7 Independent Businesses Going Beyond Traditional Retail

In February 2020, online retail sales made up approximately 19% of all retail sales. Only two years later, in March 2022, this jumped to 26% of total sales.  Even as the world is well into its post-pandemic recovery, brick and mortar stores have had to work hard to regain their footing against the increasing popularity of online shopping.  The rise of the ‘experience economy’, where people are spending more on in-person experiences as opposed to...

   

12 Retail Store Layouts & Need-to-Knows

Designing a store layout is part art and a lot science. Understanding the theory behind common store layouts will give you an important grounding before you go on to design your own. We’re going to walk you through some proven store layouts (with diagrams!) and best practices, as well as guiding you on what might be right for you. 

   

From Brainstorm to Business: A Guide to Product Manufacturing

So you’ve got a product idea. Like many entrepreneurs before you, you may be wondering how on earth to make this a reality.   

   

Style That Doesn’t Cost the Earth: An Interview With the Couple Behind Decor Ate Me Studios

From curvaceous busts and bums, to abstract geometric shapes and delicate food and flower designs — Decor Ate Me Studios specialises in candles and stunning structural art, along with unique ceramics with which to pair them. With all-vegan products and sustainable shipping methods, the brand is proudly owned by Eve & Teresita, a couple of super-talented women with a penchant for all things creative. We speak to them about their love for interior...

   

From Styling to Stationery: An Interview With the Couple Behind Pavilion

If you think Pavilion's stationery designs wouldn't look out of place in a modern art museum, you wouldn't be far off. The duo's stylish stationery is a hit with a range of retailers and renowned gift shops, owing to its unique and contemporary designs. We speak to founders Robert & Jan about their journey together from the world of fashion, to making their mark in the stationery world.

   

How to Go Digital With Your Wholesale Business

  Whether across B2C or B2B, buyer behaviour is changing. It’s been happening for a while, and has only been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Regardless of sector, Ecommerce is booming, with shoppers opting for online shopping more than ever before. In 2019, retail generated £60.4 billion, with the wholesale sector ranking first in the UK for 3 consecutive years, with 214.7 billion generated in 2019 alone.

   

On Printmaking & Misplaced Creativity: An Interview With Textile Artist Benjamin Partridge

Founded in late 2013, The Owlery began as an outlet for Printmaker Benjamin Partridge's misplaced creativity. Drawing from nature for inspiration, Benjamin specialises in screen print and surface pattern design, creating home and giftware in a range of colourful designs, featuring a variety of creature patterns.    Hi Benjamin, please introduce yourself! Where did your career as a textile artist begin, and how did you get into printmaking?

   

Finding Sweet Success with CEO & Chocolatier John Jeffery

   

Capitalising on Key Events as a Small Business

In a recent report by Ofcom, it was revealed that 64% of Britons browse headlines online weekly, while 35% cite social media as a place they regularly get their news.

   

How to Source Products

Whether you’re opening a shop or launching an ecommerce store, it’s an exciting time to start a product business. And there are more options for sourcing your products than ever before.