The History of Little Ripley Gift Shop


Where it began in 2020.......

For many, 2020 will always be remembered as one of the toughest years. While a few experienced minimal impact, the majority felt profound changes that altered their lives forever.

I was among the many profoundly affected. I suffered great loss, including the passing of my dear cat, Jones. He had been a loyal companion through tough times, offering comfort during periods of homelessness, loneliness, and helplessness. His absence is deeply felt.

The second, albeit less significant, loss was my job. Being made redundant after twelve incredible years is not something to be ashamed of. During my tenure, I met amazing people and had experiences beyond my wildest dreams. It was a joy to be part of something so meaningful.

However, this job was never my true dream. My real aspiration was to own a small shop, a place filled with joy and personal experiences. Why didn’t I pursue this dream sooner? The security and necessity of a steady job held me back, as the prospect of starting on my own was simply too daunting.

With newfound freedom, determination, and a drive to succeed, I finally set out to realize my dream, leading to the birth of Little Ripley. Actually, it was inspired by my daughter Ripley, who was born three years ago. I lovingly dedicate my store to her, hoping that one day she will join me and eventually take over.

Our first physical store was a small kiosk in the Rivergate Shopping Centre in Irvine. It quickly grew, and within a year, we realized we needed more space. This led to a significant upgrade and a new chapter for Little Ripley.

Kiosk TC2 Rivergate Shopping Centre Store Front

Kiosk TC2 Rivergate Shopping Centre Store Front

You can view all the photos from our location at Kiosk TC2, Rivergate Shopping Centre in our GALLERY!

Unit 27 Rivergate Shopping Centre Shop Floor

Unit 27 Rivergate Shopping Centre Shop Floor

On to 2021.......

Our journey continued as we moved to a prime location in the heart of Rivergate. With stunning views, an incredible space, and ongoing growth, Little Ripley truly reached the next level. Within the year, it became evident that our dreams had only just begun, and there was so much more we wanted to achieve.

We made the tough decision to let our lease expire and seek a location with greater freedom, enabling us to host the community events we were passionate about bringing to life.

You can check out some of our product range via our ONLINE SHOP!

Leap of faith in 2023.......

In 2023, we discovered the perfect central space to expand and enhance the community aspect of our shop. Although we initially considered purchasing a property, we realized that the process would hinder our growth and consume significant time and resources.

By chance, we found a gem on Irvine's busy High Street. Abandoned since the pre-pandemic era, we immediately fell in love with the space and envisioned its potential. This property inspired some of our latest additions, affirming that it was the perfect choice for us.

We introduced The Tavern, a separate area from Little Ripley but aligned with our overarching goal. This represents our biggest challenge yet, as we venture into new territory and find our place among competitors (and friends). We are excited to offer something truly unique to our community.

You can find all our news and updates on our BLOG!

I wonder how this story will end?

Jane

Little Ripley & The Tavern

178 High Street BEFORE

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