Northampton shop owner hands back keys and takes kid’s boutique on-the-road in bold business move

Rainbow-loving director Holly Hamer decided to pivot her business model in March this year, handing back the keys to her St Crispins Retail Village boutique and investing in a mobile horsebox instead.

After a busy few months rebranding her business, launching her own handmade clothing label and renovating a 5sqm horse trailer, she’s now ready to take her mobile kidswear shop on the road. The first ‘Rockit Rock-Ups’ are soon to be announced, with a new-and-improved online shop to follow later this year.

Rockit Kids was launched in October last year, with the aim of ‘bringing a slice of Brighton and a sprinkle of Stockholm’ to Northampton. The shop stocks a range of vibrant clothes and fun accessories for children aged 0-12, all ethically produced with a focus on great quality and affordability. Holly, who’s been sewing facemasks throughout the pandemic, got the idea for her mobile shop during lockdown.

“I was in the queue one day for our very popular local coffee van and wondered why this couldn't be done for retail in the way there's been mobile libraries and catering,” she said.

"Pre-lockdown I found myself thinking of ways to bring people to the shop. Feedback from my social media followers was that many hadn't yet had the chance to get to the shop, as life with children is hectic and many of them were not living in the immediate vicinity. Lockdown gave me the time and headspace to think ‘actually, why should my customers have to come to me when I can go to them?’"

The horsebox offers the a set-up for socially distanced shopping. With a one-way system - originally designed for loading horses in and out of the trailer - as well as a hand sanitizing station at the entrance. The mobile boutique will stock a range of Holly’s own handmade garments as well as items by popular brands such as Toby Tiger and Villervalla.

Before launching Rockit, Holly studied for a degree in social sciences followed by a masters in health research. She then went on to work in the public and voluntary sector for 15 years, until deciding to follow her dream of opening a children’s boutique.

The new, unique business model offers flexibility to both her and her customers, meaning she can travel across the country for events or visit more isolated areas on request.