Gifts Today
RETAILERS’ PANEL
The latest members of our Panel – key gift shop owners – introduce their businesses and tell us what makes them so special. This month both shops are called The Gift Box – one in Derry, Northern Ireland, and the other near Chester
The Gift Box Derry, Northern Ireland What’s the story behind your role in the shop? I am assistant manager and merchandiser and work along side my aunt Catherine Kearney (pictured right with Danielle) who
82 Gifts Today
is business owner and manager. The Gift Box opened in 1994. I’ve helped in the business since I was 14. I worked in Miss Selfridge for eight years and came to the Gift Box after studying a Business with Retail course. How did you cope during the three lockdowns?
What trade shows do you visit? We have visited Home & Gift, Autumn Fair and Spring Fair for years as well as Showcase Ireland. They’re where we’ve found the majority of our brands and also we’ve also discovered companies to design bespoke gifts for us.
The government’s help was definitely needed and necessary. It was very tough but we ended The government’s help was definitely up driving needed and necessary. It was very tough sales through Instagram and but we ended up driving sales through Facebook – Instagram and Facebook – we’d be lost we’d be lost without social media and try to post at without social least three times a week media and try to post at least three times a week. We set up a For fashion, we stock Jayley, Nour website during lockdown and hope London jewellery, Powder, Sarah to continue to increase our sales Tempest, Owen Barry and House and online presence as well as of Disaster. Coach House does expanding our range of brands. well for dining, Christmas and household, and we also stock Joe How was reopening? Davies, Richard Lang, East of India, It was quiet to start with but has Widdop & Co, Deva Designs and started to pick up. We’ve noticed a Heaven Sends. huge increase in people shopping We offer WJ Sampson & locally which is amazing as we rely on Co, Artbene, Shannonbridge tourists during the summer season. Pottery, Bog Buddies, Doudou Et Compagnie, Pebblechild and What’s the mix of merchandise Jellycat. We designed our own in store?
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Danielle Kearney
range of Derry gifts with Southfield Ltd just before lockdown and it has been an amazing seller, as people have missed home. Typical customer? Women ranging from the age of 25-70, although we have had an increase in younger customers recently. We get male customers at Christmas and shopping for occasions. Average spend? The average has increased. We’re getting more £50 sales these days – it would have been £20 previously. How have you been sourcing new products recently? We have been Googling wholesale for products we would like to stock as well as looking on Instagram and through Faire.
