nursery matters JOHN BARKER Image source: pexels.com
Barking Mad This month Pramland’s John Barker takes time to reflect on the previous month since being able to open their doors and what’s currently hitting the spot in-store with their customers.
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nd breathe. . . . . .well that was a crazy first month wasn’t it? After another Lockdown we are all finally open for business again and I hope everyone’s tills have been ringing. The first month has flown by, aided by back to back appointments the days pass so quickly, one moment you’re opening the doors and in the blink of an eye it’s time to go home. Last month I told you all how I was a little negative about re-opening, after three months of “doing my own thing” the thought of having customers back in the store was playing on my mind. What was to look forward to? Customers are variable, the thing we need but we don’t want after all. Asking stupid questions – Check. Being generally annoying – Check. Inviting every family member plus neighbours, work colleagues and randomers they pass in the street to “help” them pram shop – Check. I gritted my teeth and entered the Thunderdome. . . .it wasn’t bad at all and within an hour or so it felt like we’d never been closed. Another concern I had over reopening was the supply change and how demand may affect already faltering delivery periods. I need not have worried, so far everything has gone swimmingly and I don’t think 34
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we’ve encountered any issues. We’ve continued to see slightly longer than usual deliveries from our EU brands but this is to be expected given the new import procedures. It may just be us but we have noticed a decline in home items such as furniture and “next to me” cribs. Customers seem to have been happy to wait to pick their wheels but many have already purchased furniture and other home items online. As the month has gone by and we have taken care of customers closer to their due dates we are finding that we are once again selling these items. It can’t be a coincidence that our average customers due date is no longer six or eight weeks away but now three or four months away. Appointments have been the order of the day since the reopening and they continue to be as we end our first month. We are seeing a continued demand for appointments for Friday, Saturday and Sunday but week days are starting to fill up less. I have put this down to a number of factors: Firstly, many people have now returned to work and weekday appointments aren’t possible for them. Secondly, many customers want to shop
Another concern I had over re-opening was the supply chan ge and how demand may affect already faltering delivery peri ods. I need not have worried, so far everything has gone swimmingly and I don’t think we’ve encountered any issues.
john@pramland.co.uk
