THE HAMBLEDON
When an e-mail turned up in our inbox from Victoria, of The Hambledon fame, earlier this year we were chuffed to say the least. We had first visited the exquisite Winchester shop she created, over 15 years ago. It was a beauty then, but has turned into something even more special as it has evolved since. With clothing, scent, accessories and items for the home, they offer something akin to a mini department store of only the most beautiful things. Lucky, lucky Winchester.
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​We are very happily ensconced in their Project Space until the end of July, and have just dropped a new collection in-store. It features our mix of antique and vintage pieces, with furniture, art, objects lighting and textiles taking centre stage. Some of the collection came back from our most recent sourcing trip, so it is really 'hot off the press', as such. If you are not able to get to Winchester before the end of the month, you will find us online at The Hambledon. See the collection here.
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Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to sit with Victoria and find out a little more about how she has built this business, and her specific approach, which seems to work wonders. For a much younger independent business, we find Victoria incredibly inspiring, so we really hope you enjoy reading a little bit about her journey.
AN INTERVIEW WITH VICTORIA - FOUNDER OF THE HAMBLEDON
S & S - For anyone who doesn’t know The Hambledon, how would you describe yourselves?
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V - It's a stupidly difficult question to answer. A lifestyle store if I didn't hate that expression. A mini department store (except it makes people think of toasters and towels, neither of which we sell). A concept store (but I have no idea what our concept is). Womenswear, Menswear, Homeware, Beauty and Grooming, Kid's Things. But just the lovely stuff.
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S & S - Hambledon HQ is such a beautiful building, in an incredibly, pretty part of Winchester. How did you come to be the lucky inhabitants of this space, and did it require a lot of love and imagination to make it what it is today?
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V - I had a mail order business (when it was called mail order, so a very long time ago) and a customer in Winchester introduced me to a local estate agent who mentioned that a 4 storey Georgian beauty was about to become available. It was much too big, much too expensive, needed much too much work so I signed up immediately!
S & S - Can you tell us a little about how The H has evolved since you started out in 1999. Any particularly memorable peaks or troughs?
V - The first couple of years were pretty hairy. The shop was so empty customers thought we were closing down. But I changed accountants and the new accountant was something of a mentor. He gave me licence to spend money on stock and exhorted me to 'make the business sweat'. And he was right.
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S & S - When we visit, we generally find you on the shop floor, unless it is buying season. What does a workday look like for you?
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V - I love working on the shop floor and I want everyone who works here to know that shopkeeping is a brilliant, brilliant job. I feel like I need to demonstrate that. The rest of the time I'm looking after the money, planning, writing the words, dreaming up the next things and generally being The Hambledon gatekeeper.
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S & S - As a business owner it can be hard to put work aside and have a little downtime. What’s the trick?
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V - Having extraordinary staff. They are the reason the shop is what it is. Also my mum ran her own business and was supremely talented at either working very hard or being completely indolent. I'm always trying to channel her. And I ride my bike.
​S & S - The Hambledon team are genuinely something special. They are all so present when you walk into the shop, and everyone is incredibly hands-on and helpful, as if it is their own. What is your approach to hiring and keeping your team engaged?
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V - We hire people we like. Most other things can be taught but I think being kind, hardworking and interested in other people is generally hard wired.
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S & S - The Project Space is quite a unique concept. How did that come to be?
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V - The Project Space used to house our Menswear department but it was a pretty hopeless space for those demands and when Menswear moved to the Basement we had a whole mezzanine floor to play with. The Project Space was a response (working with individual suppliers taking the space for a limited period) but it has proved such a lovely thing to work on, such a good way of reinventing the space and is always giving us something new to talk about. We try and make each collaboration as different as possible from the one before.
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S & S - How did you come to work with us?
V - I have been a huge, huge admirer of Soap and Salvation for a long time (one of the few places that could drive me to pay retail!). We had an empty Project Space slot and I thought I'd take a very optimistic punt and send you a fan letter. I was absolutely thrilled, and little gobsmacked, when you agreed. The Space looks wonderfully true to you and your aesthetic but has slotted in seamlessly to the shop. Please stay.
S & S - Putting the financials aside, we keep loose boundaries around buying as we find, if the shopping list is too tight, it stops you following instinct or shaking things up. What are your buying rules?
V - I absolutely agree. Instinct. And bravery and novelty and love. There is a dose of pragmatism (particularly as we're now busy online and don't actually know those customers by christian name, dog's birthday and favoured holiday location). We're also very proud and this really drives us to keep seeking out new things. We like to be surprising. And we like to operate a little under the radar.
S & S - Your shop houses a fabulous selection of men’s and women’s clothing. What are your thoughts on fashion and trend, and how do you work with those notions when buying?
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V - I think we have to be aware of trends but we're really not slavish to them. We're principally driven by beauty (whether that's fashion or homeware or antiques). We have a younger cohort who work on the buying with us and I think that helps with the more trend led decisions.
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S & S - We find The Hambledon incredibly inspiring. Not just because it is a beautiful space filled with desirable pieces, but because it is a business which has evolved over 25 years and continues to do so. Any advice you would give to shopkeepers who are starting out, or perhaps just need a little boost.
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V - Do it. But do it because you know you're own mind. This is an impossible game if you're trying to guess what your customers are looking for. Please yourself with the heartfelt intention of pleasing other people.
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