With April 12 just over four weeks away, gift retailers in England and Wales are busy gearing up for a grand re-opening. Among them is Bill Nettelfield, owner of Bill & Berts in Colchester.
“We have had quite a decent shuffle around in the shop to keep us and our customers on our toes,” comments Bill. “We have decided to open with a bang and a full shop of new and existing suppliers.”
“I have expanded on previous winning suppliers – Ashleigh & Burwood, Wrendale, Sophie Allport, Besp-oak, DCUK, Gingko, Swole Panda – and, for the first time, I have ordered from about 20 new suppliers, including Mathmos, Mova, Elite, Hydro-Herb, Bottled Baking Company and Janie Wilson.”
Continues Bill: “We are opening with a January sale for all those customers who missed out on Christmas decorations etc., straight after Christmas. And as soon as it is sensible, we will be having a couple of late night shopping and drinks events where one will definitely involve mulled wine! As with our re opening in June last year, I’m going with the Bill & Berts cartoons in the front windows, but this time with a sunshine feel about them.”
Commenting on what trade will be like on April 12 and the rest of April, Bill says that only time will tell. “I do believe that with the number of vaccines that have already been given, and with the frustration of customers not being allowed to shop properly this year, the bounce back will be far quicker than when we all re-opened last June. We independents now have to offer customer service that the nationals have long forgotten how to, as customers will be looking for service, safety and fun more now than at any time, and it is us who are best placed to provide this.”
Adds Bill: “This year’s Harrogate show will, I’m sure, prove to be the most important show in the industry for many, many years.”
Top: A colourful, eye-catching window graphic at Bill & Berts will be telling customers ‘we’re back!’.
