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Bucking The Trend
With CVAs become the norm for many multiples, PG&H spoke to independent gift retailers up and down the country about how the first half of the year has been, and discovered that while retail remains challenging, indies seem to be forging ahead. At the time of going to press at the end of June, Monsoon/Accessorize was the latest in a long line of multiples - among them the Arcadia Group, Jamie’s Italian, Paperchase, Debenhams, House of Fraser, Homebase and Mothercare - seeking a company voluntary agreement (CVA) to give them the opportunity they need to reduce rates and close unprofitable stores. Conversely, it’s the independents who are opening new stores and feeling confident about the rest of the year. However, it does come down to location, location, location.
Expanding In Fowey
Opening Two New Stores
“We trade in popular seaside locations which all seem to be bucking the trend,” comments Keiron Cockley, co-owner of Brocante which has shops in Fowey, Mevagissey and St Ives. “The staycation is very much in vogue, as the message about what the UK has to offer is being heard more and more, and it’s with this in mind that we are opening the doors to our fourth Brocante in July and our second shop in Fowey. It’s a chance to expand our offer and add new lines, as well as to capitalise on our current customer base. Fowey is a great town and we feel that there is more we can do because we know it so well.” However, reflecting on the year so far, Keiron says that 2019 has been a bit of a mixed bag. “We are performing slightly up on last year, but it’s not been easy, and we have had to work harder to achieve this. We have used our suppliers expertise a lot more, and taken guidance from them rather than playing it safe. We want to work closer with them going forward, and this means investing in the brands for maximum impact. Staff training has also been more important to us, and we have also put systems and procedures in place to facilitate growth, to include training programmes.”
MOOCH, which has a shop on St Giles Street in Northampton, and a concession in Bell, has just opened a third store in the market town of Olney in Buckinghamshire. “It’s a huge privilege for us to have a shop in Olney,” states MOOCH’s co-owner Paul Roberts. “It’s a destination town for ‘mooching’ with a gorgeous selection of beautiful boutique shops and coffee shops. We’ve therefore been working very closely with our suppliers to bring something a little bit different to the new store that we think customers will love. We’ve added a few new products to the range, and will also be featuring many favourites. Plus, a fourth shop will be opening in Towcester this summer.” Below: The new MOOCH gift shop in Olney.
Left: Brocante, St. Ives.
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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