County’s ‘best retailer’ brands 2025 a ‘wild ride’ as festive season has already exceeded expectations
Northamptonshire’s “best retailer” has branded this year as a “wild ride” as the festive season has already exceeded her expectations.
Binkys Boutique, a women’s clothing shop located in Weedon Depot, was founded by Charlotte Newton-Harris back in 2012.
Charlotte ran the business alongside her day job for a few months before she was made redundant and decided to invest in herself by taking Binkys Boutique full-time.
This was a completely new venture, having worked for a plumbing and heating company previously, and it was initially set up after Charlotte had her first of two children.
The women’s fashion business sells clothing and accessories, but for many customers it is “so much more than that”. They love to take the opportunity to chat and catch up with Charlotte.
This is one of the factors that contributed to Binkys Boutique being named best retailer at the Northants Life Awards 2025, after the business came second last year and third the year before.
As well as their permanent premises in Weedon Depot, Binkys Boutique has retail spaces in Vintage Guru at the heart of Northampton town centre and That Pink Shop in Kettering.
Charlotte also enjoys taking the business on the road through pop-ups, such as at markets, fairs, other businesses, and charity events for worthy causes.
Long-standing customers saw the business’ growth from smaller premises in Kingsthorpe and Kings Heath, before expanding to a 2,500 square foot location at Weedon Depot three years ago.
Talking to the Chronicle & Echo, Charlotte said: “2025 has been a wild ride. The year started off really quiet but picked up by Easter. The flurry of getting people to nominate us for the Northants Life Awards reminded people we’re still here.
“After winning that, the summer was amazing. The good weather helped and dresses were flying off the shelves. Now, the festive season has already exceeded my expectations and I couldn’t have planned or mentally prepared for how busy it would be.
“I’ve taken the business back to its roots with events, parties and pop-ups and it’s had incredible feedback. People love seeing us out on the road again, and so many have come to support us.”
When asked what she believes sets the business apart, and what makes it unique and special, Charlotte said: “I don’t stop working and I’m always at the end of the phone 24/7.
“I’m here, there and everywhere and I buy stock that’s a bit different, which you can’t find on the high street and we don’t tend to follow trends. Our stock changes almost weekly so people know there will be something different every time.”
The founder was asked what message she wants to send to the Northamptonshire community about the importance of supporting independents in the run up to Christmas.
Charlotte said: “Support us. Northampton has some seriously incredible small businesses. Even if you don’t spend money with them, share them on social media and spread the word. It’s surprising how much, certainly this year, word of mouth has affected retail.”
The final quarter of 2025 is always Binkys Boutique’s busiest time of year, with only one night each week between now and Christmas left free for Charlotte. Scarves and hats are bestsellers during this cosy season as they make great stocking fillers.