Having worked incredibly hard throughout lockdown, developing a website as well as providing a ‘doorstep service’ to customers, Jo Barber was very happy to re-open her specialist card, stationery and gift boutique No.14, in the attractive Bedfordshire town of Ampthill and get back to being a bricks and mortar retailer.
Delighted by how busy the shop has been since the re-opening Jo shares some of the ranges and products that have been doing well with her customers.
Humour
Stormy Knight and Brainbox Candy
“Both publishers’ cards are sensibly priced and reacted quickly to current times. Lockdown and quarantine humour will naturally have an expiry date, but right now customers are loving them.”
Occasions
Caroline Gardner
“They really do have everything covered. We find ourselves reordering most weeks.”
Thinking of You
Molly Mae’s Sending Hugs range and In Loving Memory and Laura Sherratt Designs’ Stay Safe designs
“The sad reality of the pandemic means sales of condolence cards have rocketed. Laura’s ‘stay safe’ cards have flown out – one customer bought 30!”
Children’s
Janie Wilson’s Milkshake range
“This range is a breath of fresh air – brightly coloured, fairly priced and gorgeous designs.”
Adult Ages
Molly Mae’s Special Age collection and Dandelion Stationery’s WD40
range
“These two publishers produce the best sellers for the adult age categories.”
Female birthday
Megan Claire’s Fresco collection
“Simple and wordy – they hit the mark.”
Giftwrap
Artebene
Ancillary
Compton & Clarke’s Carded Pocket Charms
“The company was quick to react to the changing world, creating some fab new designs which recognised distance and family. Such an affordable way to let somebody know you care.”
Little People’s children’s books
Chilly’s water bottles
Last month’s best seller
Zelly’s facemasks
“I can’t believe I’m writing this; I would never have believed we’d even be stocking these a few months ago, but our best selling item in June was face coverings! These good quality, well packaged, stylish designs retail under £5.00. We sold over 300 in the first two weeks.”
Top: No.14 Ampthill in Bedfordshire is a curated emporium of cards, stationery and gifts.
