Gift Focus - Mar/Apr 2019 (Issue 112)

environment. This is something we find our customers appreciate, and it is commented on regularly. We also keep a close eye on the lifespan of our products and intentionally avoid buying anything plastic. We think this really adds to the overall sense of quality on offer in the shop. Do you attend any trade shows? We always attend Top Drawer, as we can visit lots of suppliers, and we know we’ll find a few new interesting and good-quality suppliers. This year, we found Weaver Green, a producer of household textiles, throws, cushion and rugs, all made from recycled plastic bottles. When did the website launch, and how does this support the bricks and mortar store? We have a website, but find as a small independent with only one internet-savvy partner, it’s hard to dedicate enough time to its products and promotion, so we were delighted to be accepted to sell on Trouva. The site offers a curated selection of independent boutiques selling exclusively from their boutiques but reaching a worldwide audience. How often do you change your in-store displays? Changing the shop is vital, and even just little changes are appreciated by our regulars and help bring focus to products that may have been hiding out of prime view. We are both blessed and cursed with an enormous window. We have a lovely bright shop, but it requires a lot of stock to dress the window and a big plan of action when we want to switch it around. We always have some sort of eye-catching dinosaur in the window and love to hear the little ones shouting “DINOSAUR!” as they trot past the shop. How is it working with family? Mum and I always knew we’d make a good team. She’s a great people person and is positive influence on me, as I may otherwise choose to hide in the office, buying and getting all the background work done. What have been some standout moments since opening the store? Being nominated for a Retas award last year was a wonderful surprise. We were nominated for the UK’s best new card retailer award. We don’t know who nominated us, but we’re very grateful. We had a lovely time at the Dorchester, having a champagne lunch and meeting some other lovely retailers. What are your plans for the future of the business? We plan to keep expanding our range of giftware and continue to bring in lots of new products and greeting cards from independent designers and suppliers. Bright ideas 86 giftfocus