With less than a week to go to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee (2-5 June) gift shops up and down the UK are making the most of the historic occasion.
“Most of our gifts have already sold out!” confirms Karen Ritchie, owner of The Rowan Tree in Budleigh Salterton. “All the Emma Bridgewater and Sophie Allport Jubilee mugs went almost straightaway and, unfortunately, limited supply means no reordering… However, we have a fabulous display of Jan Constantine hand embroidered cushions in our window which are destined to be the heirlooms of the future. I wanted to find something really special for such an historic even tand I believe these are a great fit for the celebration.”
Continues Karen: “On a more light hearted note, we are also selling locally made doggie bow ties in a Union Jack design, matchboxes of seeds to plant in celebration of the Jubilee and Sophie Allport tea towels to dry up the crockery from street parties!
“Budleigh Salterton is closing the high street to have a street party, with over 600 people attending, with tables all the way down the street. There will be music and entertainment with all the local cafes and restaurants getting involved with refreshments. It should be a brilliant evening. We, of course, will be decked with bunting, and dressing up in red, white and blue for the day, and will gift wrap all purchases in similar patriotic coloured tissue paper! We will also be having a Facebook competition for the best dressed Jubilee pet as well,” adds Karen.
Also excited to be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee,” is Samantha Gibbs, owner of three Nest stores in Broughton Abbey, Stoneygate and Thurlaston Garden Centre. “We always love the opportunity to become part of the community and celebrate an occasion with our lovely customers,” enthuses Samantha.
“We have gone all out with a red, white and blue theme, and have bunting and flags galore. We even have Gift Republic’s Mini Plant Pot Royal Gardeners for a bit of fun! Talking Tables’ Union Jack inspired picnicware is proving really popular, and we have almost sold out of all our red and blue summer scarves and bags. Customers are loving the idea of celebrating in any way they can which is lovely and positive, and we are so thrilled that they are embracing it,” Samantha adds.
“Both of our stores are dressed in Union Jacks with red, white and blue ‘The Best of British’ themed windows, and each store is featuring the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee logo,” highlights Jon May, co-owner of Mooch Gifts & Home stores in Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn. “Our Stourport store is taking part in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon Trail where participants are led around the town on an interactive trail, with the use of QR codes that can be found in the windows of participating outlets.”
Adds Jon: “Party products trade has been brisk, with the majority of our stock supplied by Talking Tables. We have also seen strong sales for The Great British Quiz in a tin from Apples to Pears and the Jubilee limited edition mug fromMoorland Pottery. We expect to sell out of most ranges by this weekend as customers get ready to party next week!”
Top: Jan Constantine hand embroidered Jubilee cushions are taking centre stage at The Rowan Tree, along with lots of other Jubilee giftware which is selling out fast.
