.”
Islanders passing by can stop to read the love notes and also are encouraged to come in to write one themselves, whether they are customers or not.
The shop opened its doors in August 2024, however, before launching Drew & May, the duo ran the shop ‘Esprit’ which they took over ownership of in 2022.
Their aim for the shop was to bring affordable and fashionable clothing to Jersey’s highstreet, something they felt was missing on the island.
They hope the initiative will help to combat loneliness on the island and was inspired in the hope of providing comfort and positivity to those who find themselves without a partner or loved one on Valentine’s Day.
They said: “We find that Valentine’s day is often projected for couples, and now recently galentines.
“We wanted to show that love is everywhere and share that love to everyone, especially the ones who may be alone.”
They continued: “Just watching people come up to the window to read and then start to smile, our goal is simply achieved.
They went on to say: “We’re constantly amazed at how positive the notes are, and if they can help just one person get through the day then it’s worth it.”
“It makes our day just reading them so the shop is feeling extra positive at the moment.
The duo also emphasised the positive impact the initiative has had on exposure for the business.
“We’re still getting our name out there,” they said. “It’s grabbed a lot of attention.”
Owners Caitlin and Ash say they are working behind the scenes to put together “a very special campaign” due to the success of this unique and interactive initiative, stating: “Exciting and fun things are yet to come.”
They also want to encourage other local businesses to create their own campaigns and encourage islanders to come together.
“I think it’s so important for all the businesses in town to remember that something so simple like the ‘love note to a stranger’ can have such a big impact and bring the community together which is what we need to see more of.”
“I hope that other businesses will be inspired by this, and help us on our journey of bringing the vibe back to town.”