The fact that few of us are likely to be venturing beyond UK shores this year for our holidays (what are they?!) should signal a bonanza time for retailers located in UK hotspots.
In the second of a series, ditching its passport PG Buzz ventured forth to find out how card retailers are ready and waiting to welcome the wave of staycationers in their part of the world.
Second stop is Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire with Phil Hammill, manager of Jessica Hogarth Designs (and love partner of Jess) sharing his thoughts…
“Since we only opened the shop on the 31 July 2020, we are yet to experience a summer where the staycation is not the trend for the season! In recent years, Robin Hood’s Bay and the surrounding area has been becoming even more popular than ever before and I think we are in for a very busy summer with both daytrippers and those coming for longer stays.
Years ago, the area used to quieten down out of school holiday times, but the line between ‘high’ and ‘low season’ is becoming more blurred than ever before and I am sure this year will be no exception.
Even with restrictions easing and us now having the ‘green light’ to visit some foreign destinations, I think some people will remain cautious and choose to holiday in the UK for some time to come.”
What are you doing to capitalise on the UK holiday mood?
“We will certainly be ensuring we are stocked up and prepared for continuously busy days throughout the summer. We were a bit overwhelmed with just how busy the shop was day in, day out last year and we were caught out on a couple of occasions, which left us feeling like the shop wasn’t as well stocked as it could have been.
We are delighted to have collaborated with our friend and fellow designer Ilona Drew from I Drew This. She has created a beautiful illustration of ‘the dock’ in Robin Hood’s Bay, based on images we sent her, and it’s now available on cards, prints, coasters and magnets. The artwork is exclusive to us except for on Ilona’s own online shops and compliments our own created products perfectly.
We hope to further build on our collection of bespoke products over the coming months to ensure we continue to have a point of difference.
Visitors are usually looking for souvenirs or keepsakes from which to remember their visit so the majority of our magnets, tea towels and coasters are purchased by them. Interestingly though, we also saw an uptick in locals purchasing our Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby products in the lead up to Christmas, to give as gifts.
Jess’ collection of locally-inspired artwork is what led us to open the shop to begin with, so this tasteful and unique product is and will continue to be the focal point of our product offering. Some of the artwork is completely focused on Robin Hood’s Bay whereas her Over the Rooftops illustration was drawn on location in the village, but it could represent a number of places.
We have also started stocking coastal cards by Onneke Northcote-Green. She has a shop in Seaford and has stocked Jess’ product so it is lovely we now have her cards in our store. Although they are not specific to our area some of the themes within the cards fit perfectly as does her colourful and illustrative approach to design.”
What would be your ‘must visit’ tip for those visiting Robin Hood’s Bay?
“It’s very hard to give one ‘must do’ for an area that offers so much but walking the coastal path from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay (or vice versa) is pretty spectacular and of course you must have a cold beverage and some fish & chips as a reward once you get to your destination!”
If there was a magic carpet waiting (and no pandemic) where would you want to go?
“We had a trip booked to New York for last May which was cancelled and that’s the first place we will be going to once we are able – we can’t wait to go back and experience the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city again! The pandemic has resulted in quite a lifestyle change for Jess in particular and while we are enjoying being more grounded in Whitby, we are both excited to get out and about a little bit more again.”
Top: The picturesque Robin Hood’s Bay.
