Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - November/December 2020

75 COMPANY PROFILE SPOKE 925 T: +44 (0)1413 392 540 www.spoke925.com fashion magazines and just general people-watching. However, given the importance of the ‘grey pound’ to a lot of our customers, it is important we also keep good stock levels of our more classic and timeless ranges too. What sets you apart from your competitors? Our keen prices, efficient customer service and constantly evolving product range. We offer a next day delivery service for all orders placed before 2pm, perfect for customers who, especially in this current climate, are micro-managing stock levels – we have no minimum spend requirement. We also tend to get new products in every few weeks, which is great for keeping ahead of quick- moving trends. Finally, our website, which customers frequently tell us is easy to use and navigate. How are you finding the current economic climate in the UK? Is it affecting business? As for everyone in our industry, the pandemic has certainly brought its challenges, however, we feel very fortunate that we have a solid business that was well placed to weather the lockdown. Post-lockdown website sales have actually remained on par with last year, which is extremely encouraging. I think a number of customers who perhaps previously weren’t ordering online with us have really got to grips with our website. Given the lack of trade shows, we are also having to think of new ways to communicate with, and engage, our existing, and potential, customers. Are you active on social media? How is this important for the business? No, we don’t currently have a social media presence, we leave that to our retail customers. However, we do send out a weekly emailer to our database to keep customers up-to-date with product information. Do you have any advice for new businesses starting out in the world of gifts? Know your target market, work hard and most of all, be patient. What can we expect in the future from the company? More gold vermeil jewellery making its way into our product range – there is a real resurgence in the popularity of gold.