Top of the shops

Rye has two new award winning shops, both coming first place at the Muddy Sussex Awards 2024, and they’re both on Market Road.

Hunter Jones won Best Lifestyle Store, and Colette won Best Women’s Fashion and Accessories. Muddy Stilettos is an insiders guide of things to do and see outside of London across 28 counties, and the Muddy Sussex awards showcase the best of the best in the area.

Having started Hunter Jones in 2010, Michael Beatt opened the Market Road store almost seven years ago when the idea of a lifestyle store was quite a new thing. Michael says: “I knew the brands I was looking for in London and online weren’t available in or around Rye, and there was definitely space and a need from locals to experience something different from the more tourist-focused shops.”

Hunter Jones has developed since it opened and now stocks a considered range of skincare, fragrance, textiles and ceramics from British and international brands including Haeckels, Arquiste, Maison Louis Marie, Jorum Studio, Le Bon Shoppe and Studio Arhoj.

Michael says: “It’s great to win Best Lifestyle Store – what a great feeling to know you have so much support from your customers and friends! With such stiff competition from some other great shops in Sussex, I was over the moon to have been voted into first place.”

Colette, a women’s and children’s boutique opened by Clare Gibbons in Market Road in 2023 has quickly gone from strength to strength. Stocking sustainable and ethical brands that care about the environment, Clare’s mission to bring fashion that’s not found on every high street has paid off. LF Markey, Beaumont Organic, Merry People, Komodo and Little Green Radicals are just some of the labels to be found on Colette’s rails.

Clare explains: “We are also fortunate to be able to stock items unique to Rye, from local makers such as Knitaboo and Melodie. My aim was to feature high quality pieces that are effortlessly stylish and timeless – items to love for years to come.”

Colette have also swiftly gained a loyal following and Clare went on to thank her customers for voting for her. “We are thrilled to have won the regional Muddy Stilettos award for best women’s and accessories – it’s a win for us and Rye!”

In recent years, Rye has certainly become a destination for shopping, often featuring in magazines and guides. For art, furniture and antiques, stores like McCully & Crane, Soap & Salvation and Puckhaber are the top of visitors lists. Merchant and Mills draws in an international crowd to their Rye shop, as well as their week-long sewing courses, and for lifestyle and gifts, Sailors, Ethel Loves Me and Simply Rye are always popular. There are also some new additions to the town – Les Animaux, Aarven and Duck and Dog – each one with a unique identity.

Image Credits: James Stewart .