What began as a modest stall in Swindon’s old tented market has now grown into one of the town centre’s best-loved independent shops. This month, Something Different, the gift store tucked inside the Brunel Shopping Centre, celebrates an impressive ten years in business.
The idea came from brothers Lee and Ross Mulholland, both seasoned in retail but weary of roles that offered little spark. Looking at their father’s furniture business, and the independence that came with being his own boss, they decided to create a shop that would bring genuinely unusual finds to Swindon — the kind of items you rarely stumble across on the typical high street.
What started as a stall quickly gained momentum. As trade grew, the pair moved into a permanent unit at The Brunel, where they’ve stayed ever since. The shop has retained its original spirit while becoming very much a family venture. Lee’s partner, Tazmin, manages the store; their uncle Keith fitted it out and even produces some of the pieces on sale, while their dad Ian remains involved too.
Over the decade, the product range has expanded far beyond its early offering. Today, Something Different stocks everything from collectables and fragrances to toys, ornaments, cosmetics and jewellery. Their focus remains on sourcing gifts you won’t find in mainstream chains, with popular ranges including Loungefly, Squishable, Joma Jewellery, and — more recently — the addition of Nomination.
Although the business runs an online store, most customers still prefer to browse in person. According to the brothers, around three-quarters of sales come from their ground-floor shop, proving that Swindon’s appetite for real-world shopping is alive and well.
“We’ve built some brilliant relationships over the years,” Lee explains. “People pop in regularly, and we’re on first-name terms with many of them. For all the talk of declining footfall, there’s real demand for in-person shopping. It’s growing, not shrinking, and we’re feeling very positive about what’s ahead.”
The Brunel’s Centre Manager, Laura Hepple, shares that enthusiasm. She praises the brothers for their creativity and customer focus, and says the shop plays an important part in showcasing the strength of local independents within the centre.
Something Different now stands as a reminder of what can happen when a simple idea combines with hard work, family teamwork and a clear identity. A decade on, the brothers are still doing exactly what they set out to do: offering Swindon shoppers something a little out of the ordinary.
