12 Questions with Sophia Rosemary, Top of the Town founder, head vintage-hunter and Pep the dog’s number one fan

1. It’s 2022, and it’s been a wild couple of years, especially for anyone in retail! How are you feeling?

   “Actually pretty positive! The pandemic gave me the push I needed to open a bricks and mortar store, which has been my dream since I was a little girl. I think the pandemic forced people to value their local high street more, and it’s changed the way we view shopping. There’s a lot more awareness of shopping small after independent businesses struggled so much, I think it’s a real opportunity for indie shops to flourish.”

2. What do you love about having a boutique in Stockport?

   “Well, I grew up here. Some people like to escape their hometowns, but I just love it here. Stockport has my heart. I love the Underbanks area so much, and I just think it needs a bit of love, love that independent businesses want to give. I think it’s such a beautiful and unique area, and the independent shops and cafes that are here make it even better. I also love that the shop brings new people to the area. Top of the Town had success online before launching the shop, and it makes my day when people travel here and fall in love with both the shop and the Underbanks. Also, my shop used to be a cafe where apparently all the locals mods used to hang out in the 60s - which is SO COOL and so fitting, don’t you think?”

3. Where do you get your style inspiration from?

   “George Harrison. It’s always been George ever since I was young. I love all of the Beatles, but I really like George’s style, he’s just effortlessly cool. I’m a big believer in unisex dressing, and I like being more feminine one day and more masculine the next. I also love Marianne Faithfull for her classic babydoll and Mary-Jane look, and of course Jane Birkin. She’s the ultimate in laid-back French girl style, and I think everyone can take something from her style. She has a real less-is-more approach.”

4. If you had to change something about Stockport what would it be?

   “I’d love more independent shops and especially a really good authentic Italian restaurant in the centre. I’m half Italian, so I have very high standards!”

5. Speaking of food, should we go for a bite to eat after we’re done with this interview? I’m hungry.

   “Laco does a good brunch and light bites, Hillgate Cakery for something sweet, and the Mekong Cat just opened which is AMAZING for pan-Asian food.”

6. Where do you get your interior style inspiration?

   “Well, it’s definitely vintage-inspired. And it’s not just the shop! One of the best compliments I had when I opened the shop was from a friend who walked in and said ‘it looks just like your living room’. He was right! It sounds cheesy, but I do eat, sleep and breathe vintage, and fortunately my other half is much the same. He loves it almost as much as I do.”