Day in the life of a vintage shop — small business RSS



Working solo - The realities of owning a small business by yourself..

I have a question -  If i were to explain to you what it's like to have a vintage shop in Buckinghamshire you would run a mile.  I won't go into too much detail but imagine rising energy costs, increasing business taxes, scarcity of stock, the constant necessity to post on social media, the decrease in footfall and organic income of the business.  Not to mention the storage needed just to store all the hats you have to wear in order to get your business through the day.  Cleaner  Buyer  Visual merchandiser  Stylist  Photographer  Social media manager  Content creator  Copy writer  Eccomerce manager  Packaging and postal service  Delivery driver  Admin  Accountant  Customer relations  Customer service advisor  Retail manager  This probably...

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Vintage shopping in Buckinghamshire - Milton Keynes Top 5 small independant Vintage shops

Embarking on a journey through Buckinghamshire's vintage shops is like stepping into a treasure trove of timeless fashion and unique collectibles. Whether you're a seasoned vintage enthusiast or new to the world of retro finds, Buckinghamshire offers a plethora of independent vintage stores that cater to diverse tastes. From classic apparel to rare antiques, these shops provide an unparalleled shopping experience for those seeking distinctive pieces that tell a story. Join me as I explore some of the county's most cherished vintage establishments, each offering a unique glimpse into the past.   The Siren Vintage, Stony StratfordBased in Stony Stratford, The Siren Vintage sources luxury vintage pieces from various eras. The shop has even collaborated with film sets, showcasing its...

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Bakelite jewellery - The Allure of Bakelite Jewellery: A Collector’s Guide

Bakelite jewellery, with its rich history and vibrant aesthetic, has captivated collectors and vintage fashion enthusiasts for decades. Originally an early form of plastic, Bakelite transformed the world of accessories with its versatility, affordability, and bold designs. Today, these pieces are highly sought after, not just for their beauty but also for their investment potential. The Origins of Bakelite Jewellery Bakelite was invented in 1907 by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland, marking the beginning of the era of synthetic plastics. By the 1920s and 1930s, designers embraced this innovative material to craft unique and stylish jewellery. Unlike traditional materials such as gold or silver, Bakelite could be molded, dyed, and carved into intricate designs, making it a favorite for statement jewellery...

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A year in my shoes.

Happy 2023,  For us 2022 was a year of adapting and reaching for new goals.  Which meant the shop had to do without me for a while.  The one thing i've learnt from owning and running my own business is that no matter how hard you try people will never fully understand unless they've owned a one. No one will ever work for your small business the way you do. Taking time away often means loosing income, loosing the shops voice, direction..  and even standards. I really thought with good staff and a system in place that perhaps the store would be just fine. However after a year of working away, what i came back to was a store on the...

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