Shop Talk

Name: Brittany Bjoko, gift shop manager Shop: The Langton Greenhouse and Garden Centre. Address: East Langton, Leicestershire

Tell us a little about the garden centre. We are an independent garden centre in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside, on the outskirts of a very popular market town. It is a generous sized garden centre, which also houses our gift shop and a very busy cafe. Our customers range from all ages and from all over, whether it be our locals or people that travel to come to shop with us. In our gift shop we have many departments including greeting cards, homeware, children’s toys, clothing and accessories. What are the best and worst things about working in retail? Every day is different, and so are the customers… most of the time. Working where we work we are very lucky to be able to put our stamp on our shop and

share our styles with our very loyal customers. I hope they enjoy the cards and products as much as we enjoy finding them.

I would just say there’s sometimes just not enough hours in a day to get all our jobs done. What gifts are selling well in your store at the moment? Our gifts sell through so quickly we are always reordering and on the lookout for new suppliers to get the best products for our customers. A very popular department is our jewellery and accessories; we sell Life Charms and they are a great gift pick-up and very popular with our customers. How important is the gifts and cards area to the centre? Our cards department is imperative to our gift shop; customers don’t just buy one - they sometimes walk away with a handful. Over recent times our garden centre has become a destination for customers; it’s a day out and our shop just adds another aspect to their trip. And it’s hard to have a look round and not pick something up! What card ranges are selling well? We stock so many different ranges, some are very small businesses and some are mainstream. Birthday cards are always the best sellers; we can’t get them in quick enough. Some of our best sellers at the moment are from Western Sketch and Folio - two new companies we have taken on in recent weeks. What do you think makes your shop/gift/card area stand out? We are very focused on getting the best products for our customers, but we love and focus on the visual side of things. Our shop is divided up into specific departments and I think this helps the customer on their shopping journey. Our card area is big and in the heart of our shop so it’s pretty hard to miss and is always bustling with customers.

Name: Andrea Tripp, Owner Shop: The Card Shop Address: Staple Hill, Bristol

Please describe your shop. We’re a medium-sized card and gift shop in a Bristol suburb with a mix of mainly local customers - young and old! How did you get into greeting card retail? I used to make cards and jewellery and I organised craft fairs for myself and others to sell at. After my second child I wanted to change career and saw this shop up for sale; the rest is nine years of history! What are the best and worst things about working in retail? Customers and customers! The vast majority are lovely and you get to know some people really well. Covid was tricky in terms of enforcing masks, limiting numbers and so on, and, some people just didn’t get it. What cards are selling well in your store at the moment? Female relation, birthdays and open. What card range or category do you always ensure you keep in stock because of its popularity? Bugart - my customers love them. Plus year you were born - ICG and Cherry Orchard. What’s in your window at the moment? Lots of bee gifts, and wedding gifts What’s by your till at the moment? Stationery - mainly from the Gifted Stationery Company, which has been a recently added range - it’s lovely, pretty, reasonably priced and is selling well. What’s the most surprising thing a customer has said or done or asked for!? Nasal hair clippers and a kettle! What do you think makes your shop stand out? A really wide range of cards and gifts - customers often say ‘I knew I’d find something here’. If you could send anyone a card from the past or present, who would it be and why? Nelson Mandela - to send him my support in his fight for justice and equal rights. How do trade magazines like Greetings Today help you? They’re great to see new ranges and discover new companies.