Last Friday (28 October) was a truly memorable one for Jo Williams, owner of gift store Joco in Nuneaton. Seeing off stiff competition, Jo could not have been more thrilled when Joco was announced the winner of the prestigious Retailer of the Year category at the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Awards, which took place at Coventry’s Coombe Abbey Hotel.
“It was a fabulous night,” Jo told GiftsandHome.net. “We were only named as a finalist a couple of weeks ago, and went along not expecting to win, as there were some fantastic businesses shortlisted, so when they called out our name, we all screamed with excitement and shock!”
“It has been an incredible achievement after the turbulent 12 months we have been through,” continued Jo, who attended the awards with two of her team members, Kirsty Marshall and Fiona Withey, as well as her partner Aaron Lovelock. “Like all small businesses we have faced multiple hurdles to keep the shop going, but we have faced them head on and, as a team, we have supported each other to achieve our goals.”
Added Jo: “moving to a fourth location in seven years has been an expensive journey, but one we have planned for. The future looks bright due to the huge development taking place opposite our final home, which will bring in more footfall when it is completed. It will allow us to have late night openings, special events, members nights and charity fundraisers, as we did previously in our very first shop.”
Continued Jo: “Starting off from a tiny shop on Queens Road in Nuneaton, we have grown each year, moving into the Abbeygate Shopping Centre and then into the Ropewalk Shopping Centre. We are now back on Queens Road, but in one of the biggest shops on the street. Due to the restrictions on hours and access during the evenings, many of our special events ceased but we are looking to restart these very soon, especially as we now have three floors available to us.”
The first floor is being shared with Terry’s Bed Centre – Jo’s other business – which also features Joco’s artwork, clocks, ornaments and vases.
“The third floor is currently storage, but the team are working hard to sort the floor, so that we can create a third customer display area, which could be used for special occasions and may potentially be by invitation only, making a visit to Joco extra special,” adds Jo.
Top: Jo Williams, owner of Joco in Nuneaton, is shown on stage (middle row, left) at last Friday’s Coventry and Warwickshire Business Awards, which took place at Coombe Abbey Hotel in Coventry. Joco won the prestigious Retailer of the Year category.
