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DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE

WITH POP! SUPERMARKET

Photography Poppy Rochfort @poppyrochfortphotography

Nestled snugly in the heart of one of Frome’s prettiest streets, POP! Supermarket is a shop like no other. Bursting with colour and energy, the shop might be small, but it is mighty! The shelves are lined with an array of lighthearted, cleverly designed gifts with a heavy hint of nostalgia. Items are sourced both locally and from as far afield as Japan and Korea, and often come from tiny Instagram-based makers, meaning you won’t find them anywhere else on the high street.

At POP! you’ll find everything from unusual snacks and drinks, clothing, home accessories and jewellery.

Most items are under £10, so everyone can afford to buy something. It’s no wonder POP! owner, Helen Cook, has been given the unofficial title of the “Willy Wonka” of gifts. Helen opened POP! in 2017, and it quickly became a firm Fromie favourite. “POP! Is all about colour and affordable treats, it’s like a sweet shop, but without the calories,” says Helen. It’s no wonder that this small but perfectly formed retail heaven has been so popular, as Helen has used all her experience from her past life as a designer of an international fashion brand to make it something truly unique. “I always loved working, playing with people’s imagination in my designs and now I get to do it here in my own community. I love seeing people’s reactions when they first come into the shop!”

“Retail has changed and I’ve been adapting with those changes, planning how POP! can rise phoenix-like from the ashes of the pandemic.”

POP! has been garnering attention from beyond Frome, listed in the top seven independent retailers and winning a Drapers Independents award.

Life for all independent businesses has been tough over the last eighteen months, but Helen has a positive attitude for the future of her shop. “Retail has changed and I’ve been adapting with those changes, planning how POP! can rise phoenix-like from the ashes of the pandemic. POP! will offer a fresh, safe and visually creative environment, putting people’s needs and the community first.”

pop_supermarket 18a Cheap Street, Frome, BA11 1BN