It's the season of celebrating love and we're spreading some love to our first Stockist of the Month for 2022 - Vinegar Hill. We caught up with the team to find all about their lovely shops dotted around the country.
1. Tell us a little bit about your shop…
We are an independent, family-run lifestyle brand. First started in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1997, the business has since grown to include 11 stores in 10 locations (with more coming soon), spanning some of the most beautiful and captivating towns and cities in the UK.
Though we have a mix of fashion and lifestyle stores, we mainly concentrate on the Lifestyle side of our business. We offer a wide range of carefully curated homeware and gifts, jewellery and fashion accessories from around the world and are proud to stock Sophie Allport in all our stores.
The word "family" conjures up many different things to many different people, but family is where it started for us, and it’s still fundamental to the business we have today.
Our stores are dog friendly, with treats behind the counter for any four-legged visitors.
We are a very environmentally aware brand and try to support small suppliers of the same mindset.
2. What do you love about being a shop owner?
We are delighted to be a part of so many wonderful local communities. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and for our family-run business, it takes the community of every town and city we are involved with. Our friendly, helpful teams love welcoming everyone instore. We know a lot of our customers on first name terms, and friendships are built, which is hugely rewarding.
3. Have you ever had any famous faces pop in?
We’re proud to say there have been a few, but we can’t name names!
4. Three words to describe your shop.
Independent. Unique. Personal.
5. Tell us a little bit about the place you are located…
We have the following locations:
- Stratford-upon-Avon – Our hometown and where two of our stores reside. We have a lifestyle and separate fashion shop in the heart of the town.
- Bath
- Bishop’s Stortford
- Bristol
- Cheltenham
- Farnham
- Henley-on-Thames
- Hitchin
- Shrewsbury
- Windsor
- Witney (coming soon)
6. Your favourite time of year in the shop?
It’s got to be Christmas! If you pop in-store, then you’ll see why. The stores take on a magical quality, and customers frequently refer to the ‘smell’ of Christmas. It definitely puts everyone in the festive spirit.
7. Your favourite moment in the shop?
Seeing the happiness our products bring to customers.
8. What first attracted you to Sophie Allport products?
Where do we begin! Our hometown is Stratford-upon-Avon, a beautiful Shakespearean town surrounded by glorious countryside. Your classic British heritage style, with the occasional twist, is durable and practical for country… or urban living! Your designs make us truly appreciate the little things in life.
9. What is your favourite Sophie Allport collection?
Your classic Bee range, though Fetch was very close. We've just seen the new Spring Summer 2022 collections, and we are really excited about those too!
10. Finally, where can people find you?
Pop in-store and say hello, or you can follow us on social.
Instagram: @vinegarhill
Facebook: @vinegarhilluk
Twitter: @VinegarHillUK
Pinterest: @VinegarHillUK