A NEW vegan deli and non-binary clothing shop is set to open in the city centre.
Flo will be opening up in Friar Street offering a safe space to the LGBTQ+ community.
Owner Rie Vockins named the new store after their grandmother who was called Florence and called it a 'phoenix from the flames' after a difficult three years.
The 35-year-old said: "I lost my nan five years ago to cancer and she had an amazing aura about her.
"Her name was Florence and that's why the shop was named after her."
Flo is set to open towards the end of May or early June.
Mx Vockins said: "I'm opening a vegan deli and gender-neutral clothing store.
"I do think Worcester's queer community has expanded through the university and more students coming to the area.
"The concept came through after a really tough time, I attempted suicide this time last year.
"I found out I was autistic and I had what they call autism burnout, which led to my suicide attempt.
"The shop is a phoenix from the flames after going through such a tough time for three years.
"If you've had a bad day, you can come here and just pop in and say hi.
"It's a safe place for everyone.
"It has so much meaning behind it. It's hard to explain it but the store gave me purpose again.
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The store will be split into two sections. At the front, the store will offer a vegan deli bar serving artisan cheese, wine and meat and the rear will have racks of gender-neutral and sustainable clothing.
The 35-year-old said: "The store is going to sell top brands from London that aren't available in Worcester.
"It's a little corner of Worcester you can come in and feel safe.
"Gender is a huge thing for me and it's something that I've been battling with for years and at the same time I figured out I was non-binary and autistic.
"We need more spaces where gender isn't a factor. Why can't a man wear a skirt, they look great in skirts."
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