Small Stuff is an independent eco childrenswear and gifting shop in Sheffield.
Small Stuff UK is an independent eco children’s wear and gifting store also selling online, based in Sheffield run by Hellen.
”We are an eco-conscious children’s store both bricks and mortar and online. Our products are primarily aimed at children 0 - 7 with gifts, clothing, books, treats etc. Upstairs we also have a community space for local businesses and family groups” says Hellen.
The business started with pop up shops around the country back in 2010. They used to do craft shops, pop ups, email marketing etc before the likes of Instagram ever took off. The family moved to Crookes, Sheffield to a smaller unit 20 stores down from where Small Stuff is now but wanted more.
Their story:
During the pandemic Hellen realised she wanted a space for her customers, primarily mums, where they could feel relaxed and her little shop wouldn’t cut it. “Luckily during the pandemic our online sales boomed and this store came up with a big space upstairs. We have been here since September and loving it” says Hellen.
Having the space is so important for the business because the business is very sensory. Hellen wanted to create that tangible tactile experience for parents that was calm and not chaotic from a mum’s perspective.
”We wanted mums to feel okay about their kids picking things up and touching them. It’s hard enough being a mum so I wanted to create a safe space for them and their children where the mum can relax” Hellen added.
”The space upstairs isn’t just for mums but actually hired out by locals such as yoga teachers, children’s groups, evening adult wine and painting classes and even some dog illustrations classes too!” Hellen mentioned.
The Pandemic came as a shock for everyone, they all had to switch online or not survive so Hellen took stock and felt her website wasn’t good enough and social media, which she previously put to the bottom of the list, suddenly had to go to the top. Overnight she rebuilt the whole website and decided to create the experience she has in-store and make it virtual.
She went through customer journeys to think about how it would feel online and began talking to her customers on social media the way she would in store. Being honest and being authentic meant that other businesses and customers really connected with Small Stuff.
People asked Hellen to start providing handwritten notes for people they were missing when they purchased online gifts and the feedback was incredible.
Hellen also did ‘customer experience calls’ so she could show them the shop on zoom and pick out gifts etc with a real personal touch.
Regular customers now order online for gifts- and Hellen still does the handwritten notes, all free of charge and wrapping in tissue paper to make it extra special.
In the store she still creates that special experience, a reason to shop with her and customers get to see that online too.
“We wanted mums to feel okay about their kids picking things up and touching them. It’s hard enough being a mum so I wanted to create a safe space for them and their children where the mum can relax”
How can you support them:
If you want to find out more about Small Stuff UK then check out their social media and find some wonderful gifts for the family and friends.
You can find Small Stuff alongside other local businesses in Sheffield’s High Street Guide alongside other local businesses to discover and support in Sheffield.
Discover High Street Guides near Sheffield:
Meadowhall Retail Park Sheffield
Miller Road, Lowfield, Sheffield
London Road, Highfield, Sheffield
