Fans of the children’s boutique Moo Like a Monkey will be pleased to hear that there is now an additional store in Canterbury. Owners Charlotte and Naveed Khan opened their first store, a tiny shop in Folkestone, in 2018. During the pandemic, when they were forced to close, customers supported the business online.
The duo worked nonstop during the pandemic, going on to open a much larger unit on the same street. However, they were keen to expand further. Canterbury, the nearest city and somewhere well-known for its great independent shops, seemed the obvious choice for a second store.
“We know our shop is unique, our Folkestone customers are loyal, and we bring value to the community there,” says Charlotte Khan. “We wanted to repeat this elsewhere by expanding. I want to prove that if it’s done right, with care and strong values, independent bricks and mortar shops can work and continue to survive.
“I’m a blind optimist who is determined not to give up on the physical retail space, no matter how tough it seems to be at the moment. We believe we have enough grit to still be here, ready for when things improve.”
Housed in a three-storey, Grade II listed building, the new Canterbury shop reflects the Khan’s unique way of fitting out their stores with both kids and their grown-ups in mind.
There are spaces that clearly invite children to play and relax, and many of the toys are available to play with and try first. There’s also a bookshop within the store with spaces for adults and children to relax and read.
Carefully curated to be stylish, quality-driven and kind to the planet, the product offering covers clothes, interiors, toys and books that celebrate diversity and individuality. Moo Like a Monkey currently has over 200 suppliers, including Plan Toys, Maileg, Nudnik, Duns, Green Toys, Little Dutch, and various small handmade clothing brands.
Bringing something to the community is key for the business.
To support this, the Canterbury store has an event space on its third floor, which is available to rent free of charge. Events held there include kids’ yoga, singing classes, baby sign lessons, and postnatal mental health support groups.
“We want to allow as many groups as possible to have a chance to meet in the centre of Canterbury,” adds Charlotte. “Bricks and mortar shops that survive the decline of the high street retail space will need to be specialist, experience-led, and community centred. We aim to be one of the stores that is still in business in 10 years’ time.”
Moo Like a Monkey, 4 Palace Street, Canterbury, CT1 2DY
