Famous local business Trove has opened their third branch in the BCP area; supporting more small local businesses.
On the 8th of November, Trove, has opened their biggest shop yet in the heart of Winton, which has transformed into a local hub for small businesses.
Mark Bassistini opened his first shop in Christchurch 2021 with his partners, followed by a Bournemouth branch in 2023 and now Winton which marks another step in their efforts to help small businesses find affordable spaces on the high street.
Bassistini said: “We wanted to try and help small businesses get on the high street.
“They can’t do that it’s so expensive.
“So, we thought if we have a shop where they can all come in, they can be on the high street for a fraction of the price.”
The new store is filled with a mix of returning and new local businesses offering a range of items. They currently have 80 stalls, with space for 300 and are looking at offering a discount to students who want to rent a space.
Business partner Sian Hilman said the team had been thinking of Winton for a while.
Hilman said: “I think this might be our best move yet.
“We’ve had such a good response”
She goes on to say how they want to expand out of the BCP area to further help small businesses: “We want them everywhere
“We can be local anywhere we go.”
One of Troves biggest successors is Kate Jennings, who started her business making personalised gifts during covid.
She then joined the Christchurch branch and started with a small space.
She was juggling her orders with her job being a social worker at a school helping over 150 families, which was difficult for her.
She said: “It took over my entire life, and I realised what I was doing as a hobby I was getting more enjoyment out of that.”
She was making more money off her business than her job at the school, so decided to quit.
Within 4 months at the Christchurch branch, she had to hire a bigger space and is now in all 3.
Trove are now looking to add a community cinema.
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