Reflecting on 2024: My First Year as a Shop Owner
Mike Bell2024 draws to a close and 2025 opens with new opportunities to share my music maps. I find myself reflecting on my retail story in what has been an incredibly transformative year. Having never worked in a shop before I took a significant leap into the unknown by becoming a full-time shop owner. This role brought a steep learning curve, new responsibilities, and a surprising sense of fulfilment.
From Working Alone to Running a Shop
Before opening my store, my days were spent designing maps and running my online business from home. While this offered flexibility, it also came with isolation. When I finally made the transition to a physical retail space, I embraced tasks I’d never encountered before:
• Front of house duties: Greeting and interacting with customers.
• Stock control: Keeping track of inventory and ensuring my most popular maps were always in supply.
• Bag packing and picture hanging: The hands-on details of running a shop, ensuring every purchase feels special.
• Till roll turning and more: The nitty-gritty of daily shop operations.
Balancing these with my ongoing research and map design has been a challenge, but it’s also been deeply rewarding.
My Motivation for Opening a Shop
The decision to open a shop stemmed from a mix of practical needs and personal motivations. After 3.5 years of selling my music maps and other prints exclusively online, I did my first market stall at an event in Brighton. The immediate feedback from customers was overwhelmingly positive, sparking an idea:
1. I needed to escape working from home: Spending years in the same environment had become draining.
2. I wanted more human interaction: While markets were a possibility, they posed significant physical challenges.
3. I sought a better balance: Owning a shop gave me a way to connect with customers regularly without the strain of constant travel.
The result has been a rewarding journey of meeting new people and seeing first-hand how my work resonates with them.
Finding the Perfect Studio Space
Lewes, a local town, offered an array of creative studio spaces. I initially considered a traditional studio but realized I wanted something more public-facing—a space where I could both create and sell my maps.
The Needlemakers in Lewes proved to be the perfect solution. My unit offers:
• Flexible terms: Ideal for navigating the ups and downs of retail.
• Reasonable rent: A critical factor for a small business like mine.
• No additional rates: Keeping overheads manageable.
This shift from working in isolation to being part of a bustling retail hub has been one of the most challenging but rewarding decisions I’ve ever made.
Key Lessons Learned in My First Year
The steepest part of the learning curve came in the early months, particularly during the 2023 holiday rush. November and December were busy and exhilarating, but I soon faced the reality of retail: the quiet cash flow crunch of January and February. Like many shop owners, I’ve learned to navigate these slower months with creativity and resilience, keeping my focus on the bigger picture.
Expanding My Reach Through Retail Partnerships
A pivotal moment came when Resident Music—a renowned record store in Brighton—walked into my shop and expressed interest in stocking my maps.
This partnership has been transformative, not only in terms of sales but also as a gateway to the world of wholesale retail.
Seeing my work on their shelves has been an incredible milestone and a boost to my confidence as a designer and business owner.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As I step into 2025, I’m filled with anticipation for new opportunities. A key highlight will be exhibiting at the Top Drawer exhibition this January, where I’ll showcase my maps to a broader audience. I look forward to:
• Connecting with buyers: Introducing my designs to those seeking unique, niche products.
• Exploring commercial opportunities: Sharing ideas with potential collaborators and retailers.
• Expanding my audience: Reaching more people who appreciate the quirky, nerdy charm of my music and film maps.
This next step feels like the natural evolution of my journey—continuing to grow my business while staying true to the passion and creativity that started it all.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on 2024, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Transitioning from a home-based business to running a shop has been one of the hardest yet most rewarding challenges of my life.
As 2025 begins, I’m excited to keep building on these experiences, growing my business, and sharing my maps with even more people.
Here’s to another year of creativity, connection, and growth!
Q&A: Transitioning from an Online Business to a Physical Shop
Q: Why might someone choose to move from an online business to a physical shop?
A: While running an online business offers flexibility and scalability, it can also feel isolating. Having a physical shop allows you to connect directly with customers, showcase your products in a tangible way, and create a more engaging brand experience. It’s also an excellent way to build local community connections and gain immediate feedback on your work.
Q: How should you choose the right location for your shop?
A: Start by considering your target audience and the kind of foot traffic you want to attract. Look for a space that balances affordability with visibility. Flexible lease terms are a bonus, as they reduce risk during the early stages. If your business is creative, a shared space in a vibrant community hub can provide additional exposure and support.
Q: What are the biggest challenges when setting up a shop?
A: The shift from online to in-person retail comes with a learning curve. Managing stock, creating an inviting space, and engaging with customers in person are all new skills for many online sellers. Financially, you’ll need to prepare for seasonal highs and lows, especially during the quieter months of retail. Planning ahead and staying adaptable is key.
Q: How can you fund the move to a physical shop?
A: Keep initial costs low by choosing a space with minimal overheads and repurposing existing materials for setup. If your online business is already profitable, reinvest those earnings into the shop. Crowdfunding, small business loans, or local grants can also be great options to consider if you need additional support.
Q: What benefits can a physical shop bring to your business?
A: A shop provides a space for deeper connections with customers. Seeing people interact with and respond to your products in real-time can be incredibly rewarding. It also opens opportunities for partnerships with local businesses and retailers, expanding your reach beyond what’s possible online.
Q: What might surprise you about running a shop?
A: Many first-time shop owners are surprised by how many hats they have to wear. Running a shop involves more than just selling—it includes maintaining the space, organizing inventory, handling marketing, and managing day-to-day operations. It’s a lot of multitasking, but it can also be highly fulfilling.
Q: How can you balance shop management with other aspects of your business?
A: Time management is essential. Allocate specific days or hours for tasks like product creation, marketing, and research. Having a structured routine ensures you stay productive without becoming overwhelmed.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering opening a shop?
A: Start small and manageable. Choose a space that fits your brand and your budget. Be prepared for the ups and downs of retail and don’t underestimate the importance of customer engagement. The more you connect with people, the more loyal they’ll be to your brand.
Q: How can you effectively market your shop to local customers?
A: Utilize social media, word-of-mouth, and local events to drive awareness. Hosting workshops or special events in your shop can attract visitors and create buzz. If you’re in a creative community, make sure your shop is part of local initiatives to bring in foot traffic.
Q: How can a physical shop complement an online business?
A: A shop gives your brand a tangible presence, attracting new customers who might not have found you online. It also strengthens your online presence—many in-store visitors will follow your business online. The two platforms can work together, with the shop enhancing local engagement and the online store expanding your global reach.