Four-store indie retailer celebrates 40 years by taking eco principles on board
It’s a genuine family affair at Zo And Co where the greeting card, gifts, and balloons independent retailer is entering its fifth decade with environmentally-conscious principles to the fore.
Beth Carter is the third generation to be involved in the independent retail business, which has four stores in Marple, Didsbury, Cheadle, and Knutsford, following in the footsteps of parents Paul and Zoe, and grandma Gillian.
It was Gillian who started the business from a card stall back in 1982, which proved so successful the Marple premises were taken on. “That was the foundation of Zo And Co,” Paul said. “At the age of 12, Zoe’s participation with a passion for display – and her bossy nature of course! – encouraged her mum to take a leap and look for other businesses.
“After many different identities, Zo And Co seems to be the winning formula at the forefront of our business which we’re all excited to develop even further.”
The company expanded with three more stores, picking up The Retas’ Best Newcomer award in 2017 for the newest outlet in Knutsford, the first to feature the Zo And Co concept, which sparked a refurbishment of the whole business earning the Best Small Multiple Card & Gift Store (4-20 stores) in 2019.
Having kept the business afloat when Covid hit, during which Beth launched an online and phone service ensuring customers could still celebrate their special occasions and keep in touch with friends and family, Zo And Co was also a Retas finalist in both 2021 and 2022.
And the University of Nottingham graduate is really making her presence felt thanks to the first-class honours degree she’s just earned in environmental science. She explained: “Most of our products are now sourced within the UK to reduce our carbon footprint. All of our cards are produced in the UK and are all packaged plastic-free.
“Our balloons are all sourced from sustainable Rain Forest Alliance Certified and Forest Stewardship Council plantations, helping to combat climate change, and we now stock vegan chocolate ranges such as Booja Booja and Raw Halo, also helping to protect the environment.”
As the company celebrates 40 years in business, Paul and Zoe are delighted Beth will be strengthening the family connection and ensuring the future is bright – and good for the planet.
Zoe added: “With the addition of a young recruit like Beth, she’s been vital in helping our online business prosper through taking control over the development of our new website.
“There’s no better team than a family, Paul and I are beyond excited to see what the future holds for our business for the next 40 years with these new principles in mind.”
Top: Beth Carter is using her degree to help parents Paul and Zoe instore
