Autumn Fair has revealed the first stage of its Retail Makeover Mission: an ambitious initiative designed to future-proof independent retailers and champion innovation at the heart of the British high street.
Following hundreds of applications, two outstanding winners – fashion store OSO Boutique in Salisbury and gift shop Taba Naba in Felixstowe – were selected to receive a complete retail transformation, delivered by Autumn Fair’s panel of expert mentors. Each transformation will be documented in a three-part video series. Episode One is now live at autumnfair.com/retail-makeover/hub and Episode Two premiered yesterday (August 28).
The first episode follows the early transformation of OSO Boutique with its owner Katie Gibbs, where mentors Deryane Tadd (founder and director of The Dressing Room) and retail design and visual merchandising expert John Abbate guide the store through game-changing fundamentals – from storytelling and customer experience to visual merchandising and sales tactics – unlocking new growth opportunities. Future episodes will follow Katie into the world of smart buying, powerful PR moves, going online, and building lasting customer loyalty.
Launched to champion independent resilience, creativity, and community spirit, the Retail Makeover Mission also provides free downloadable toolkits alongside each episode, enabling retailers nationwide to apply the same expert insights to their own businesses.
Episode One toolkits include:
- The Retail Makeover Mission Brand Strategy Workbook – a practical workbook to help you define, strengthen, and communicate your brand strategy. Step-by-step exercises make it easy to clarify your positioning and connect with your target customers.
- Simple Changes that Drive Immediate Results: by Deryane Tadd – quick wins you can apply straight away to transform your store, from creating visual breathing room to telling your brand story through displays.
- Visual Merchandising and Brand Identity Toolkit: by John Abbate – learn how to create eye-catching displays and a strong brand presence in your store. This toolkit guides you through turning your retail space into an engaging customer experience that reflects your brand identity.
- Top Tips for Making Data-Driven Decisions in Independent Retail: by David Whiteley, COO of HelloThriver.com – discover how to use data effectively to understand your customers, optimise your stock, and make smarter decisions that drive growth.
- Top Tips for Running a Successful High Street Business: by Alex Schlagman, founder of SaveTheHighStreet.org – packed with actionable advice for independent retailers, this guide shares tried-and-tested tips to help your high street business thrive in a competitive market.
All toolkits are available free at: autumnfair.com/retail-makeover/hub.
Free Mentoring Sessions for Pre-Registered Buyers
Buyers who register to attend Autumn Fair will have the opportunity to book in a free one-to-one mentoring sessionwith the expert mentors from the Retail Makeover Mission. Your free ticket gives you full show access, plus an exclusive link to book a free 20-minute one-to-one session with the panel of retail experts – offering an invaluable opportunity to get personalised insights and practical advice designed to help businesses thrive.
These sessions are limited to one per person and must be booked in advance here: autumnfair.com/retail-makeover/mentor-booking.