Shop talk Greetings retailers tell it how it is....
Sue Swearman
Blacketts Gift Shop Bamburgh, Northumberland How did you get into the greeting card industry or retail? As part of a development project over 30 years ago, my husband built our first premises on a redundant site in the coastal village of Bamburgh, comprising seven holiday apartments, a restaurant and gift shop. Two years ago, we relocated into an adjacent Grade 2 listed Walled Garden, which gave us added space for gardenalia and plant sales and which also allowed the restaurant business space into which it could expand!
- always a real buzz when it flies off the shelves! And having a happy customer! The two worsts are: watching a customer google on their phone as they browse, looking for items cheaper online. We do all we can to provide an enjoyable customer experience in a unique environment from the moment they walk through our door. The “Googlers” really make me mad - so rude!
“We’ve been manically busy! We had an advantage because we are close to Scotland, where shops didn’t open until later”
What are the best & worst things about working in retail? The two best things are taking a risk on a new artist or line you have discovered
How have things been post-lockdown? Are you having any ongoing issues?
We’ve been manically busy! We had an advantage because we are close to Scotland, where shops didn’t open until later. Also, Northumberland is one of the UK’s best-kept secrets! With people having to stay at home for holidays, they have had to look further afield for places and we have been rediscovered. Footfall has been unbelievable. My shoppers are about 90% visitors anyway. We have had local visitors and those people who have holiday cottages here. It seems they are happy to spend money and have a little bit more to spend. It really has been great to welcome people back into the high street and they are really appreciating the shop.
What’s in your shop window? Eribe, Mousqueton, St Eval, Shoeless Joe, East of India, Tweedmill, Jellycat, Emma Ball.
What cards are selling well in your store at the moment? Cards selling well currently are Louise
How do trade magazines like Greetings Today help you?
Greetings Today provides a sound insight into new trends in the industry. Going forwards, I think that trade magazines could prove invaluable as we move further into the world of the virtual trade show.
18 www.greetingstoday.media
Mulgrew and Little Dog Laughed. I’m doing a lot more local artist cards too. Local artist Jane Jackson / Bright Seed Textiles go particularly well for us.
What is your favourite item in store? Eribe Knitwear.. we have become a stockist this year. Such a lovely company - they mix traditional design with contemporary colours. They are a real standout line, sustainable and ethical fashion at its very best. The fact that they are made locally in the Scottish Borders is a huge selling point for us too!
What card range or category do you always ensure you keep in stock because of its popularity? Cards always in stock here are all “feelgood”; Louise Mulgrew, Alex Clark, Little Dog Laughed, Emma Ball, Peartree Heybridge Spring Chicken Range. I love listening to customers having a giggle, and it puts them into a positive buying mode! We also have a wide range of local landscape photography cards.
Will you be going to any trade shows when they start up? I would normally go to Harrogate but I’m on the fence about it. I’ve actually discovered lots of little independent crafts people. A lot of indies have been cold calling - normally I wouldn’t encourage it but I feel that at the moment everybody deserves a chance.
