We Popped Up at Knowle in the Park and Here’s What We Learned

Last month, we packed up the cars with caps, tees, socks (and a decent helping of nerves) and headed off for our very first in-person outing as a brand. That’s right, Gambol went offline and into real life, popping up with a stand right in the heart of Knowle in the Park for a full two-day stretch of community, conversations, and clothing.

To say it was a new experience would be an understatement. For a brand that’s grown quietly behind the scenes, on screens, in home offices, and through countless cups of tea, this was a big moment.

Day One: 

We kicked things off on Friday night with a community cinema event. Think, laid-back energy, familiar faces, the warm buzz of people settling down for a film. And yes, a whole lot of ABBA.

It was the perfect soft start. We got to ease in, meet a few lovely locals, and hear the words we’ve quietly dreamed of, “Oh, I’ve seen you on Instagram!”

When you spend most of your time behind a screen, it’s easy to wonder if what you’re sharing is landing anywhere. That tiny moment, someone recognising the brand, connecting the dots, meant a lot.

Day Two:   (A Dose of Reality)

Saturday brought the real buzz. Sun shining. Stalls set up. A steady stream of people weaving through the stalls.

We were pitched alongside other brilliant small businesses, all of us doing our thing, sharing our stories, and passing around suncream! The atmosphere was warm in every sense of the word, kids running around, people chatting, music in the background.

But, and here’s the honest bit,  sales were quieter than we’d hoped.

Now, we didn’t go into the day expecting to completely sell out. But when you’ve spent weeks prepping, packing, and designing every detail, it’s hard not to hope. The truth? There were moments that felt a little disheartening.

Finding the Wins That Don’t Come With a Sale

Here’s what we realised, though, not every success is measured in transactions.

The biggest wins weren’t the ones that came with a £££ sound. They were quieter. But more meaningful.

Like the face-to-face chats with people who got what Gambol stands for,  who understood the why behind the brand.
Like watching someone try on a cap and instantly light up because it actually fit their head and their vibe.
Like someone telling us, “You’re exactly what I’ve been looking for, I just didn’t know it yet.”

These moments? They reminded us why we started this in the first place.

From Followers to Real-Life Faces

One of the most unexpected joys? Seeing the Instagram handle we type out daily actually mean something to people.

We met a few people who’d been following us for months,  cheering us on silently from the sidelines. That kind of support doesn’t always show up in likes or comments, but it’s there.

And hearing someone say, “I’ve been watching your stories,  your brand feels so real,” made us want to melt into a puddle of happy tears (but we didn’t… we had a stand to run!!).

Lessons, Lists, and Loads of Ideas

Were we exhausted by the end of it? Absolutely. Our legs ached, our voices were scratchy, and we probably could’ve slept for a week. But our heads? Buzzing with ideas.

There’s something about real-world feedback that hits differently.

You see what people gravitate towards. What makes them pause. What questions they ask. You can’t get that from a website heatmap or a social post.

We left with a lot more than we arrived with, and we’re not just talking about leftover stock. We took home insight, perspective, and a whole new appreciation for the people behind the phones we usually talk to.

Showing Up (Even When It’s Scary)

That weekend wasn’t just about sales or exposure. It was about showing up.

As a real brand. In a real place. With real people.

We took a risk. We put ourselves out there. We stood in the sun with our logo on the table and our hearts on our sleeves. And honestly? That takes guts.

We didn’t feel perfectly polished. We didn’t have the flashiest stand or the loudest pitch. But we had us. And we had a brand we believe in.

That counts. In fact, that means everything.

So, What’s Next?

We’ve always said that Gambol is about more than just clothes. It’s about showing up for yourself, whether that’s through what you wear, how you shop, or the little choices you make every day.

That weekend was our way of doing the same. Of stepping out, rolling forward, and trying something new.

No, we didn’t break any sales records. But we built real connections. We made memories. And we grew, not in followers, but in confidence.

We’re proud of what we did. And we’re excited for what’s coming next.

So here’s to more community, more conversation, and more comfy caps that actually fit.