Shop Local at SHOCAL Milton Keynes
In 2023, Samantha Poole took the bold step of opening a shop in Fenny Stratford, Milton Keynes, dedicated to supporting up to 30 local entrepreneurs. Located on Aylesbury Street in a designated regeneration zone, the venture came with its challenges, but it was a risk she was ready to embrace.
Twelve months in, after many zero-sale days, Samantha has made the difficult decision to close the shop at the end of December. Despite some incredible days and the joy of connecting with the local community, balancing the demands of the shop as a single parent with 2 other businesses has proven challenging. Navigating the highs and lows of retail in a low-footfall area has been one of her toughest ventures yet.
Over £16,000 has been spent in store so far and we hope to reach £25,000 by the end of the project.
We’re open Wednesday to Saturday from 11-5 to keep staffing costs manageable and ensure our nonprofit remains sustainable. Securing funding was a key part of our year-two plan, but unfortunately, we haven’t qualified for any SPF or national funding despite our efforts to support numerous small businesses in our community. Many suggested extending our opening hours, but adding more days or longer hours would have pushed staff costs alone to £39,312 annually—before even factoring in rent and other expenses.
Sam even invested in an APP to help the online sales but to help these businesses this Christmas we wanted to list them here so shoppers can support them directly when we’re closed.
Meet our 23 talented Makers & Entrepreneurs! Every bit of support brings a smile to their faces and keeps their passion alive!
- Mamafille – Stunning pebble art by our 73-year-old entrepreneur – https://mamafillie.com/ (can be personalised)
- Sweet Gestures – Awesome chocolate creations which can be personalised – https://www.sweet-gestures.com/
- Scorched Bark – Awesome wood creations which can be personalised – https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ScorchedBark
- Alternative Sentiments – Hand Curated Gift Sets – https://alternativesentiments.co.uk/product-category/hand-curated-gift-sets/
- Carlys Candle Company – Lovely mum in business with AWARD WINNING Home Fragrances
– www.carlyscandlecompany.co.uk/shop - Just Luv It – Handmade Sustainable Luxury gifts and interiors – https://justluvit.co.uk/shop/
- Bougie Lab Scent Co – Another lovely mum in business who makes beautiful candles | Handpoured in Bucks – https://www.bougielab.com/
- AmoremArt – Bespoke luxury bags and homeware – https://www.facebook.com/alimoreart
- The Jewellery Store UK – Unique, Affordable Jewelry to Suit Every Style and Budget – https://www.instagram.com/thejewellerystoreuk/ (In other stores across MK and surrounding area)
- Luxe Creations MK – Handmade personalised and unique gifts – https://www.facebook.com/vinylstars
- SAMs snug creations at no. 39 – Crochet and knitted accessories – https://www.facebook.com/samssnug39
- Kelly Vincent Art – Stunning Artwork and Homeware – https://www.kellyvincent-art.com/shop
- Wildflower Resin & Gifts – Handmade resin jewellery and personalised gifts.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/WildflowerResinGifts - Rhubarb and Rose – Sustainable Handcrafting – https://www.facebook.com/rhubarbnrose
- Cerus Botanical Designs Floral Artistry -Unique silk floral arrangements and botanical creations tailored to inspire creativity in your workspace and home. Workshops also available – https://www.cerusbotanicaldesigns.co.uk/index.php
- The Hidden Hive Workshops & Creations – A 2024 StartUP Crochet Queen – https://www.thehiddenhiveworkshops.co.uk/event-list
- Sundarajoo Homemade Crafts – MK-based artist, selling cool crafted items – https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SeanSundarajoo
- Handmade By Jocelyn – Handmade By Jocelyn creates coasters, wall art, jewellery dishes, and home decor using air dried clay – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566846945967
- Gifts of Fate – Crystals and other unique gifts – https://www.facebook.com/groups/346673170931600/about
- Anne Cotton Glass Art – Beautiful, unique, handmade glass art – https://annecottonsglassart.wordpress.com/shop/
- Reprobilia – Reproduction music memorabilia. Presentation CDs with grooves – just like a vinyl record – https://www.facebook.com/reprobilia in stores across MK and the UK.
- Gift of Love in a Card – By day a nurse and by night an artist – https://www.etsy.com/shop/giftofloveinacard
- Alexia Loves – Online boutique clothing shop – https://alexialoves.com/
“When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance.”
Ask GoTo has been supporting Local Businesses Since 2014 ‘officially’ via our online Business Directory @ https://askgoto.com/ and Facebook Group Mum to Mum @ https://www.facebook.com/groups/251802228221892
