Calladoodles is a much-loved retailing ‘hub’ in the attractive Surrey town of Carshalton. With lockdown coinciding with the shop’s 10th anniversary, Liz Killick and her daughter, Clare White, with whom she co-owns Calladoodles, went for it with a total revamp of the shop, a reset of its website (including celebrity bloggers) as well as a whole programme of initiatives. (https://www.pgbuzz.net/oodles-of-action-in-calladoodles-re-opening-programme/)
“We took the opportunity to strip the shop down to basics, apply lashings of paint and floor varnish, and to chuck out tired old (aka shabby chic) furniture to create a cleaner, brighter look. We managed to free up some floor space for a mini waiting area as our extremely narrow pavement can’t accommodate any kind of queue. So far everyone has managed the ‘2 metre avoidance dance’ with good humour and not one moan! So good to see all our lovely friends and customers in real life instead of on a Zoom grid,” Liz told PG Buzz.
Liz explains Calladoodles’ local annual Carshalton Artists’ Open Studios event was “transformed into Online Studios and we were able to showcase many of the artists’ work for the duration of CAOS both in our window and our newly created local art area. It has been a super community effort by all involved and much applauded by our customers,” says Liz. “One of the positives to have emerged from the Covid nightmare is the heightened sense, and appreciation, of neighbourliness and personal interaction,” she added.
Here, Liz shares a selection of some of Calladoodles’ best sellers…
Everyday:
Vertigo and Nature Trail from The Art File
“My go-to card company. Always something fresh and appealing, a wealth of choice, excellent quality and well-priced.”
Thinking of You/Lockdown:
Words of Wisdom from Dandelion Stationery
“Unique, thoughtful, utterly reliable, but never dull. The insightful text and quirky illustrations are always in demand. The service and the products are top notch.”
The New Normal from Woodmansterne
“I really like the Fred designs and joyful new Quentin Blake designs – even managed to incorporate TikTok!”
Humour:
Gemma Correll from Ohh Deer
Gin & Frolics from Rosie Made A Thing
“Rosie has a style like no other which appeals to both old and young alike. We have used her free download designs for Covid posters too.”
Words of Wisdom from Dandelion Stationery
Relations and Occasions:
Across the board from The Art File, Belly Button Designs, Claire Giles, Hotchpotch, The Curious Inksmith (Ling) and Woodmansterne.
Art:
William Morris from Ling Design
“These are proving popular as there is an Arts & Crafts Movement link locally.”
Across the board from Judy Lumley Print
“Just beautiful.”
I Like Birds from The Art File
“Deceptively simple designs with real impact.”
Quentin Blake from Woodmansterne
“Definitely my kind of ‘art’”
Across the board from Museums & Galleries
“The London Transport Museum collection is especially popular.”
Adult Ages:
Panache and Neon from Real & Exciting Designs
Children’s:
Generally from Rachel Ellen Designs
“So much to choose from, great price and a firm favourite with our customers.”
Just Animals from Lucilla Lavender
“Simple, broad brush animal images. Make a lovely companion card to a gift from our All Creatures soft toy range.”
Giftwrappings:
Judy Lumley
“Appeals to the customer looking for something different.”
The Yoga Girls and Lemons patterns from Think of Me Designs
“High quality paper and fresh modern designs.”
Across the board from Glick
“Good mainstream well priced papers and some affordable designer ranges to broaden the offering too. Always excellent customer service.”
Gifts/Ancillaries:
Pastels from Country Candles
Bath melts, soaps and shampoo bars from Wild Olive
“Very affordable gifts – popular with children looking for a present for mums and grandmas. Their lovely gentle soaps are much in demand with all the extra hand washing!”
The boxed jewellery on a mini gift card collection from Crumble & Core
“These just fly – the perfect gift to put in the post or hide in a pocket for an instant surprise!”
Jewellery from Christin Ranger
“Special, but affordable gift of jewellery that is beautifully presented.”
Reading and tech-related products from IF
“Perfect for the teenage and male market when socks just won’t do! Great price point and presentation.”
Self-purchases:
Scarves from Miss Shorthair
Scarves from Quintessential
Jewellery from Ask
