With The Retas just around the corner, PGBuzz caught up with Ed Cowap, one of the directors of The Hollies Farm Shop in Cheshire, a finalist in the Best Non-Specialist Independent Retailer of Greeting Cards (North) category of these important card retailing awards.
How did you get started in retail?
We grew up on a farm and started by selling our produce grown on the farm at the farm gate via an honesty box. When the honesty box was stolen one day, our first attempt at a farm shop developed in the form of a small wooden shed from which we sold fruit, vegetables and flowers. With the sale of flowers we soon realised that people would often need a card and our first move into cards came with a 48 pocket card spinner. Fast forward a few years and we now have a wonderful selection of cards and gifts within its own department; The Barn at The Hollies Farm Shop.
What products do you sell in your shop(s) and what are your best sellers?
As we have grown we are now seen as a destination and we attract both local customers and customers that travel from afar. We are now not only known for our fabulous foods, but also recognised for having some of the very best cards and gifts in the area. Some of our best-selling card ranges are from Belly Button, Five Dollar, Wrendale Designs, Wendy Jones-Blackett, Janie Wilson and Louise Mulgrew to name only few of our many suppliers.
What changes have you noticed in greeting card purchasing habits over the past few years?
Our card sales are still continuing to grow, helped by great innovation from designers and working with some of the best agents and reps in the North West of England.
How do you make your business stand out?
We are destination offering a full experience; Cheshire’s best farm shop, restaurant, forest lodge accommodation, butchery, delicatessen, wine department and gift barn all on one site with lots of free parking, fabulous friendly service, unique quality on trend products and fabulous displays.
What three tips would you give someone starting out in retail?
- Give outstanding service to your customers and enjoy what you choose to do
- Have a great team working with you
- Build a good relationship with reps, suppliers and agents
