83 RETAILER INTERVIEW as you like! I love it when a customer comes in and tells me they have moved on from a figurine to a piece of furniture! Do you visit any trade shows? Absolutely every single one that I can! For so many reasons (most people think it’s to avoid parenting or large deliveries! Blame my social media for that!). Retail is so changeable, you can’t possibly keep on top of the trends or products when you’re stuck behind the till, ordering the items that have sold through. You have got to be there in the thick of it, meeting the people who create, design, sell the products. You need to feel the items, see their worth – a photo in a catalogue always looks amazing, but will your customer look at the tiny box that came as a kit and think yes, that’s worth it!? Chances are, you’ll buy differently at a show! I’m known for spending big at a show... they all see me coming! I usually know what kind of area I’m looking to buy in and then try and buy lots of things. The stuff that doesn’t work, well just don’t order it again. But in that trip, there will be something fabulous that’ll be a new addition long term! I always attend Top Drawer, London Stationery Show, Spring Fair. This year I’m excited as I’m going to Harrogate Gift Show in July! Are you active on social media? How is this useful for the business? I live on social media. However, this business would be nothing without it! I use Facebook and Instagram to invite people into my life, my world. They’re not just buying my products, they’re buying into me. It really works, people make special journeys into the shop just to pass comment on something I’ve said online (usually when posting about my poor mother and the horribly large deliveries I leave her!). Those people though, they’re the ones who follow everything you do and wouldn’t think of going elsewhere. Please tell us about any awards! 2023 was my year - I won three awards! I was named Nemo Office Club Independant retailer of the year, Best Craft Shop in Ceredigion for SME News and the huge one, I was the winner of the RETA for Best Independent Retailer in Wales. I was also, for the second year running, a finalist for The Boss Awards Independent Retailer category. Do you have any plans for the future of the store? I’d love to have the time for workshops, maybe in the future. I’m always being asked! Keep fingers crossed for me. How do you give back to the community? I’m fairly active in the local community and always support local events and schools with the things they have on. I’ve also recently been made Chair of the Chamber of Trade and hope to bring a closer connection between residents and businesses. Do you have any tips for people looking to start their own retail venture? Do your market research. See what’s really needed in your area. We see so many shops pop up for a short while and then disappear. So often it’s because they’re too closely related to something in the area already. Don’t be afraid to be different! What’s the one product you couldn’t live without? My notebook and pen! I know they’re not craft products, but every crafter must have a pen and book by their side, especially if they’re anything like me and need to find a way to keep on top of the lists and next ideas! CREATIVE COVE 40a High Street, Lampeter, Ceredigion, SSA48 7BB
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