Meet our member Jess from Maggie J & Co; she tells us about how the business has changed, her recent highlights & challenges, and answers our Local Biz Quickfire.
First off, briefly tell us a bit about yourself and your business.
We are an established family business, run by Maggie (mum) & Jess (daughter) for over 20 years on Tring High Street. We have transitioned from a traditional jewellers to a boutique and are so lucky to have a loyal customer base for our shop.
Can you tell us about how Maggie J & Co has changed since it first arrived on Tring High Street?
Prior to the first lockdown in 2020 we came up with the new concept of a permanent Pop Up shop giving local creative’s a chance to sell their products on the High Street. When we had to close our doors for the first time ever in March 2020, we decided to seize the opportunity and completely re-design our store, opening it up and creating more space to allow for our new concept. 💪🏻
In the second lockdown in November 2020 we then created even more space, and have now been called an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’. So despite having to close our doors, 3 times, we took advantage of the opportunity.😎
The future of Maggie J & Co. is to continue to promote local businesses and provide our wonderful High Street in Tring with new and exciting products every week that you won’t find online or in the big superstores – the future is bright – the future is independent! 💪🏻
Creating a community buzz around our shop is important to us. This permanent ‘Pop Up’ provides local start-ups & small businesses with a new opportunity and will bring a variety of new and exciting products to the lovely people of Tring.
Our products now include children’s clothing, jewellery, unique art work, women’s fashion, candles and much more!
What’s been your biggest highlight over the last few years?
Definitely changing our concept to a pop up as it’s given me the opportunity to meet some amazing people. Our shop brings people together…
… they talk about ‘retail therapy’ and here at Maggie J’s we cover both retail AND therapy! Not only with our wonderful customers who I see nearly every week
…I also get to share ideas, solve problems (business or life) and just have a little giggle with my creatives 🥰
…there are 30+ female founders in store that I am proud to work with, represent and even call friends!
What’s been your biggest challenge?
Lockdown was emotionally and financially scary, for everyone! Retail is a rollercoaster anyway, as you never know from week to week or even day-to-day what footfall will be like. I use social media a lot to try and encourage everyone to pop in and see what we have to offer! We have the pressures of the ‘cost of living’ which affects spending but we are so lucky to have such a loyal customer base who support us all year round.
What are your plans for the future of Maggie J & Co?
The continue to welcome new creatives and small businesses through our doors providing them the opportunity to raise their profile and sell their unique products in a ‘real life shop’ on a well loved high street!
If you are a small business interested in joining the Maggie J & Co. family, we have just released the dates for Spring 24 so email j.denise.monk@gmail.com for more info!
What’s the best thing about being a member of Chiltern Biz Collective?
The community. I’ve met some lovely local businesses through this network.
Finally, how can people find out more about you?
Our socials: @maggie_j_and_co (find us on Instagram and Facebook)
Local Biz Quick Fire!
Favourite local place to eat & drink?
Storia – our next door neighbour in Tring High Street who do wonderful Italian food and the staff are so warm & welcoming!
Favourite local retailer (online or bricks & mortar)?
Us! Haha, we have some wonderful fellow retailers in Tring, but my fave is Emmaus (a gorgeous charity shop where you can always find something!)
Favourite local day out?
A walk with the dog around Pitstone Windmill followed by a coffee at Curiositea Tea rooms at Pitstone park.
Shoutout to 3 local businesses who you love.
Too many to mention as I support over 30 businesses under one roof! But there are some fellow businesses who work hard all year round who we love Coffee 108 in Aston Clinton, True Blue Pre-loved, and PAMs!
You can find Maggie J & Co on our Shop Local Directory.