This week we're launching the first of our local business spotlight features for 2026, designed to put a face behind the name of our wonderful independent retailers and businesses. We decided that there was no better place to start than with the lovely Sarah at Past & Present. 

Past & Present has been one of Haslemere's longest running independent retailers. Opened by Sarah's Mum, Jackie, in 1985, the shop replaced what had once behind a costume hire business. Incidentally, before that, the premises had also been used to sell the milk and cream from the cows milked close by, as a café for cyclists and as a 'poodle parlour'. The building is wrapped in a lot of history and, over the years, Sarah has enjoyed hearing people's memories of previous businesses operating there.

Jackie initially opened as an antique and bric a brac shop. Sarah told us how Jackie used to love sourcing unusual items to sell. At that time, Sarah was living abroad, working as a children’s rep for a holiday company! Sarah couldn't stay away from Haslemere for long though and, when the time came to hang up her skis, sun hat and party lifestyle, she came home to get a more 'grown up' job as she puts it! For her, this was a job at a local school running before and after school activities, which gave her the time during the day to work on hand made items to sell in the shop. Sarah has always enjoyed craft work and for many years has made a range of greetings cards. Past & Present gave her the opportunity to continue making as well as an outlet to sell her wares.

Over time, Sarah added more hand-crafted items into the shop, Jackie stopped sourcing the bric a brac and they started to sell gift items and a few toys, which they continued to build upon over time. Sarah describes her Mum as the 'face' of Past & Present at that time while Sarah was quite happy to work away in the background. Sarah told us, 'My Mum really enjoyed the shop, loved chatting to her customers and got so much joy watching the children who visited grow up – I hope she is remembered fondly by those who knew her.' 

The march of time meant that the day came when it was time for Jackie to hand over the reins and it was then up to Sarah to take on the business. But ever since her first day as boss, her Mum's words of wisdom still ring in her ears when she make decisions. As Sarah so perfectly puts it, 'The world might move on but Mum's values and ethics remain.'

Being NNEB (nursery nurse) trained and always having worked in school, nursery and childcare settings, it was an easy decision for Sarah to continue running the shop with the focus on children’s toys and gifts. When sourcing toys to stock she looks for items that are,'fun, good quality, educational where appropriate and represent good value for money'. She clearly has an emphasis on traditional wooden toys, keeping away from plastic as much as possible which we love. She also stocks a wide range of jigsaw puzzles and games, which at Christmas are apparently her best sellers. Her best-selling toy over the years is the Pop Up Toy from Galt. Isn't that often the way that simplicity is best! 

Alongside the toys, Sarah also stocks a large range of creative activities for children. These make perfect party presents and are the basis of her trade for most of the year. And of course we have to mention all the other items she stocks. These include baby gifts and adult gifts, including candles, china, scarves & socks, trinkets and simple jewellery as well as greetings cards and gift wrap.

For those of you who haven’t visited, please don’t be fooled into thinking Past & Present is a large shop, it isn’t! Sarah just manages to fit a lot into a small space!!

We were keen to know what Sarah's typical working week looks like. She told us, 'The week in the shop usually starts off fairly quietly with footfall rising as the weekend and parties approach. One side of the business that is pretty steady is the constant flow of UPS parcels, both those the UPS driver delivers to be collected and those that customers drop in to be returned via UPS. With the shop being situated at the front of the family home I am able to continue with every day life between customers, often working on hand painted orders, sourcing and ordering new stock, meeting with sales reps, even cooking and ironing – it all happens out the back!' We are impressed with the multi-tasking!

It's so wonderful  to hear the passion that Sarah has for Past & Present. 'I can honestly say that I love my work. The shop may be small but I get pleasure from it. I like the challenge of sourcing new products and most of all I enjoy serving my customers. If I’m still here selling toys and gifts to Haslemere in 5 years time, then I’d be very happy. As long as customers keep coming, I’ll be here for them.'

Whilst all this sounds pretty idyllic, I think it's important that this article does not romanticise things. Sarah admitted that it does feel particularly hard to be in retail at the moment. After all, just as the cost of living is rising so are all the overheads for a small business. Basic product costs are continually increasing as are bank and card provider charges, packaging supplies, insurance, business electricity prices... The list is endless. Added to that is the competition from the online giants whose buying power is much stronger than hers as a small independent. So how does Sarah try and compete? 'We have to diversify and stick to what we can do well – good customer service and the right product at the price, both of which I hope I continue to offer.' 

Away from the shop, Sarah lives a very contented life. 'My partner and I both enjoy travelling, particularly cruising, which is why through the year the shop opening times and days may vary. Apologies if you get caught out. I am also involved with Fernhurst Scout Group as a Beaver Scout Leader, something I find both very enjoyable and rewarding.  I encourage residents to consider volunteering as a group leader for a local scouting group."

Huge thanks to Sarah for sharing her story with us and letting us visit her at Past & Present. The phrase 'use your local high street or lose it' is especially relevant at the moment. Once a shop goes it will be hard to replace, especially one as special as Past & Present. 

We'd like to pass over to Sarah for the last word. 'Past & Present has always found the Haslemere community to be very supportive and I would genuinely like to thank all my customers, present, future and past for their continued support.'

Thank you Sarah!