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“We have to encourage shoppers to return to our high streets”
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Julia Marsen, owner of Ottie and Christmas to get people through espite the The Bea, added: “We do an annual the door.” difficulties faced late night Christmas shop for our Many are seeing a continuing due to supply local customers and there has been shift towards shopping local, as issues, reported a lot of interest in these events. A Julie Logan, owner of The Olive shortages and the continuing lot of our customers are popping a Branch Toyshop, told PPS: “We’ve uncertainty around Covid-19 really felt the warmth of our few extra bits in their basket when restrictions, preschool retailers local customers and a general they come in as a gentle start to are working hard to entice their Christmas shopping.” feeling of wanting to support customers back into stores to local, small businesses shop for Christmas gifts Because we fear supply chain rather than travelling to in a bid to provide a busier city centres.” much-needed boost for problems, we’ve incentivised Karen Bridle, owner of the industry. our customers to shop early for BabyB Store, agreed: “Early “Because we fear supply chain problems, Christmas – we’ve been offering 25% indications are showing that people are Christmas we’ve incentivised our off all toys for the last two weeks shopping early and still customers to shop early enjoying supporting the for Christmas – we’ve Simon Wilson, owner of Piccola local independent stores. been offering 25% off We have definitely seen an increase Many are enjoying being able all toys for the last two weeks,” on gifts sales in the last six weeks.” to shop in person again, as Hellen explained Simon Wilson, owner Despite early interest from Stirling-Baker, owner of Small Stuff, of Piccola. “This has worked, consumers, retailers are reporting explained: “My local customers as the discounts make it easier mixed experiences with delivery are loving coming in to browse for people to buy now rather of stock. Some, like Nicola Amies, and the ‘experience’ of shopping; than in December. We all have owner of Sea Whistle, have we’ve also got plenty of exciting to try to encourage shoppers managed to avoid delays: “So far events happening in the run up to to return to our high streets.”
Ickle Bubba scoops key award win Ickle Bubba has been named the Fastest Growing Business in the Manufacturing and Engineering category at the 2021 Wales Fast Growth 50 Awards. With growth of 369% between 2018 and 2020, the nursery designer, manufacturer and supplier also finished in sixth place overall. Launched in 2013, the Swanseabased company has quickly grown from a team of 11, to an international supplier operating across seven countries. Ickle Bubba recently launched into France and Germany,
shortly after its debut in Australia and Spain, and moved to a new HQ with a 45,000 sq ft warehousing facility. The team at Ickle Bubba has ambitious plans to become a globally recognised and market leading children’s brand in the future. Fran Vaughan, ceo and founder at Ickle Bubba, commented: “Having achieved consecutive triple digit growth for each of the last four years, the Ickle Bubba team have grown from a team of 11 based in Wales to an international team of 64 people across seven different countries. With
128 stockists in the UK alone; we are grateful for our continued growth and believe we will continue to do so by staying true to Ickle Bubba’s founding principles, to deliver great products at brilliant value.” Above: The Ickle Bubba team are proud to be recognised in the Wales Fast Growth 50.
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