It's the family run seasonal store with seaside souvenirs in the summer and festive essentials in the winter. 

Milford Cards & Gifts is at the heart of the community in the coastal village of Milford on Sea, but has also raised thousands to help earthquake victims, a cause close to the hearts of its owners. 

The card, gift and souvenir shop is run by Kayleigh Hisim and her husband Sinan, who hails from Turkey.

(Image: Milford Cards & Gifts)

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The pair were nominated for an award for their charitable efforts, one of many accolades since setting up the business in November 2018.

Kayleigh told the Daily Echo: "The Turkish earthquake happened in February in February 2023. My husband is from Turkey and we decided we couldn't just sit back and do nothing.

"We collected clothes and essential items which were sent off by a charity to Turkey and we raised over £4000. This is why we were up for the best retail incentive award at the Retas.

"People far and wide travelled to our shop to donate items.

"We had to stop at one point as our stock room was rammed. People came out to give there well wishes.

"It was a very emotional time and was wonderful to see the local community come together."

(Image: Milford Cards & Gifts)

Kayleigh and Sinan will return to the Retas, the Oscars for the greetings card industry, again this year where they are finalist for the best retailer in the South East at the awards, which take place in London next month. 

Last year, they were given an award for excellent customer service by New Forest District Council, Kayleigh has been made a judge in the Gift of the Year and the Henries Awards for greetings cards and their Kings Coronation shop display even made The Sun newspaper. 

Kayleigh added: "We are constantly changing our shop throughout the year for each season. So throughout summer we are a beachside shop and then in October we change to a Christmas shop providing all the Christmas essentials.

"We provide service with a smile whilst helping customers select the right card. If we don't have an item or card, we will go out of our way to find it.

"It's just me and my husband that run the shop so we provide that friendly service. We have made a lot of customers we consider friends."

(Image: Milford Cards & Gifts)