This month, we’re getting to know Kings Heath’s very own little piece of nostalgic heaven, I Had One Of Those! If you haven’t discovered IHOOT yet, prepare to take a trip down memory lane…
- When and how was I Had One Of Those established? How long have you been in Kings Heath?
We opened our doors in May 2013 so we are coming up to our 4th Birthday. We are a family business spearheaded by the partnership of Ruth McCarthy-Bryant, Julie Bryant and Luke Close. We are based on York Road.
- What was the inspiration behind the concept of the store, and its name?
The idea started off as a sweet shop and grew organically from there. We had the idea of a few greeting cards, a few gifts, toys and before we knew it, IHOOT was born! We went through a list of ideas for the name, and spent ages thinking about what the shop was to be called. None were working, and we kept saying, “…all we want is for people to say, ‘I Had One of Those’ and ding-dong, the name had been staring us in the face all along!
- How would you describe your offering to someone who had never visited IHOOT before?
We are a shop, a mini-museum and an experience. We are a nostalgic trip down memory lane with a unique twist. Something for everyone, whatever their age and decade. Sweets, toys, games and gifts that reflect traditional, retro and iconic images.
- What sort of experience do you hope customers will have when they visit you?
We are a ‘slow shop’. We want people to experience a welcoming, friendly space where you can spend as much time as you like looking, reminiscing, sharing stories, chatting and hopefully spending a little too! I Had One of Those offers people an opportunity to shop in an environment that has gentle lighting, music from across the decades as well as some fantastic products.
- Out of all of the goodies you stock, what would you say is the most popular amongst customers, and what are your personal favourites?
Quarters of sweets, sweets and more sweets! Traditional toys and games like Space Hoppers, board games and gifts like our Tetris Light, Pac Man Light, Mugs with iconic images (Danger Mouse, Zippy, Scooby Doo etc) are also firm favourites. Oh, don’t forget little quirky bits like Fortune Telling Fish, Old School Jokes, Parachute Men, Mood Rings…. the list is endless!
Our favourites? They are constantly changing with all the new things we get in!
- As a family-run, independent business, why did you choose to set up shop in Kings Heath?
All three of us have all lived in Kings Heath at one time or another for 30 plus years, and we love it! It has everything you need from its mix of shops, pubs, restaurants, green spaces etc as well as having a wonderful, eclectic mix of people.
- What is it like to be situated on York Road amongst so many other independents?
As far as we are concerned, York Road is the best road in Kings Heath! It is like a small high street used to be. Independent businesses offering individual specialist services with a personalised touch. We are proud to be part of a road with so many traditional and unique businesses. Kings Heath has the best side roads – come and look!
- Where do you hope to see the business go in the future?
We are in the process of growing our online business so would love to see that flourish in the future. We are constantly looking for new ideas to expand and improve our brand and have a few irons in the fire – watch this space!
- Where can we find out more about you?
You can visit our website at ihadone.com ~ Facebook.com/ihoot14 ~ Twitter @ihadoneofthose ~ Instagram @ihadoneofthose
You can also use the old fashioned telephone to speak to us on 01214431029 or best of all, come and visit us at 31 York Road, Kings Heath, B147SA.