After a really good start to the week, things did quieten down a little as the weather turned dull again — it does seem to have a habit of doing that!
Just a little reminder though, that when it’s not so inviting to head out, you can always browse with us online 24/7. We offer click & collect or free delivery on purchases over £75, so you can shop from the comfort of your own home. Not everything is on there just yet, but there is a good selection and more is being added all the time.
It’s been lovely to see some of the genuine bargains on our sale rail finding new homes — many pieces are now half price, including the ever-popular Marble trousers (although sizes are becoming limited now).
We’ve had some really nice customers through the door this week too. One lady, who lives in France, treated herself to two fabulous Dress Addict dresses — perfect for keeping cool and easy to travel with. A couple visiting from London (staying in Southsea) popped in for a browse and left with a new pair of trainers, and one of our lovely local ladies replaced her much-loved Robell trousers… and since I had both black and navy, she quite sensibly took both!
But one particular customer really stayed with me this week. A tiny little lady who has recently moved to Southbourne, and despite suffering terribly with arthritis (and wearing a permanent splint), she was honestly one of the most upbeat people you could ever meet. She absolutely loves colour and was wearing the most fabulous multicoloured crochet cardigan. We chatted for ages — she told me her life story, all with such positivity, saying her glass was always full despite everything she’s been through. I helped her choose two pairs of shoes from the sale, and then she spotted a couple of necklaces she simply couldn’t resist! One picked up the lilac tones in her cardigan perfectly, and I helped fasten it for her as her hands wouldn’t allow it. She left wearing it, gave me a hug and said how much she’d enjoyed our chat.
It’s moments like that which remind me why I love what I do… even on the quieter days. And there have certainly been a few of those too — Wednesday was so quiet that after an exchange and a couple of browsers, the only other visitor was a gentleman asking if I was still taking donations! I pointed him next door to the charity shop… he laughed and said he should have gone to Specsavers!
Not sure I’ve shown you these Caprice sandals yet – but look – they are a great neutral colour, comfortable, have a very slight wedge and have three different velcro adjustments!
On a more personal note, many of you ask after George — he is doing really well and has been back in Milton Keynes this week for training. His apprenticeship is going brilliantly, he’s gaining fantastic experience and is well on the way to his IMI qualification. VW are very pleased with him, and as you can imagine, we are very proud.
This weekend we have family visiting from Scotland, so Karen and Lyn will be looking after things on Monday and Tuesday — do pop in and keep them busy!
Let’s hope for a little more sunshine to lift us all — the shop is looking lovely and ready for it.
With love,
Karen x
Karen x
