Annie Reed founded the Sansom Reed store in Marlow in the spring of last year, inspired to create a permanent base for her ever-evolving collection of sustainable and quirky clothing, jewellery and homeware by the success of an initial pop-up shop venture.
Annie grew up in Marlow and, despite moving away at age 18 and continuing to live across the border in Hampshire, her love for her hometown hasn’t abated, which is why Number 52 on the High Street seemed like the perfect place to launch her fledgling business.
The entrepreneur, who is now in her 50s, has been pleasantly surprised by the popularity of the shop over the last 18 months and is now gearing up to participate in one of the most important events of Marlow’s winter calendar – the annual Christmas lights turn-on event tonight (November 23).
Not only is Sansom Reed staying open late for the crowds flocking to the town’s High Street this evening, but Annie is planning to stage a series of short in-store fashion shows from 4:30pm onwards, something that she has trialled before, to positive results.
“We can only fit so many people in the store, but we’re looking forward to showing those who do come what it is that we really do. It’s more than selling dresses – we show people how to dress to their shape, and how to choose products that fit their personalities.
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“I established the business when my husband was ill and I wanted to do something creative to keep my mind busy and stop myself from worrying.
“It was very much a kitchen table beginning, there was no funding or investors, and the only thing that got me through lockdown, when I had been doing pop-up stalls at markets, was keeping up a presence on social media.”
Annie said opening a store in Marlow had appealed to her because of the town’s distinctive attraction to city dwellers, tourists and locals alike, adding: “I do intend to open another branch in London at some point, but this will always be the flagship store, no matter what.
“Marlow leads the way in a sense that other provincial towns can’t. You have this amazing High Street and all these great restaurants and the design of the town is so enclosed, not sprawling.
“I can’t imagine being based in another area.”
Sansom Reed will be open until late this evening, with fashion shows taking place from 4:30pm onwards. Limited store capacity means any hopeful attendees should let Annie know when they are planning to stop by ahead of the event by emailing [email protected].