Selling at My First Pop-Up Shop in John Lewis

When I first started to create and sell my floral cushions, patterned tote bags and colourful make-up bags in late 2023, I never thought I would be selling them in the renowned UK retailer John Lewis. But that’s what happened in March this year!

I was first approached by The Great Brand Exchange in September 2023, an organisation that helps small businesses grow, scale and introduce their unique products to major retailers like John Lewis. This was a huge boost to my confidence and exciting to know that there was interest in my bright tote bags, floral wash bags and botanical cushions.

At the time, I was participating in the BBC One series ‘Make It At Market’ and wasn’t quite ready to launch my full collection in John Lewis so I decided to delay applying until the beginning of 2024. You can watch my episode of ‘Make It At Market’ on BBC iPlayer and read about my experience on the programme in my blog post.

Approved by John Lewis

After applying to the John Lewis store in Kingston, South West London, in January, I was excited to be approved and started to prepare how I was going to showcase my products. I decided that as well as selling my existing colourful tote bags and bright coloured cushions, I would also offer my fun fabric storage baskets and introduce my new cross-body tote bag.

I wanted to offer John Lewis shoppers something they hadn’t seen before; bold, colourful, patterned products that were uplifting and could be enjoyed every day.

My First Pop-Up Exceeded All My Expectations

One of the reasons I was keen to do the pop-up was to receive face-to-face feedback and market research on my print designs and products, as well as make lots of sales. Well, I succeeded in both.

Throughout the week I received lots of positive feedback from customers. Many people commented on how uplifting, pretty and different my designs are. There were a lot of customers saying it was nice to see bright colours and patterns for a change.

It was great to see that women do like bright tote bags and that people do want to decorate their homes with bold, multi coloured cushions and fabrics. My floral make-up bags were particularly popular, frequently being bought as gifts and birthday presents.

Taking On Board Customer Feedback

I received a few comments about my large colourful tote bag not having a top zip and concerns about the security of possessions inside. I will take this concern on board and consider offering a zipped option, although as I explained the original tote bag does not have a zipper and that putting in a zip increases the production costs.

Speaking about prices, I received a few comments that my prices were expensive, especially for my tote bags. I admit I was surprised to hear this in view that I was selling at John Lewis, which is considered a middle-market retailer selling some very expensive products and high-end brands. My response was that all my fabric is printed in the UK using eco-friendly methods. My make-up bags and cushions are made by a seamstress local to me and my tote bags by a small manufacturing social enterprise in Scotland using sustainable and eco-friendly methods.

I emphasised that one of my missions was to support UK manufacturing and small businesses. I’m pleased to say that most people liked that ethos and accepted that I could not compete with the high-street who use overseas manufacturers and order very large quantities, which reduces their production costs. Many did comment on the high quality of my products.

Returning to Kingston for Another Pop-Up

All in all, it was a really good experience and a successful week. As well as selling lots of items, it was invaluable to receive face-to-face feedback and suggestions on my products which is very important for an online business like mine. 

As it was such a success, I will be returning to Kingston for another pop-up from 20th - 23rd June 2024. Hopefully, the weather will be summery and entice people to buy my colourful tote bags and floral cushions.

Shop Online Today

Of course, you don’t have to wait for my next pop-up to get your hands on my tote bags, make-up bags or homeware items. You can shop online via my website and have everything delivered straight to your door.  

If you enjoy colourful and patterned accessories, you can also sign up for my newsletter. You will then receive news about new product ranges and exclusive offers in your inbox, so you never miss out on something you might love.