Strawberry Blue

‘Trade shows are great for predicting trends for predicting trends and colours’

The beautiful Strawberry Blue gift shop in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, has been a fi nalist in retail awards and received many Wiltshire, has been a fi nalist in retail awards and received many online plaudits from customers. We caught up with owner Claire online plaudits from customers. We caught up with owner Claire Hembrough to discover how she’s coped with lockdown, and why she’s looking forward to hitting the trade shows again this why she’s looking forward to hitting the trade shows again this summer and autumn

Strawberry Blue is a beautiful home and gift shop located in the historic Shambles in Bradford-on-Avon, a pedestrian shopping street situated on the site of the original medieval market stalls. It off ers unique homewares, furniture and gifts for all occasions.

Launched in 2016, and popular with customers who enjoy browsing for that ‘something diff erent’, it’s been described as a ‘little gem’ and ‘defi nitely worth a mooch – though the temptation to buy absolutely everything is likely!’

Here, owner and buyer Claire Hembrough, explains the history of her shop, and her plans for the immediate future.

Claire, Strawberry Blue was launched in 2016. How did this come about?

I spent two years looking for the right location for the shop. I loved it so much, I moved here to launch the business. I named it after my favourite fruit and my favourite colour!

Have you got previous experience in gift retail?

I was a store manager for a gift retailer in Bath for 10 years. I’ve been in retail since the age of 21, and was store manager for Next for many years in Bristol.

What sort of reception did you get when you fi rst opened the gift shop for business?

The shop had previously been a china and cook shop so had a good customer base to start with. It’s such a friendly town; some regular customers just pop in for a chat.

How did you cope during the three lockdowns?

It was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, and I kept myself busy launching my mail order boxes and doing some well overdue decorating. I also did lots of dog walks!

How have you found government support?

The shop grants were crucial as I was still paying rent; personally it was more challenging to get any kind of support financially.

How was reopening?

It was great, and there was a real buzz in the town, Now the tourists are back it almost feels back to normal.

What’s the mix of merchandise in store?

We sell furniture to cards, and my favourite suppliers are local. These include Katie from Lines & Designs with her lovely framed prints, Simone from Wyld Rose Holistics for essential oil soap, and Ellie from Flora & Wick candles in Corsham. Cards, candles, mugs, fashion accessories and jewellery all sell well. Chairs are a surprise hit!

Do you have a typical customer?

We seem to appeal to all ages from 8 to 80, because we have so much to look at.

How did you source products during first lockdown in readiness for opening?

I have about 50 different suppliers so I did a lot of looking online at catalogue/websites, although I did also find a few new ones via Instagram.

Do you have an online offering as well as selling in-store?

We do mail order boxes only online as the stock changes so often, and these did well during the second lockdown in November.

How important is social media to your business?

Very! I keep up with both Facebook and Instagram as they are so visual.

‘Reopening was great, and there was a real buzz in town. Now the tourists are back it almost feels back to normal’

Have you visited gift trade shows in the past?

Yes, trade shows are great for predicting trends, colours and to inspire you in terms of displays. I always attend Spring/ Autumn Fair at the NEC, Birmingham, as well as Top Drawer at Olympia, London. I’m hoping to go to Harrogate in July for Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival to finalise my Christmas product package and to get inspired.

How are you sourcing new products/ ranges at the moment?

I’m in contact with company agents and referencing suppliers’ websites to keep on top of what’s new.

Plans for rest of 2021 and beyond?

I’m currently making plans to launch a new shop in the basement, in a completely different style from the upstairs and with its own identity.