Jo, how did it feel when your shop’s name was called out as the winner of last year’s Greats Gift Retailer Award for Best Newcomer for the Midlands, North and Scotland?
“It was not only an amazing feeling for me as the owner of the business, but for the staff too, who were elated. The atmosphere in the shop has always been good but this gave everyone a boost, making them feel appreciated and acknowledged for the hard work running a gift shop can be in these difficult times.”
I bet your customers were thrilled for you . . .
“They were! They came in with cards of congratulations, and we also featured in the local newspaper and on many local social media groups. This gave us great coverage for free and many people within the town and further afield now know the name Joco!”
I hear you’ve all become local ‘celebrities’! Can you tell us a bit more about that please?
“The staff and I are now recognised as we walk around the town, and the award has helped us to be nominated for local business awards. It’s funny when people start talking to you as if you know them. Sometimes I recognise them from having been into the shop but at other times I’m completely taken aback. For example, a guy came up to me in the gym a few weeks ago and told me how, he was talking about me with his mum who loves shopping in Joco. I’ve never spoken to him before, but now he says ‘hello’ every day!”
Where do you keep your Greats award?
“Our trophy takes pride of place in the window and many people comment on our achievements since opening in 2015. We hope to continue being nominated, finalists or even winning further awards over the coming years. The feeling of taking part is amazing, as is the glittering awards ceremony, but to win just takes everything to another level.”
The closing date for The Greats 2019 is January 31.
Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk to download an entry form, or email your entry to suem@max-publishing.co.uk
Above: Joco Interiors, Nuneaton, last year’s winner of The Greats Best Newcomer Midlands, North and Scotland category.
