Retailer’s team finally meet up as special Ukraine product is launched
It’s been a doubly proud week for stationery fan Sarah Laker as the independent retailer has used her love of notebooks to help a Ukrainian charity and also instigated a special training session with the staff of her two stores.
Having opened the second Stationery Supplies shop in Wilmslow during lockdown to join the existing Marple one, the staff in the two stores have not previously met up so organising training with Maped Helix seemed a very good solution.
“It put a massive smile on my face seeing them all together in their branded hoodies last Wednesday (23 March),” Sarah told PG Buzz, “my Marple staff came over to Wilmslow to see the new shop, meet the Wilmslow staff and then, after a rather yummy buffet lunch, we had the staff training session.”
When Sarah first had the idea for a staff afternoon, Maped Helix was top of her list. “And they didn’t disappoint! Having never held a training session for a customer before like this, Simon and Becky rose enthusiastically to the challenge making it informative, hands on and fun,” said Sarah.
“It’s great to work in partnership with a forward-thinking supplier who realise the potential of getting products in hands and also understand the massive part that independent shops play within their business and the stationery industry,” she added.
And Sarah was a very busy bee as the event coincided the launch of her charity notebook, launched to help with the Ukraine crisis: “All profits are going to Ukraine Bright Kids Charity, who support children with disabilities and their families who are often unable to get to safety due to complex medical needs.”
Sarah felt compelled to do something to help the Ukrainian people so, in conjunction with Dominic Phillips Art, produced the beautiful and poignant notebook which has a sunflower image, with hearts and doves and the message Peace – Love – Unity.
Sarah placed a first order of 100 of the A5 notebooks, which have 100% recycled covers and 32 pages of 140g natural ivory plain cartridge paper, and has already sold more than half at £4.50 each through her two stores and online shop. Once the initial batch has sold, she’ll take pre-orders for more.
And there was more charity activity on Sunday (27 March), when Sarah handed over a £150 donation from the sale of the store’s 2022 Marple calendar, to Mellor Country House which provides a restful, relaxing and recreational retreat for vulnerable people including single parents and low-income families who need a break.
Top: Colouring in fun – staff get to test the products
