15_17.qxp_25/27 30/03/2021 13:39 Page 15
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Grand Re-Opening
Ready, Steady, Open! Left: At last! We’re open! Below: The new Raven Lifestyle store in Totnes.
At the time of going to press at the end of March, April 12 is a red letter day for non-essential retailers (other than Scotland), the all-important date when finally, doors can be flung wide open, and customers welcomed back with open arms. In the lead up to the big day, gift retailers revealed what they have been doing to up the ante when their shops can finally hang the ‘We’re Open’ sign on the door!
Opening With A Bang “We have had quite a decent shuffle around in the shop to keep both ourselves and our customers on our toes. I have decided to open with a bang and a full shop of new and existing suppliers,” confirms Bill Nettelfield, owner of Bill & Bert’s in Colchester. “I have expanded on previous winning suppliers to include Ashleigh & Burwood, Wrendale, Sophie Allport, Besp-oak, DCUK, Gingko and Swole Panda. And, for the first time, I have ordered from some 20 new suppliers, including Mathmos, Mova, Elite, HydroHerb, The Bottled Baking Company and Janie Wilson.” First Things First: “We are opening with a ‘January sale’ for all those customers who missed out on Christmas decorations etc., straight after Christmas. And as soon as it is sensible, we will be having a couple of late night shopping and drinks events where one will definitely involve mulled wine! As with our re-opening in June last year I’m going with the Bill& Bert’s cartoons in the front windows, but this time, with a sunshine feel about them.” Faster bounce back: “What will trade be like on the April 12 and the rest of the month? Only time will tell. However, I do believe that with the number of vaccines that have already been given, and with the frustration of customers not being allowed to shop properly this year, the bounce back will be far quicker than when we all re opened last June.” Service is paramount: “We independents now have to offer customer service that the nationals have long forgotten how to, as customers will be looking for service and safety and fun more now than at any time, and it’s the independents who are best placed to provide this.” Adds Bill: “I’m sure that this year’s Harrogate Home & Gift show will prove to be the most important show in the industry for many, many years.” Above: The sunny cartoon signage in the window at Bill & Bert’s is welcoming customers back. Right: Bill & Bert’s in Colchester.
Eye-catching Changes Also looking to re-open with a bang is Bradley Trevelyan, owner of two Raven Lifestyle shops in Tavistock and Totnes. “We’re keeping things casual at the moment as we aren’t sure which restrictions and rules will be in place on April 12. However, we’re making lots of big, eye catching changes to the stores that we’re hoping will bring both old and new customers in. We missed out on a grand opening day for our Totnes store, so as soon as we can have an in-store event we will.” Revamped interior: “What hasn’t been moved?! The shops are being completely changed around. We’ve done the basics - touching up on paint and doing all the fiddly jobs that never get done - but we’ve also fitted some new displays and made way for our soon-to-launch range of clothes and accessories.” Fashion forward: “We are launching our very first clothing collection, which includes
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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