When IC&G came up with the idea to reward its independent customers by sending a bumper hamper to everyone who ordered £450 of stock in the month, the publisher saw it as a treat for the retailer and their staff.
However, the generously spirited team at independent card shop, Rathbones of Chingford opted to forgo enjoying the contents of the hamper and instead used it to raise money for a local charity, St Francis Hospice, through a raffle in store.
The shop is run by Claire Richardson, who took over from her father Roy Ansty (who bought the shop 22 years ago) when he retired.
Claire was delighted that the hamper was won by one of its loyal local customers, known as ‘Little Mo’. The £150 raised as a result of the raffle has been donated to the St Francis Hospice, who cared for her mother.
Commenting, Tony Roberts, sales director of IC&G said: “We were delighted to send 215 hampers to our customers who participated in the promotion as thanks for their continued support. I was touched that Rathbones decided to use theirs to pass on to one of their customers, who won the raffle and raise money for the hospice in the process.”
Rathbones is a beacon of independent retailing in South Chingford, serving a strong local community.
“I can’t hide that it is tough being an independent retailer at the moment; the high street needs all the help it can get,” says Claire. “Rents, rates and parking are all crippling indies, but we need to do all we can to remind people of the importance of shopping in independents.”
Rathbones is part of the Love South Chingford initiative, a group set up by those in the locality to rejuvenate the area, including the high street. “The public needs to be reminded of ‘use it or lose it’!” stresses Claire.
Top: Rathbones of Chingford has been an independent card retailing beacon in South Chingford for decades.
