retailer opinion Venicci winter wonderland

Jolly Tots Managing Director Lorretta Owen and her Senior Sales Assistant Harvey (and nephew) enjoyed their time with other like-minded nursery retailers while visiting Venicci HQ in Poland. Here she tells us a bit about her visit.

What can I say.. we were among those lucky enough to be invited to Poland by Venicci. They invited a select number of stores for an experience of a lifetime and it certainly was (apart from an early start 6am flight from Stansted!).

Venicci had stated in the itinerary they sent out to leave the glamorous clothes at home and they weren’t joking. We arrived to freezing temperatures and snow!

Our first stop when arriving was to attend an amazing breakfast that really set us all up for the day. We were all in awe of the amazing different ways the eggs were cooked. So tasty.

Once the other flight from Scotland arrived, we then had an amazing walking tour of Krakow. All while the snow was falling. After this we were all treated to a breath taking evening meal. The food and drink were something special.

Once we were finished, this was followed by a short stop off at their swanky new office (a further visit with presentation was to follow the following day). On a personal note, I have to say how proud I am of this company and of how far they have come in a relatively short space of time.

Next, there was a two hour coach journey to our final destination which was Harnaś Hotel in Bukowina Tatrzańska. The journey was like something from a winter wonderland movie. Picture postcard perfect. The ice was quite literally broken between everyone on board with everyone chatting and making new friends. It was so refreshing to be around others that understood where we were coming from.

Following a good night’s sleep we had the most delicious breakfast in the morning and again chatted with each other. Then it was time, the main event arrived and Venicci showcased new models, colours etc. for 2023 and all I can say is WOW!!

Keep your eyes peeled over the coming months as they have so many new products coming out. The attention to detail and choice of colourways is something else. They are very excited about 2023 and so are we all after seeing the presentation. Watch out everyone Venicci is getting bigger and better!

Venicci are so humble and unassuming which is really one of their strengths. They are constantly evolving changing models and colours which is so refreshing.

Following the fantastic presentation, we went on what can only be described as “Trip of a lifetime” - Venicci arranged a sleigh ride for us all. Which sounds magical in itself, but the reality was just unbelievable. The natural beauty of the area is truly breathtaking. We rode on wooden sleighs pulled by horses with bells on. Something that you would only see in the movies. We were even given a small bottle of mint vodka for the ride yum yum. Everyone got to know each very well on this ride due to the tight space in the sleigh but this just added to the experience. It was definitely one of those pinch me moments.

This amazing experience concluded with a bonfire and bbq of Kabanos and hot fruit tea with a traditional band playing in the background. Simply perfect. A real pinch yourself moment. Many of us took the opportunity to do snow angels not realising the depth of the snow could come up to our waist! All amazing fun.

And just when we thought our amazing day over, another surprise for all. It was concluded with an equally sensational trip too Termy Bukovina (thermal pool). Where some of the retailers (naming no names…Kelly from Little Angels and Harvey from Jolly Tots) may have jumped in the snow and created snow angels..... there was also a snow ball fight that us all too. We concluded the evening with a few drinks dreading our 5am get up.

It was so lovely to make new friends in the industry and for everyone to be so friendly. It was lovely to meet Kelly and Bec from Little Angels and enjoy a cocktail or two. And of course the sleigh ride with Affordable Baby’s Lisa and Andy, which was so amazing. Laughs all the way!

Gerry from Olivers Baby nailed it in his summing up of the event when he said “let everyone know there is professionalism and good cheer in our Industry and Venicci have set the standard”. It was lovely meeting him and Gary from Olivers Baby. Great company and very wise words over a glass of wine and delicious meal.

To conclude my little review, Vennicci absolutely smashed this event! They went above and beyond on everything. Nothing was too much trouble. They treated us all like Kings and Queens. Sandra put so much planning into really giving us the experience of a lifetime. One which we all agreed we would never ever forget.

Tomasz you promised us snow...boy did you deliver - about 4ft off it! I would like to extend a huge huge thank you too Piotr, Tomasz, Sandra and Katie for inviting us and taking such good care of us....also same again next year?