With shortages continuing to dominate the news, Lisa Hemingway, owner of interiors and fashion company Chalk, explains how the company has been mitigating stock issues.
“The current stock issues have made the past few months particularly challenging,” states Lisa. “Luckily all of our collections are designed in the UK, and over a third of our products are made here, so we’ve been able to keep control of that stock and fulfill demand.”
She continues: “In order to save on freight costs, we’ve had to shop around and find new places to manufacture. We’ve also had to think on our feet and develop our range to include new styles and colours that can be made by new suppliers in different regions. Although challenging, this has allowed us to develop a more interesting and varied collection.”
She says that being a small team, the company has been able to adapt to the unfolding situation and keep things running relatively smoothly. “Planning and ordering ahead has helped us to ensure that we are stocked up for Autumn/Winter. We have a good relationship with all of our stockists, which has meant that we’ve been able to manage expectations on delivery times and keep people informed along the way.”
Top: Chalk’s stand at Home & Gift, Harrogate. Owner Lisa Hemingway is on the right.
