Proving what inspirational marketeers and retailers they are, Jon May and Luke Jacks, co-owners of Mooch Gifts & Home in Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn, are stepping up to the plate during the lockdown period by increasing their initiatives, with the results paying dividends.
“We are trying our best to keep trade ticking over even though we are aware some household budgets may be currently severely affected,” Jon told GiftsandHome.net
Following on from the success of Mooch’s Easter Mystery Bags – an opportunity to clear old stock that would have otherwise ended up as sale items – a first Kids Mystery Bag was launched last week, with the option of a girl or boy bag, along with a Ladies Mystery Bag, with both selling out. “In fact, the Ladies Mystery Bag sold out in three hours!” Jon confirmed. “We will therefore be launching two new bags each week while the lockdown continues.”
He adds: “We were due to launch one new Mystery Bag yesterday (Sunday April 19) but decided to launch three, partly because we felt that more people would be shopping online while relaxing on a Sunday, and also, to ensure that everyone had the opportunity to buy one as we have had so many people requesting them. The Hearts Mystery Bag sold out in 50 minutes!”
Jon highlights that the shop has had had some lovely reviews and posts with people revealing the contents of the bags. “Customers are impressed with the speed of our free local deliveries, with many people receiving orders within hours rather than days or weeks. More and more products are being added to our website with the handwritten card service and gift wrapping proving a big hit.”
The Easter weekend also inspired Mooch to partner with Orange Tree Toys, where a Facebook competition gave children a chance to win a £30 Peter Rabbit Play set. Over 13,928 people were reached by the post, with over 120 new page ‘likes’, and new online orders. “Our aim is to continue these once a fortnight,” Jon highlighted. The gift retailer has also increased its range of Gifts in a Tin with a new delivery of Make Your Own kits helping to keep children entertained while they are at home.
As well as online activities, Jon and Luke have also refreshed the windows in both bricks and mortar stores, primarily to prevent sun damage, but also to engage with passers-by. “We realise so many people on their daily exercise have a ‘mooch’ in our windows that we have left a message on our vintage message boards encouraging them to mooch online, with a discount code to use for money off,” states Jon.
Top: Three of the Mystery Bags that have been ringing up sales for Mooch Gifts & Home, with the Hearts Mystery Bag (centre) selling out in less than an hour yesterday.
