RETAIL INTERVIEW
Casa Fina
A new
chapter
Shop photos: Noorie Parvez
When Salisbury interior accessories and gift shop Casa Fina was offered the chance of a makeover for a TV show, owner Susi Mason jumped at the chance. Clare Turner finds out more
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“The design brief talked about updating our look while keeping the essence of what Casa Fina is all about”
BC One’s ‘Interior Design Masters’ is a reality competition TV series, hosted by presenter and comedian Alan Carr, which pits aspiring interior designers against each other for the opportunity to win a life-changing contract. Each week, a different challenge is set, designed to test the contestants’ ability to meet client briefs in various commercial and residential settings. Their efforts are judged by former Elle Decoration editor-in-chief Michelle Ogundehin, who is joined by a rotating panel of guest judges. In the ‘Shops Week’ episode, which aired on March 30, (but was filmed last summer) six designers visited Salisbury to transform three very different independent stores, and retail expert Mary Portas was the guest judge. The businesses were interior accessories and gift shop Casa Fina, bridal shop Brides by Victoria, and lingerie shop Annie’s Just Jane. In Alan’s words: ‘All were in need of a makeover to help them compete in an age of online shopping.’ Working in pairs and with a budget of £3,000, the designers had just two days to give the boutiques a completely fresh look. But before they hit the high street, they first had to meet their clients to pitch their design ideas. Casa Fina owner Susi Mason takes up the story: “2021 was already proving to be a year like none other in retail when I received an email from a TV production company asking me if I would be interested in Casa Fina taking part. As a fan of the show, I leapt at the chance to find out more.
66 Gifts Today
We were visited by producers, design advisors and logistics people who worked out which three Salisbury independents would work well together to offer contrasting challenges. Every measurement was written down, plans were drawn, and the shop was photographed from all angles, inside and out. After a week or two I heard that Casa Fina had been chosen, and we started to think about the task ahead. Casa Fina has been on Salisbury’s High Street for 38 years, since my mother and I opened the shop in 1983. Over the years the stock has changed dramatically, and we have had mini
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