What prompted you to launch the business? The business just grew organically. I gave up my job to concentrate on Blade and Rose then twelve months later my husband Jon joined the company too.
What challenges have you overcome since the company's launch? We have just celebrated our 13th birthday and business is going from strength to strength. Our biggest challenges to date must be the global pandemic followed by Brexit. However, Jon used the downtime during COVID to set up a European warehouse in Waterford, meaning we were all ready to ship globally. Having two warehouses does come with its own challenges, however, we can ship our orders quickly and efficiently worldwide. During COVID our online business grew significantly, and it continues to thrive.
Tell us about your product offering. Our key products are the leggings, these are what we are known for, and our design, detail and quality mean we remain the market leaders. The collection has however now grown to include tops, t-shirts, socks, rompers, splash suits, hoodies, bibs, and a summer collection manufactured in a lighter weight fabric.
Have any styles taken you by surprise with their popularity? In 2021 we launched our very first Peter Rabbit collection, this was the first time that we worked with a licensor, however the lovely team at Penguin helped us to get the product to market and we have been delighted with the response. We are of course based in Kendal in the Lake District, so the collaboration felt like such a nice fit. We love to see our product for sale in the local Beatrix Potter attractions and retail stores.
How do you keep your designs fresh and current? Do you follow trends? We have an inhouse designer, Faye, who has been working with us for six years now. Faye does research on colour, interiors, and fashion trends. and we also ask our dedicated customers for their feedback. Our product is so bright and eye-catching, this is what we are known for.
What sets you apart from your competitors? Our product is very three dimensional, so the design is not just printed onto the product, it is layered, often with tactile fabrics, beautiful embroidery, and attention to detail. We only work with the best vendors using materials from sustainable sources and of course kind to children's delicate skin. We are also extremely price competitive and offer first rate customer service.
How are you finding the current climate in the UK? Is it affecting business? Things are challenging; however, we are so fortunate that what we sell is a functional gift, which is often what thrives in a poor economy. We also know that people will always want to buy a gift for a new baby or the children in the family. Being sensitively priced while offering a beautiful quality product puts us in a good place.
Are you active on social media? How is this important for the business? We are extremely active on social media. Our fan base supply us with so much content, gorgeous photos of their littles ones wearing our clothes. Until now I have been responsible for all of our social media however, we have just employed the services of a social media company to increase our content and focus on the newer platforms.
Do you have any advice for new businesses starting out in the world of gifts? For us at Blade and Rose, we found a unique product format which resonated with a wide audience. Product is key no matter if you are a supplier or a retailer. Also be prepared to work hard and go that extra mile.
What can we expect in the future from the company? Our focus is to increase our presence with independents and garden centres across the UK and Europe. We are now working with an experienced Marketing Consultant to help us expand our reach. There are also some new licensed collections under development which is so exciting. We are actively looking for new stockists in all areas. If you are interested in stocking our product please get in touch, we would love to talk to you.
BLADE AND ROSE
T: +44 (0)1539 730 880
E: hello@bladeandrose.co.uk
www.bladeandrose.co.uk
