Publisher I Drew This unveils bricks and mortar store in Brighton’s North Laines
Opening your own bricks and mortar shop is a great way to get products in front of loyal customers – and that’s just what Ilona Drew has done for her I Drew This brand.
After the doors of the Brighton store opened on Saturday 2 December, just in time for the Christmas rush, the artist and publisher has her own paintings, cards and gifts on offer.
“I’m so excited to open my own bricks and mortar shop in the North Laines of Brighton,” Ilona told PG Buzz. “It was the shop itself that sparked the idea, it has a fantastic location, surrounded by a lot of stylish and colourful businesses, and I daydreamed to my friend about how it would make a lovely shop – and now it’s really happening!
“It’s been six months of research and planning and now has been three weeks of flat-out days trying to get things organised in order to catch some of the Christmas trade.
“I’m looking forward to introducing some new products and designs to my current offering and finding some other cool businesses to work with on my ideas and I hope to make the shop a place that people enjoy popping by and sharing with me throughout the years to come.”
After all the hard work, with the high points of seeing the shop sign for the first time and painting the store teal – and the low point of early calls to get the internet sorted – last Thursday saw the opening party “for the nicest evening with friends and fizz”, followed by plenty of custom for Saturday’s first day.
Ilona is now getting used to working in store with her team, selling her greeting card ranges, including her signature Landmarks designs as well as tea towels, coasters, gifts, magnets and souvenirs.
