Stockist Stories
What made you decide to open Whippersnappers?
I set up Whippersnappers because although Deal has a thriving independent high street, there was little on offer for children. I have three girls of my own and thought how I’d love to be able to buy locally for them and also for gifts for friends and family.
How do you choose what to stock?
My background is 100% retail and I’ve worked for several well-known retailers in various buying and merchandising roles, setting up my own business was something I’ve always wanted to do.
What do you love, and find challenging, about being a small business owner?
The best thing about being a small business owner is the ability to be agile. I can make a decision to do something in the morning and implement it in the afternoon. I think this is why small retail businesses have come into their own during lockdown as they have been able to move quickly to new ways of working when some of the retail giants have struggled to do the same. Another lovely thing about having a shop is the people you meet which is why introducing local delivery has been brilliant as it has kept me connected with my customers.
How has it been during lockdown and what have you been doing to keep your shop going?
Although lockdown has been tough for Whippersnappers as I had to close the shop, it has given me the opportunity to build my online business and focus on getting my website up to scratch. I’ve also been carrying out free local deliveries which has been really popular. So much so that I’m going to continue to offer this service even once I’ve re-opened.
