Rocket and Bird relocated to improved premises at 50 St James Street on February 4 last year, leaving behind its previous home in the Courtyard.

Owners Susie Thomas and Jeanette Crawford will incorporate the one-year anniversary of the move into their fifth birthday celebrations on the weekend of March 9.

Reflecting on the move, Jeanette said: “Footfall has massively increased – doubled, at least.

“Moving shop and suddenly coming out onto this main thoroughfare, which is only getting busier and busier, has made a monumental difference.”

Susie and Jeanette often change their window displays to keep the shop looking fresh and colourful. (Image: Newsquest)

Susie added: “It was still really important for us to be a part of Taunton Independent Quarter, and it feels like we are in the heart of it.”

The vibrant, high-quality gift shop sells products from 30 Somerset-based creatives, including Susie and Jeanette, who make around 40 per cent of the stock.

Its name comes from their own creative businesses: Susie’s Rocket and Co and Jeanette’s Bird Modern Vintage.

Visitors to Rocket and Bird can pick up a range of goodies including chocolates, candles, homeware, greetings cards and jewellery.

“It's an eclectic mix but everything's a lovely quality at affordable prices,” said Susie.

Inside Rocket and Bird. (Image: Newsquest)

The idea for Susie and Jeanette to co-own a shop came when they were both working from home but regularly met at craft fairs and had units at The Emporium in Wellington, which houses 70-plus small businesses.

Their initial plans to share a studio quickly evolved into setting up a store in the independent quarter.

Since then, Rocket and Bird has evolved to meet the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic and changes to customer's shopping habits.

The pair initially resisted selling online to encourage people to visit the high street – but lockdown measures meant they had to adapt their business model.

But one thing that has not changed is the business's community focus.

The vibrant yellow colour scheme makes Rocket and Bird stand out. (Image: Rocket and Bird)

“I think we've been hit with every scenario possible,” said Susie.

“One of the key things, looking back over the five years, is the support we've had.

“We've got customers who have shopped with us throughout the five years and become friends. The key is community.

“We've got the community of makers in our shop, the community of customers and the community of businesses around us and in Taunton.

“That's what makes independents different – because we are a community.”

Jeanette and Susie outside 50 St James Street after relocating last year.

Their birthday celebrations also coincide with International Women’s Day (March 8) and Mother's Day (March 10).

Of the 30 makers whose work is sold at Rocket and Bird, 29 of them are female-founded, making women's day a key part of their plans.

“I think that weekend – the Mother's Day weekend, which is also our birthday – will be a fabulous one of celebration,” said Susie.

“All of those things roll in together to celebrate what we have created here.”