79 RETAILER INTERVIEW Have you seen a boom in the craft industry recently or a new type of customer? There are lots of younger people and university students knitting and crochet due to the popularity on social media. Tell us a bit about what you stock? We stock a curated range from budget to luxury to fit in a small shop. What brands do you currently stock? Are you looking for any new products, licenses or styles? We stock Rowan, WYS, Stylecraft, King Cole, Cyberspace, Katia, Sirdar, Rico and we’re constantly looking for more. What is selling particularly well at present? Ricorumi, the cute amigurumi creatures from Rico Design for crochet remains popular, as well as Stylecraft Special DK as blog stars often promote this. As always, lovely baby yarns are a firm favourite. What fabric styles or new trend are you currently excited about? It’s great to see how popular crochet is becoming for garments and new modern, funky designs. Do you visit any trade shows? Yes, all the relevant trade ones such as CHSI Stitches, Autumn Fair and Spring Fair looking for gift ideas. We’ve also visited h+h pre-covid. Are you active on social media? Yes, it’s another important platform to sell and showcase our products. It’s great for engaging with customers and beautifully styled photographs are great for tempting customers. How important is it to have a website? Very important as it enables round-theclock shopping. Do you have any plans for the future of the store? We’re planning to bring workshops back to the store which haven’t yet restarted since Covid. Do you have any top tips for people looking to start their own retail venture? Research the area you’re planning to open to see if there’s any competition and if you’re able to sell the brands you want to. What is the one product you couldn’t live without? I personally love WYS exquisite 4-ply for the softness of the yarn. It has 20 per cent silk and beautiful stitch definition and drape. CHRISTINE’S 37 Sycamore Road, Bournville Birmingham, B30 2AA 0121 628 3977 www.cityknits.co.uk
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