Elephant Branded caught the attention of high street chain John Lewis during their two week spell on Kew Street, leading to their biggest break.
A Richmond ‘pop up’ shop is to hit stores nationwide next month after participating in the StartUp Britain campaign.
Elephant Branded caught the attention of high street chain John Lewis during their two week spell on Kew Street, leading to their biggest break.
The company donates a school kit to a child in Africa or Asia for every bag they sell.
Owner and winner of Google’s ‘Young Mind’ competition, James Boon, thanked the StartUp Britain team for their support.
He said: “We had no idea how things would progress from planning on selling 50 bags to providing equipment to a school I helped build in South Africa.
“The pop up shop was a tremendous experience for ourselves and gave us a unique opportunity to sell Elephant Branded on the high street.”
StartUp Britain aims to fill empty shops with new budding businesses.
Co-founder, Emma Jones, said: “We’re delighted that our pilot store has made a difference.”
Richmond is the UK’s first town to host the pop up shops.
Since July the previously empty shop space opposite the train station has been occupied by numerous retailers.
The scheme, which will finish in October, is endorsed by Zac Goldsmith, Conservative MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston, and Mary Portas, best-known for her retail and business related television shows.
Mr. Goldsmith said: “Empty shops spoil the high street landscape and all the hard work other retailers put in.
“StartUp Britain and its enthusiastic new tenants have added some real vibrancy to Kew Road.”
Other pop up shop participants include handmade print company, Bertie and Jack, who experienced a soar in website and Morrow Outfitters who were £600 in profit within the first two trading days.
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