And B is for Bennetts. The first shop to place a real, genuine order of my humble artistic efforts which way back in 1998 was hand painted, hand made greeting cards and cushions.
That initial Bennetts order gave me the confidence to quit my freelance designer job and sell my own work. I had freelanced for two years after graduating and via an agent saw my furnishing designs sold to the likes of M&S, Next and Sandersons. However, I wanted more control over what I produced and this led me naturally towards starting my own business.
For those of you who might not know, Bennetts is a family run independent department store with 3 shops situated in Derby, Ashbourne and Bakewell. They excel at providing a personal and friendly service and are the stalwart retail giants in their respective areas. As many independent and small shops are finding, trading is once again, difficult. Rents and rates are crippling and the high street is an entity hanging in the balance. Which is why I am about to climb on my soap box and shout up for the little people who bust a gut to provide something that nearly always comes from the heart.
Tourist areas like Ashbourne need to offer something the internet can’t provide. A real, in the moment experience!
Beautiful stores, personal friendly service, eye catching window displays as well as lovely product you can touch and hold before you buy.
To survive in these times they need to work together and make their town a destination choice. I think the Arts could play an integral part in ensuring the High Street doesn’t disappear completely. By creating events and art trails which could involve schools and talent from within the community they can provide the stage for something that people can enjoy being part of.
It will no doubt involve a lot of hard work but anyone who owns a shop is no stranger to hard graft. Being a shop or cafe owner is a full time commitment and those who do it well, eat sleep breathe it. But they can’t do it on their own. Which is why, before you do a price check and rush to order from Amazon … remember, the chances are their prices are already as competitive as they can possibly be.
I for one think our communities and free time will be a lot poorer without towns like Ashbourne and individual high streets such as Saddlergate of Derby. So if you can, make a conscious effort to love and support your local businesses. They really do need you.
Which leads me directly to a perfect afternoon in which Louise from Bennetts, (now a dear friend after twenty years of trading together) handed over her shop window for me to play with. And oh I did have the loveliest of times. This window display was my celebration and thank you to Bennetts for getting me started and supporting me over the years with retail advice, orders and product feed back. And if you are thinking of heading to the Derbyshire Dales anytime soon, do pop into Bennetts for a cream tea and a little mooch. It really is a lovely old shop with a very large range of gift, fashion, cosmetic and home ideas. And if you have time, introduce yourself to Louise, she is a fellow kindred spirit from the dog world and therefore a jolly good sort in my eyes!
