You will most likely already know Fusspotts, with its very distinctive shop front opposite Waitrose at the top of Oxted’s Station Road East. But did you know that this little emporium of pre-owned, high end designer fashion has been around for nearly 50 years?
The original business was first started in 1974 by Barbara Wright, who was supporting her family through household cleaning and clearing wardrobes. Barbara had an eye for a fashion bargain and spotting a great opportunity, started selling her pre-loved finds at markets in Deptford and Petticoat Lane. Known for meticulous ways, and incredible eye for detail, Barbara was dubbed a “bit of a fusspott”, which she loved so much, she eventually used it to name her shop!
Her little fashion stall grew and in 1975, she opened her first shop in Mitcham, then in Sutton, then Croydon (the first to be named Fusspotts) in 1976, and in 1980, she finally opened in Oxted, which quickly became the flagship store.
Always family run, Barbara handed over the business to two of her daughters, Sarah and Suzy, who run the shop with a small army of dedicated helpers, all equally knowledgeable about designer fashion and accessories. The business specialises in stylish, high end designer statement pieces, with bags, shoes, dresses, suits and some jewellery items from the world’s best known and most sought-after designer labels.
Fusspotts works as an agency, selling entire wardrobes for their clients in London and the Home Counties for a percentage. Their regular clients entrust Sarah and Suzy with their beautiful, barely worn statement pieces, which are then re-homed to customers from far and wide… sometimes without even making it onto hangers or shelves in the shop.
“Our clients in London are just fabulous,” says Sarah. “We have known many of them for a very long time and feel incredibly privileged that they choose to give us the opportunity to re-sell their amazing wardrobes.”
These super-stylish fashionistas, who mix in the highest echelons, will buy a huge collection of clothing, shoes and bags every season, and once they’re done with the season’s “wardrobe”, they’ll call Suzy and Sarah who then bring it to Oxted to re-sell to their customers.
“We have a little black book of regular customers who we’ve got to know well over the years,” says Avril, one of Fusspotts’ long-standing customers, who has also worked with them in the shop for 11 years.
“We know their size and their fashion tastes; what labels they’re most interested in, and what specific items are on their particular “wish list”. When we take collection of new items, we’ll give our customers a quick call, and invariably that’s it – they’ll buy there and then, on trust, and be in to collect as soon as they can.”
Hazel, a long-standing customer who now lives in Bristol, still pops up to Oxted regularly to see what new treats are in store. “It’s an amazing shop, full of hidden treasures,” said Hazel, who will in turn bring in items for re-sale through the store.
This is the circular economy at its best.
“Pre-owned” no longer has the stigma it used to. In fact, some of the world’s best-known stars advocate wearing pre-owned fashion.
With the fashion industry responsible for so much waste, buying pre-loved items is the responsible way to purchase high end fashion, and many of the well-known stores are now stocking pre-owned lines.
No matter what your budget, there will be something for you in Fusspotts.
Why not go and have a look? The ladies are super-friendly and down to earth and very happy to help you find just what you’re looking for.
112 Station Road East, Oxted, Surrey, RH8 0QA
07719 063149
Follow them on Instagram, @fusspottsoxted
Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm or by appointment.
