In our series of interviews with independent childrenswear retailers on the reopening of their stores, Gillian Franks, owner of Pixie Childrenswear in Cheshire, shares her experience.

 

Laura Turner: Were you able to trade online during lockdown?

Gillian Franks: Yes, we traded online utilising non-furloughed director time. The demand was steady. We offered free local hand delivery and also free posted delivery to emphasise our local appeal.

LT: What measures did you put in place before reopening?

GF: We had floor stickers and safe distancing posters printed by local business, Mouse House. We also erected a safety screen at the till. Plus, we purchased a large hand sanitiser dispenser from another local supplier. This is positioned on the front door and we encourage customers to sanitise their hands before coming into our shop and then to sanitise them again as they leave. Finally, we sourced and purchased face masks and visors for staff.

LT: How was your first week back trading?

GF: We were pleasantly steady. We began our summer sale straight away and believe this encouraged our great, supportive customers to come back to visit us as soon as they could.

LT: How are you finding the practice of social distancing in-store?

GF: It’s alright. We have quite a generous shop, which allows us to operate a one-way system to help maintain social distancing. We have also opened with reduced hours from 10am to 4pm. However, we will extend hours if there is demand, particularly if customers wish to make appointments.

LT: Do you plan to do any buying this season?

GF: Yes, we have already bought for the coming month; toys, and some clothes for customer requests. We have completed one forward order for SS21 so far.

LT: How have you been promoting the reopening of your store?

GF: We used our social media channels to promote the store’s reopening.

 

Pixie Childrenswear
3 Century House
Ashley Road
Hale Village
Cheshire
WA15 9SF