Craft Focus - August/September 2020 (Issue 80)

79 PROFILE Excel lence & EXPERTISE Sharon Stokes, UK sales manager of Artstat talks to Craft Focus about the rise in arts and crafts during lockdown and building strong relationships with customers Tell us a bit about the business. When did you start? Artstat is a privately owned wholesale distributor of creative materials that has been serving the independent retailer since 1978 and has a great reputation for excellent customer service. We aim to provide a fast and efficient service which meets modern standards and expectations. Our experienced team all have expert knowledge of the industry we work in and of the products we’re selling. We’re very proud that our suppliers and customers recommend us to others. Describe your product ranges. Fine art, drawing, creative pens, crafts, adhesives and modelling materials – we carry more than 15,000 lines from hundreds of suppliers in our warehouse and are constantly updating. How’s business operating during the current Covid-19 pandemic? We’re committed to prioritising the wellbeing of our employees and customers so we’re keeping a close eye on how the coronavirus pandemic continues to develop across the globe. Taking our responsibility seriously we’ve taken every opportunity to minimise risk – from maintaining strict hygiene routines to working from home and limiting travel. Initially, following Government advice the business closed, however, more recently we’ve traded with a skeleton work force in place. As the retail high street continues to open up, we’re pleased to say that things are becoming more normal. Customers have appreciated being able to make small and often orders with goods from multiple suppliers all in the same low carriage paid basket. What changes can customers expect from you? In a nutshell, customers can expect us to change to suit their needs, it’s the way we’ve always worked and the way people like it – that’s what they tell us. What products are currently selling very well? During the lockdown, people’s creativity has been unleashed, we’re seeing sales across all sectors of the business. Pouring medium techniques, lino printing, pens and markers, watercolour and acrylic painting and products that lend themselves to upcycling are all very strong right now. What new products have you got to offer? Working with so many suppliers we always have something new to offer, Derwent Metallic and Graphitint Paint Pan Sets, Push Button Waterbrushes and Inktense Pads – extensions to the Jakar Cutting ranges – Art Gecko Sketch Pads and Uni- ball plastic free packaging sets name just a few. All new lines are showcased in our monthly mailers which can be found on our website – www.artstat.co.uk What can we expect from you in the next six months? In the next six months our focus will be on helping our customers trade up through back to school and college then Christmas sales periods, we’ll be working closely with our suppliers to bring strong offers and new product lines to support. We’ll also be keeping a close eye on the hobby and recreational trends. Details of all offers will be communicated through our mailers. Do you have any advice for retailers or craft businesses? Recent months have seen a lot of publicity promoting the benefits of art and craft in terms of good mental health. During lockdown there’s been increased television exposure for programmes promoting art and craft, lots of people will have tried out a creative process for the first time or have come back to a hobby that had lapsed. Many of these people, creative juices now flowing, are looking for classes and materials and are hungry for information. As an Art or Craft retailer you’ll be their go to! There’s a lot to be encouraged in terms of new customers and opportunities to offer new things such as online classes, local delivery services and increased social media activity. Stay positive and focus on your points of difference and build a community with your customers. Artstat +44 (0)161 902 3800 www.artstat.co.uk