Why is it significant that the first customer is called a little urchin?

Her actual first customer is early in the novel is Holgrave; however, he is her boarder and so he does not feel like a customer. The small child who comes in has only "pocket change" which Hepzibah does not take when she gives him the first treat. When he comes back for a second, she does take his "change." The significance is focused on the fact that Hepzibah is beginning to think like a shop owner and demonstrates that she can become able to support herself despite all the family problems. She has to change her attitude and is beginning to see that.