For lifestyle and concept store Huus in Halesworth – a Greats Awards 2019 Gift Retailer finalist in the Best Newcomer South & Wales category – winning a free consultation from trend forecasters Scarlet Opus last year has inspired the way that owners Jane and Ron Dekker are approaching their business this year.
The husband and wife team, who entered the inaugural Survive & Thrive competition, held at Exclusively Housewares and Exclusively Electrical in 2018, impressed the judges with the “opportunities that Huus presented, their enthusiasm to take part, and their openness to react and implement recommendations.”
The competition, run in collaboration with trend forecasters Scarlet Opus, saw Jane and Ron benefit from the company’s expert advice on customer experience and service; merchandising; expanding the shops’ ranges to complement existing styling; social media and approach to trade shows.
Asked for three top tips gained from the Scarlet Opus visit and recommendations, the couple highlighted: regularly stepping back from the business and getting input from fresh eyes about the in store experience; to keep innovating; and to keep strengthening the bricks and mortar customer experience and advice in order to help to differentiate their shop from online stores.
Huus, which specialises in gifts, contemporary home accessories furniture – inspired by Northern European design – is based in Halesworth in Suffolk. The store first opened its doors in 2017.
Top: The exterior of Huus, Halesworth, which used to be an HSBC bank.
