Gift Focus - Jan/Feb 2019 (Issue 111)

Can you tell us when and why you opened Walter and May? I launched the website on Mother’s Day 2017 and then opened the shop in June 2018. I wanted to curate a gift store with a collection of thoughtful and inspiring gifts for customers but one that also championed and supported small independent brands as much as possible Can you describe your product offering and the suppliers you use? We have a collection of unique home décor and gifts all designed by UK- based independent businesses. How do you choose what products to stock? We choose products that complement each other, both online and in store, and aim to work with designers who have the same values as us. We talk to Walter and May owner Beth Elsdon about shop life and the transition from online to in store. THOUGHTFUL GIFTS What are your current bestsellers? The simple silver jewellery we have in store and online is very popular, but the personalised gifts in the shop sell very well. How often do you change your window and shop displays? We change the window displays and the displays inside weekly because we get new products in every week, and we like to showcase different products in the window to give customers a chance to see everything. Do you attend any trade shows? Which ones and why? We haven’t attended any trade shows since opening the shop as we’ve just been too busy! But we love Top Drawer and are planning to go again next year! Have you ever taken on a product that did far better than you expected? If yes, what was it and why do you think it was so popular with customers? It’s all a test for us right now to see what works in the shop, so it’s always nice to hear feedback. We had some Scandi fabric cushions and lampshades in the shop for launch day, and they’d sold out within a week – that was a lovely surprise! Describe your customer base. We have a really diverse customer base in the shop, but they all love to be inspired by great design and thoughtful gifts. giftfocus 69 retailer interview