Hello everyone,
Well, after enjoying a wonderful day at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last Sunday (and needing Monday to recover!), it was straight back into boutique life… although not before I squeezed in a preview of next summer’s FOIL and Dress Addict collections.
Oh my goodness… you’re in for a treat! FOIL have some absolutely beautiful pieces coming next year and, as always, Dress Addict have produced some fabulous new prints. It seems strange looking at next summer when we’re still enjoying this one, but it’s one of the most exciting parts of my job.
Back in the shop, trade has been pretty good again this week. Mornings have been our busiest time before things tend to fizzle out a little after lunch. Perhaps it’s simply been too hot! The forecast looks a little kinder next week, so hopefully that will encourage even more of you out and about.
It’s been another real mixed bag of sales – dresses, sandals, sale trousers and plenty of footwear.
One lovely lady had spent the day shopping in Chichester looking for sandals, only to end up finding the very last pair of Caprice sandals here with us. She left delighted and said, “I wish I’d started here!” I always love it when the last pair of something finds exactly the right home.
But the biggest excitement this week came completely out of the blue…
On Tuesday morning a gentleman arrived outside the shop carrying a parking sign!
I couldn’t believe my eyes.
After months of emails, phone calls, photographs, appeals and more persistence than I care to remember, Hampshire Highways have finally installed the 45-minute parking sign outside the shop, along with temporary notices whilst the changes are introduced.
I have to admit… I did a little happy dance!
Many of you have followed this saga with me over the last few months and will remember the large white van that was parked outside for weeks, completely hiding our beautiful windows. Hopefully those days are now behind us and we’ll see much more movement in that space, making it easier for people to spot us and pop in.
Sometimes persistence really does pay off.
Talking of the windows… they’ve been doing exactly what they’re supposed to! More than one customer confessed that they simply couldn’t walk past without coming in, and a lovely dress and top both found new homes because of them.
I’ve also met some wonderful visitors this week, including couples from Cosham and Denmead who’d come to enjoy everything Emsworth has to offer – a wander around the harbour, a bite to eat and, of course, a browse through the shops. Both ladies couldn’t believe the prices of our sale occasion shoes and happily went home with some amazing bargains.
Which brings me to a little favour…
As many of you know, I’m continuing my Great Shop Reset and there is still a mountain of beautiful special occasion footwear waiting to find new homes. There are around 300 pairs – many ideal for weddings, cruises, race days, graduations or any special event – all at extraordinary prices.
I’ve explored selling them wholesale, but I’m simply too small for the companies that buy redundant stock. So if you happen to know someone who sells at markets, online, at car boot sales or simply loves a bargain and might be interested in buying a quantity, I’d genuinely love to hear from them. It would help me enormously as I continue transforming the shop.
This week’s featured piece is another favourite from our wonderfully successful Orientique collection – these fresh blue and white trousers are just perfect for summer. Comfortable, stylish and so easy to wear, they really capture everything we love about effortless holiday dressing.
Finally, two boxes from Cream arrived this week… yes, Autumn is beginning to peek around the corner! I haven’t put anything out just yet, but it won’t be long before I start introducing some of those gorgeous new arrivals.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Every visit, every purchase and every recommendation means more than you know.
Here’s hoping for another lovely week ahead.
Take care, enjoy the sunshine (without melting!) and I hope to see you soon.
Karen xx
Open Monday to Saturday • 10am–4pm
