Mamiina, in Stonham Barns, near Needham Market, moves into larger store

The couple behind a popular baby store are thrilled to have moved into their new premises – and described it as a ‘massive improvement’.

Mamiina, in Stonham Barns near Needham Market, moved into a larger store in the park on Saturday, August 5.

Simona Pounds, 33, and partner Steve Bullman, 47, said they wanted a bigger store to help them realise their ambition to offer the ‘full baby shop experience’.

Their new store is more than twice the size of their old unit.

Steve said: “The store is a massive improvement. Not only has it allowed customers to browse to their leisure, it also allows us to have a larger range of stock.

“Now we have departments that specialise in certain products, be it cots, prams, bath products and more, allowing us to cover as many bases as possible and offer something for everyone.

“We also rent out shelf space to local businesses, and already have our first client, Bag Daddy, which makes military-themed bags.

“As we’re now in the main section of the park, we’ve seen a massive spike in footfall. Our old store was tiny, so shopping with us is now more comfortable.”

Steve said customer response to the new store was very positive.

Many of their regulars attended its grand reopening at the weekend.

Simona began Mamiina in 2020 after the birth of her first daughter, and it was online-only for nearly three years.

The business started out selling hand-made teething products and other small accessories, but has since expanded to selling wholesale goods from other firms.

Originally from Italy, she taught English to international students in Cambridge, but was let go during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Simona said they decided to start their own business as they felt many hand-made baby goods were not properly safety tested.

The pair started attending craft fairs and country shows during 2022, but got a taste of retail life at Stonham Barns’ Christmas fair, and were offered a pod on site shortly afterwards.

She told SuffolkNews that, as a mother, it was nice to see products physically and buy them, especially when it is a first child, with first-time parents not knowing what to expect.

She said their old unit was perfect for getting the business of the ground, but they needed something bigger.

Steve works in the shop on certain days, so Simona can spend time with their young children.

He also manages the company’s website.

Steve said the pair also wanted a showroom at their new premises to display prams.

It has also allowed them larger products, and offers storage space.

Regarding the future, Steve added: “We want to continue growing the business and make it a one-stop shop for baby needs.

“We want to get our name out there, and we’ll also continue paying attention to what people buy so we can increase our range and understand what people want.

“We also want to add both baby changing and feeding facilities, so mums can go somewhere private.

“We’re currently open seven days a week as it’s the summer holidays, but we’re looking to hire someone so we can open every day once the summer is over.”