A CREATIVE couple was overwhelmed by the response to their new shop opening in Romsey.
Helen and James Mitchell, from East Wellow, opened their business Fig and Fox on Saturday, October 22. The pair were keen to combine their skills and become a bigger part of the Romsey community since moving to East Wellow in 2019.
Both have backgrounds in design, James as scenic designer and Helen in fashion, and wanted to produce something different for the high street. The gift and lifestyle shop is now selling fresh flower bouquets, house plants, cosmetics, jewellery, homeware, cards, wrapping paper and local food and drink.
James, 33, said: “We noticed a difference in the town centre in Romsey, especially around the square. There was a buzz with a strong community feel. Ever since then, we have been looking for the perfect Fig & Fox spot! When the shop came available in the Hundred we jumped at the opportunity and have spent the last four months planning, buying and designing.
READ MORE: New gift and lifestyle shop ‘Fig and Fox’ opens in Romsey
“There are lots of lovely independent businesses in Romsey, so we were confident there would be space for a new retailer. We wanted to put everything we love in one space, it’s a new concept, you can browse a huge variety of products whilst sipping an expertly crafted coffee and leave with freshly cut flowers. We have tried to choose products and suppliers that are not available elsewhere in Romsey.
“The welcome has even overwhelming, visitors from town and local business owners have popped in to say hello, have a browse say ‘Congratulations!'”
Considering the cost-of-living crisis and how it might impact the business moving forward, shop owner James said: “It is a worry, we have to be incredibly careful with our spending, staffing and budgets. We have a strong belief in what we want to achieve and will work hard to make the business a permanent, long-standing feature in Romsey.”
Test Valley Borough Councillor, Cllr Nik Daas said: “In these challenging economic times, it is excellent to see that the entrepreneurial spirit can continue to rise and it is shops like Fig & Fox that are making our high street even more vibrant.
"I visited Fig & Fox on their opening day and had a good chat with owners, James and Helen. They have a great local team and I would urge residents to visit their store and all local Romsey businesses.”
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The second floor of the shop is currently being refurbished and is set to open in January as a space for artists to run public workshops. Tickets for the 2023 workshops will be sold in the coming weeks.
Fig and Fox is open seven days a week at 42-44 The Hundred and online at figandfox.co.uk. Opening hours are 9am-4.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm on Saturdays and 10am-4pm on Sundays.
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