Gift Focus - Mar/Apr 2020 (Issue 118)

89 RETAILER INTERVIEW What led you to choose Holt as a retail location? Holt is a stunning coastal market town, steeped in history with a wonderful independent high street. We felt that the wide range of speciality shops and local businesses would fit well with our brand’s ethos. It provides a fabulous shopping experience – it’s a joy to find a high street that has maintained its independence. We are very excited to be part of the growing community. Do you sell the range online too? Yes, we launched norfolknaturalliving.com last year. I think it’s important to have an online presence, especially with cleaning – there’s so much information and advice to share. So much of caring for your clothes is about how you do it and what temperature you use. Should you brush or dab the stain? Pre-soak or freeze? I think of it like cooking – with a little know-how, a few ingredients can make a wonderful dish, or indeed a cleaning product. You just need to know what to do and you can achieve a wonderful sense of fulfilment. There’s nothing like a really white shirt or saving a favourite moth-covered jumper! This is why I have tips on every page on our website. I love it when my customers share their hacks on Instagram too. Norfolk Natural Living is more than just a brand to me. I deeply believe that through the act of caring for our clothes and sharing tips, we create a sense of community, helping each other through the day. I love that. How would you describe your customer base? Our loyal customers care about their personal environmental impact and they truly appreciate beautiful, handmade products. Our store in Holt has lots of regular customers, ranging from twenty-somethings to 90-year-olds. The instant one-to-one feedback is really inspiring and pushes me forward, as people comment on something that I hadn’t thought about or request items that they need. I’m now working on developing solid shampoo bars as that’s what our customers want. How do you try to get involved in the local community? Community is important to us and since opening our first shop we’ve been delighted to be part of a small network of independent businesses. There’s lots going on in the town, which we are lucky to be a part of. As a community, we constantly work on improving the shopping experience for visitors, creating events and ensuring that the high street maintains its individuality. Last year for the Holt Christmas lights switch-on, all the shopkeepers dressed up – my mother was a Christmas pudding. There was a parade, with llamas and a Dame Edna! The fireworks were spectacular, and my children won the fancy dress award at the church. There’s even a 1940s weekend with bands, as the whole town winds back the clock. The atmosphere is wonderful. How are you finding the current economic climate? It’s a very difficult market. Everyone is very conscious of what they spend their money on, but it just drives me harder. Products must be exceptional, and it makes a much bigger win when I get customers back to buy more! Do you have any tips for those looking to start their own retail venture? Go for it and don’t be put off by small setbacks. It’s important to do your research and check out the competition but ultimately, passion and hard work will bring your ideas to life. Find out more at norfolknaturalliving.com