The Hill Trader: A Local Pop-Up with Heart

Nestled in a cozy corner of the Hill Station Cafe, The Hill Trader is a thriving pop-up shop run by local people, for local people. What began as a 4 month pilot back in 2013 , dreamed up by Jacqui Shimidzu and Steve Carrick-Davies with support from local resident Sarah Bickers - has blossomed into a 

long standing community gem.

Our mission

To support local makers and small businesses by offering a welcoming space to sell their creations, share skills, and inspire others to make and trade. From handmade crafts to unique gifts, The Hill Trader is a celebration of creativity and community spirit.

Meet Our Creative Director

Ruth Spencer has been with us since day one, initially volunteering alongside Gill Holmes (who has since moved on to new adventures). Since August 2022, Ruth has taken on a paid role as Creative Director, bringing renewed energy and vision to the shop, helping it to flourish and grow.

How It Works

We now host over seventy traders which is up from 40 in our early days. Many of these traders have been with us from the start. Our traders can volunteer for 3-hour shop sessions once or twice a month, gaining valuable retail experience without the financial risk of renting a space. 

In return, we offer a tiered commission structure:

· 2 sessions/month → 10% commission

· 1 session/month → 20% commission

· No sessions → 30% commission

All commissions go directly to the cafe to help cover overheads.

A Space to Grow

We are immensely proud to be as inclusive as possible, showcasing work from people of all ages and backgrounds. We are always bringing in new products to keep the shop fresh and exciting. Whether you're a seasoned artisan or just starting out, The Hill Trader is a place to connect, create and grow.