Retailer In Numbers

“Our bestselling products are without doubt our personalised Storytime Cushions. A unique and personalised gift encouraging the love of reading and listening to stories.”

Above: The Storytime Cushions are The Fabric Bug’s bestseller.

THE LAST YEAR

“2022 has been different,” Joanne Barker, owner of The Fabric Bug, tells PPS. “Covid has seen lower footfall in the shop, but a higher average spend. There is definitely a growing interest in traditional wooden toys and ecofriendly products and we are optimistic about the coming year, despite the economic gloom.”

TRENDS

“We stock various soft toys made from recycled plastic bottles. The added green credentials to these supersoft and cute soft toys have seen a huge rise in popularity, especially our koalas.”

OLD AND NEW FRIENDS

“Our longest term supplier is probably The Puppet Company which designs the Wilberry range of soft toys. Our newest supplier is EatSleepDoodle – specialists in creative doodle gifts.”

THE FABRIC BUG

IN NUMBERS

Having recently opened a second store in Mercia Marina, The Fabric Bug has been trading since 2008, with its first store in Sherwood Forest opening five years ago. The family-run business offers personalised gifts and traditional toys.

Above: The Sherwood Forest store was the first to open five years ago. Above: Joanne says customer service is The Fabric Bug’s strength.

IN NUMBERS

• “There are seven people in our team.” • “In December, the average spend per person was £17.52.” • “There were two boxes in our last delivery.” • “We refresh our window display quarterly.” • “Our Sherwood Forest store is the size of an old coach house (that’s what it once was). And our

Mercia Marina store is the size of two average narrowboats.”

SHOP LOCAL

“A combination of the pandemic, current economic climate and our changing high streets has seen a surge in people choosing to support local and independent retailers. We would not have been able to open our second store without that support and we are extremely grateful.”

Above:The Fabric Bug offers a range of clothes, gifts and traditional toys.

GOING SOCIAL

“Social media is an important part of the business, though is probably not our key strength and not something we use as much as we should. We hope to develop that more to drive traffic to our website and our physical stores.”

BEING SEEN ONLINE

“Our in-store sales account for the majority of our turnover, our strength is our customer service and customers do like to discuss their requirements and view our products in person.”

Above: The Puppet Company (owner of Wilberry) is The Fabric Bug’s longest term supplier.

MY HERO!

“The Storytime Cushions are probably the hero, but also our Pocket Hugs, a small inexpensive token gift that lets someone know that someone cares.”