The UK may be in lockdown, but for enterprising independent gift retailer Mooch Gifts & Home in Bewdley and Stourport on Severn, it’s been business – almost – as usual.
“Last week we experienced our busiest ever week online in our five years of trading,” co-owner Jon May told GiftsandHome.net. “We have added hundreds of lines to the website and will continue to do so over the weeks ahead. It’s keeping the website fresh and full of nearly everything customers could find in our stores, including houseplants, that have proved very popular.”
Easter too, has proved a winner. “We had a huge dilemma re our Easter stock, although not so much this year’s, as this was launched online,” explains Jon. “It was our left-over previous stock from other years, and adding it to the website for odds and ends was not commercially viable. However, last Thursday we launched an Easter Mystery Bag filled with decorations for £15, with a RRP worth £30. “We made up ten bags initially, and these sold out within two hours, so we then upped the bags to 20 and sold out again. By Friday morning, we had sold 30 bags and we now have no old Easter stock left! We could probably have sold another 30 too. Plus, we found that 70% of people who purchased these bags spent over £30 online.”
He continued: “We had so many lovely comments from customers who said opening the bags made their day, brightened up lockdown and made them get creative.”
Far from resting on their laurels, Jon and Luke have become increasingly creative, producing posts on social media and giving people inspiration to get creative and make their own Easter tree.
“Based on such a positive experience with the Mystery Bags, and with customers asking us for others, we will be launching more bags on April 14, simply clearing sale and discontinued lines. However, these bags will be themed for all ages.”
Since the lockdown, new customer services that have been added by Mooch include: a free local delivery service for a 10 mile radius from the company’s stores; free gift wrapping if the items are gifts; handwritten personal messages in cards, with direct postage to recipients; balloons online with free delivery, and drop-ship home accessories from a Mooch supplier.
“In addition, to show our support to the NHS, we have decorated our windows with THE fabulous posters from Brainbox Candy.”
Added Jon: “Thankfully, we are still really busy. Our stores may be closed, but we are very much still here and adapting our business to survive in these uncertain times.”
Top: Easter Mystery Bags have been a sell out for Mooch Gifts & Home.
