As well as the Nest stores in the Leicester city suburb of Stoneygate and in the nearby village of Broughton Astley, its third retail presence is within the Thurlaston Garden Centre & Tearoom, also in Leicestershire. Owner Samantha Gibbs shares what products sell well to the stores’ customer base of locals and tourists.
Everyday: Jamboree from Paper Salad
“We love the colour on all of the publisher’s ranges but Jamboree is a particular favourite at Nest. So vibrant and on-trend with its colour palette, the cards really do brighten up the card racks.”
Humour: Across The Board from Rosie Made A Thing
“Without a doubt these are our customers’ favourite cards when they want a giggle. Rosie is local to us and so we champion her ranges in all three of our outlets and online. She has a gift of noticing our nuances in life and demonstrates them with kindness in her fab illustrations. A humour range for everyone!”
Art: General from The Hidden Pearl
“Charlie is a new artist to us and a real rising star. She has captured the thoughtful art card beautifully – a growing section of the market. I really want to be shouting about Charlie’s cards for some time to come.”
Contemporary: Neo and Pandora from Megan Claire
“This is a publisher we have admired for some time and so spent one of our three vouchers at PG Live with the company. We went for these ranges for a spike of neon colour and the simplicity of gold on white.”
Handmade/Hand-Finished: General from Handmade And Hooked
“We have just taken on this lovely new range, which are handmade locally (and found on Etsy). They’re beautifully hand-painted cards designed with specific occasions in mind.”
Children’s: Kiddiwinks from Think of Me
“We have been buying Think of Me cards for years now, they’re one of our true staples. Its Kiddiwinks range is full of sophisticated colour and so gives more than a pastel or bright range to the racks. It really is our go to company for children’s cards.”
Giftwrap: General from Heather Alstead
“Anything with her Brown Bears on do well! Beautiful illustrations on a lovely quality paper, with matching cards available too, which we love!”
Top: One of a trio of beautiful Nest stores.