When we launched Tinka & Co. London, our dream was to create luxury dog beds that seamlessly blend style, comfort, and thoughtful design. This past month, that dream took an exciting leap forward as we made our retail debut with a soft launch at John Lewis in Chelmsford. Being selected by such a trusted name in British retail, even before officially launching, was an incredible honor—and an experience we’ll never forget.
Preparation for this moment was nothing short of a whirlwind. Weeks of planning, late nights, and countless adjustments brought us to the big day. For Ela, who’s most at home behind a sewing machine, and me, who’s more used to a desk than a shop floor, stepping into retail was a big change. But what a joy it was to finally meet customers face-to-face and hear their reactions to our products!
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many shoppers commenting on the craftsmanship, quality, and thoughtfulness behind our designs. We also heard some fantastic suggestions that have already sparked new ideas for Tinka & Co.London’s future. Larger dog beds for bigger breeds were a popular request, and while simply sizing up isn’t enough—because larger dogs require tailored support for their joints—we’ve started developing solutions with our vet in residence. And who knows? Cat beds may even be on the horizon too!
The John Lewis partners made our experience extra special. From helping us perfect those final decor details to sharing our story with their customers, they made us feel like a valued part of their team. From the delivery bay to the café, their support was instrumental in helping us reach John Lewis shoppers and introducing them to Tinka & Co. London.
To every dog owner (and even cat and rabbit owners) who stopped to chat, to those who shared their love for our brand, and to our very first retail customers: thank you. Your feedback, enthusiasm, and encouragement mean the world to us.
This is just the beginning for Tinka & Co. London, and we couldn’t have asked for a more exciting first step. Stay tuned for more updates, product launches, and pop-ups—and don’t forget to check out our Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments from our debut.
This is just the beginning for Tinka & Co. London, and we couldn’t have asked for a more exciting first step. Stay tuned for more updates, product launches, and pop-ups—and don’t forget to check out our Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments from our debut.
This is just the beginning for Tinka & Co. London, and we couldn’t have asked for a more exciting first step. Stay tuned for more updates, product launches, and pop-ups—and don’t forget to check out our Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments from our debut.
Here’s to the journey ahead!
Audrey