Autumn Fair, the UK’s leading marketplace for home, gift and fashion, in partnership with Savethehighstreet.org, has announced the winners of the highly anticipated Retail Makeover Mission, a nationwide competition aimed at revitalising the independent retail sector.
The 2025 Retail Makeover Mission Winners Are: OSO Fashion Boutique in Salisbury and Taba Naba in Felixstowe.
Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director of Autumn Fair says, “We are so proud to announce the winners of our inaugural Retail Makeover Mission. Both winners demonstrated a strong growth mindset, community focus, and readiness for change – key criteria in a competition designed to champion resilience and innovation in independent retail. This initiative isn’t just about transforming two stores, it’s about showcasing what’s possible when independent retailers are supported with the tools, expertise, and visibility they need to thrive. These amazing stores stood out for their passion, community spirit, and determination to grow. We can't wait to transform their businesses and share every step of the journey with you!”
The Retail Makeover Mission was launched to champion the resilience, innovation, and community spirit at the heart of British independent retail. The initiative attracted 225 entries from across the UK, each showcasing the vital role independents play in local economies and high streets.
OSO Fashion Boutique, an award-winning fashion and jewellery destination in Salisbury, impressed judges with its commitment to customer service, curated collections, and a clear vision for growth.
Owner Katie Gibbs says, “We’re incredibly excited for this opportunity to take OSO to the next level, not just for our team, but for our loyal customers and the Salisbury community. Becoming the owner of OSO has been such a proud moment, but I know there’s so much more we can do to help the business reach its full potential. We have an amazing customer base and a strong reputation, but we’re still working with very traditional systems, and it’s time to bring OSO into the modern retail world in a way that feels right for us. The Retail Makeover Mission is the perfect opportunity to learn from experts, introduce smarter tools, and rethink how we operate without losing the charm our customers love. I’m excited to improve everything from our shop layout to the way we use technology, and to build a future for OSO that’s more connected, more efficient, and more inspiring, for our team, our customers and local community.”
Taba Naba, a gift shop in Felixstowe, was chosen for its passion for creating memorable customer experiences and its deep-rooted community connections. Michaela Sawyer, Owner of Taba Naba says, “This is such an exciting moment for Taba Naba. Like many independents, I’ve poured my heart into the shop, but bringing everything together into one clear plan has always been the biggest challenge. The Retail Makeover Mission feels like the perfect opportunity to step up, to gain expert advice, build something more focused and sustainable, and take our customer experience to the next level. I’m ready to transform not just how the shop looks, but how it works behind the scenes. This is a huge turning point for us, and I couldn’t be more thrilled!”
The makeover magic begins
Transformation work will commence this July, perfectly timed to help both businesses prepare for the all-important autumn/winter retail period. The process and results will be documented and shared, providing valuable insights and inspiration for the wider independent retail sector.
A blueprint for sector-wide success
The Retail Makeover Mission aims to create a blueprint for sustainable growth and innovation across the independent retail landscape. From upgrading legacy systems and improving inventory management to enhancing digital integration and customer experience, the lessons learned will be shared with the entire Savethehighstreet.org and Autumn Fair communities.
Alex Schlagman, Founding Partner of Savethehighstreet.org, commented: “Independent retailers are the backbone of our high streets. By investing in their success, we’re not just supporting individual businesses, we’re strengthening communities and local economies, and inspiring a new era of retail innovation. It has a positive ripple effect. Both OSO Fashion Boutique and Taba Naba employ local people, support local suppliers, and actively participate in community initiatives. Their success will drive local economic activity, foster partnerships, and serve as a beacon for what’s possible when independents are empowered to reach their full potential.”
Follow the journey
The Retail Makeover Mission transformations will be shared across Autumn Fair and Savethehighstreet.org’s digital channels, offering practical insights and inspiration for retailers nationwide. Join to celebrate the power of independent retail and help shape the future of the UK high street, one store at a time.
