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Retailers On Retailers
Shops We Love The delights of Fortnum and Mason’s visual merchandising, the charm of a vintage bookstore, John Lewis’ incredible attention to customer detail, Graham and Green’s treasures and curiosities or the informed and friendly service of a local butchers, which retailer would be your favourite to browse and shop? Greeting card retailers and retail buyers reveal which department store, multiple or specialist independent they love and admire and what makes shopping there such a special experience.
Beverley Green, owner of Blue Rose Gifts & Balloons, Heywood: “My favourite shop is a book shop, such as Waterstones, but I like old second hand ones too. I used to read about six books a week when I was younger, but unfortunately working a seven days week (an empire doesn't build itself!) I don't always get the chance now. There's something magical about a bookshop. Firstly, there's the smell (of old books in particular) that draws you in. Once inside you are met with row upon row of books just waiting to be opened, each with their own unique story to tell, each waiting to take you to different worlds and introduce you to different characters. I think that this has helped me to be creative in my own shop. It is like a book, it’s that magical, fun, bright and lively place that you want to spend your spare half hour.” Left: Just like a book, Blue Rose in Heywood is somewhere to submerge yourself.
Denise Laird, owner of Spirito, Glasgow: "Whenever I am in London I make a special point of visiting Anthropologie. The stores have a relaxed atmosphere with helpful, knowledgeable staff, a cool vibe and a distinctive look. They are very spacious with expansive ranges of clothing, homewares, gifts and beauty products. I admire what they achieve with creative, inspirational displays. The stock is quirky and feels more personal because it does not follow convention. Additionally, the music playlists help to create a positive ambience, and I particularly love the fact that customers are welcome to bring their canine companions with them."
Carly Pearson, card buyer for Sainsbury’s:
Dan Cooper, Christmas buyer for John Lewis: “My favourite shops are Arrowsmiths and Kit in Broadstairs, Kent, where I live. They are both independent gift/card/clothing shops. The owners have great taste, know their customers and always have something different to offer. I spend my life making choices from vast amounts of stuff. When I’m not at work I appreciate someone else making most of the choices for me. They are also helping to revive the fortunes of our town and attract new visitors. Everyone who comes to visit me in Kent wants to spend time and money in these shops. Everything I can buy from Arrowsmiths or Kit I do, because I want them to succeed and I enjoy talking shop when I pop in!”
Below: Anthropologie's unique product of clothes, homewares and gifts is a favourite with retailers. Bottom right: You in Stamford has some gorgeous gifts.
Above: Arrowsmiths in Broadstairs is a treasure trove of beautiful things.
“My personal favourites are Oliver Bonas and Anthropologie. I like that these shops offer a variety of product types and are displayed in an aspirational way that makes me want to go home and recreate the look. From an independent perspective, I really love a shop called You where I live in Stamford. It offers a really lovely array of gifts I want to take home for myself, never mind give to other people, and also a shop called The Nest at No.9 in a town called Olney in Bedfordshire. It’s just a really cool looking shop with fabulous wallpaper behind the counter!”
Jenni Taylor, card buyer for Bentalls, Kingston: “Liberty of London is a store I admire. I love the character of the store, the interiors and the history.”
Jo Barber, owner of The Stationery & Gift Boutique, Ampthill: “While I’m a big fan of independents, my favourite place to shop tends to be The White Company. Its shops are always clean, spacious and merchandised well. Its opening hours suit my busy day, the smell as you walk in is gorgeous, the staff always say hello as you enter and the products are great quality. I admire the company as it gets it right in every store. It clearly invests in its staff, and when you give a White Company gift, it will always delight.” PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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