Keeping Shop in Today’s Market: Adapting with Heart
There’s a certain kind of magic in bricks-and-mortar shops. The slow browse, the unplanned discoveries, the chats that start over a vintage jacket or a well-loved sideboard. It’s something we’ve always loved — and something that’s felt increasingly rare as the world shifts faster and faster online.
Running Workshop Number 29 in today’s market has made us think a lot about what keeping shop really means — both for us and for our customers. There’s no doubt that online shopping is convenient. A few clicks and something new is on its way. But for us, a physical space still offers something irreplaceable: the scents, sounds, textures, stories; that feeling of stumbling upon just the thing you didn’t know you needed.
That said, shopping habits are changing. People are busier, more mindful about how and where they spend their time — and their money. So, we’ve made some changes too.
Bringing More of the Shop Online
One of the biggest shifts we’ve made recently is working to get more of our stock online — always a challenge with one-off vintage pieces. Every item needs measuring, describing, photographing — and often, it sells in the shop before we’ve had a chance to list it.
But as more of you browse online first, we know it’s important to adapt. We’ve created a small photography space in the shop for quick, honest shots — less about perfect styling, more about simply showing you what’s here while it’s here.
It’s a small change, but one that feels important as we adapt.
Adjusting Our Opening Hours — And Keeping Shop
The truth is, I love keeping shop — being in the space, chatting with customers, and seeing pieces walk out the door into the right hands. I never set out to spend my days behind a computer.
That said, we know times are changing and many of you want to see more of what we do online. So, we’re adjusting our opening hours to fit with what you’re asking for — giving ourselves dedicated time to photograph stock and share more online, while still keeping the shop full of great pieces when the doors are open.
Pressing Pause on Workshops — For Now
We’ve had some questions about workshops — and honestly, we’ve loved every one we’ve hosted. Filling the space with creative energy and working with makers has been a real highlight.
For now though, we’re pressing pause. Instead, we’re focusing our energy on trading at fairs we want to connect with our colleagues and customers from further afield.
Updated Opening Hours
Here’s when you’ll find us open:
Monday – Deliveries
Tuesday – Sourcing
Wednesday – Closed
Thursday – Studio Time (by appointment only)
Friday – 10am to 5pm (Best day for new stock )
Saturday – 10am to 5pm
Sunday – 11am to 4pm
We’d love to see you when the doors are open — or follow along online for the latest finds and updates.
Next Event — The Giant Flea, 27th April
Our next event is the Giant Flea on Saturday 27th April. You’ll find all the details in the calendar section of our website.
Please note: the shop will be closed on the day of the fair while we’re out trading.
Thank You for Keeping Shop With Us
For us, keeping shop is still about connection. Whether you visit us in person or scroll through our latest finds online, we hope you feel the same — the sense that someone has carefully chosen what’s in front of you. Because we have.
Thanks for sticking with us as we evolve — balancing the old ways with the new, the digital with the physical. We’re excited about what’s next and grateful for everyone who keeps showing up, however you do.
Come visit, browse online, or follow along over on Instagram @workshopnumber29. There’s always more to come.