Our History: 35 Years of Making Childhood Memories from King’s Road to Across London

February 24, 2026

The crisp October air of 1990 carried a specific kind of excitement to Chelsea. At 34 King’s Road, Sophie Mirman and Richard Ross were busy opening the doors to a new kind of family venture. They didn’t just want to open a clothing shop; they imagined a place where the simple errands of childhood, getting a haircut or finding new shoes, felt like an adventure.

From that first morning, when queues stretched around the corner, Trotters became more than a store. It became a landmark where families could find everything from hand-smocked dresses to their favourite bedtime stories, all under one roof.

The Beginning: A Family Vision on King’s Road

Sophie and Richard started Trotters with a clear goal: to create a fun, relaxed space for children and parents alike. Drawing on their deep retail background, they chose the heart of Chelsea to launch a "one-stop-shop" concept that was truly revolutionary at the time.

The original King’s Road flagship wasn't just about the shelves; it was about the experience. With giant fish tanks and dedicated play areas, the store was designed around children, making every visit a happy memory rather than a chore.

35 Years of Milestones

Our journey from a single boutique to a beloved British heritage brand has been defined by steady growth and a commitment to quality.

1990: The story begins at 34 King’s Road, Chelsea.
2009–2012: We welcomed new neighbourhood favourites in Chiswick and Shepherd’s Bush.
2021: A proud moment as our first concession opened in the iconic Harrods.
2022–2024: We expanded our reach through prestigious partnerships with Liberty London and Selfridges.

Making Shopping Special

What truly sets the Trotters experience apart are the traditions we’ve shared with generations of families. We believe the "firsts" are important. That’s why we introduced our First Haircut and First Shoe certificates—small tokens to mark those big steps in a little one's life.

Whether it's an expert shoe fitting or a trim in our famous hairdressing chairs, we aim to give every child the confidence to head out into the world and play.

Designed in England, Made in Europe

Our design philosophy has remained constant for over three decades: we make clothes that are designed to be handed down. From our London studio, we create timeless pieces that celebrate British style.

We are proud of our long-standing partnerships with family-run factories in Spain and Portugal. These relationships, many spanning over 15 years, ensure that every pair of hand-made Hampton Canvas shoes or Liberty print dress meets our high standards for durability and comfort.

A Family Business, Then and Now

Trotters remains an independent, family-run business at its heart. While Sophie and Richard continue to guide our vision, the next generation has stepped in to help shape our future.

"Growing up with Trotters has given me a unique perspective on what this brand means to families. We aren't just selling clothes; we are helping create the backdrop for childhood memories."
— Natasha Lunney (née Ross), COO

Looking Forward

As we look toward the next 35 years, we remain committed to the values that started it all on King’s Road: quality, community, and a touch of magic. We are evolving for modern families with new sustainability goals and ethical practices, ensuring that the world our children inherit is as bright as their future.

Discover 35 years of childhood memories. Visit one of our five London stores or shop the collection online to see why families have trusted Trotters since 1990.