Hello everyone,
Well, something very strange happened in Emsworth this week…
Water started falling from the sky! 😂
After what feels like weeks and weeks of glorious sunshine, I don’t think I’ve ever been quite so pleased to see rain. The temperatures have certainly dropped too, which has made life in the shop considerably more comfortable.
Unfortunately, trade has cooled down with it!
It’s been a much quieter week, although my theory is that lots of families have disappeared off on holiday while the children are still off school. We’ve certainly welcomed a few holidaymakers and day trippers into Emsworth, so hopefully they’re just taking your places temporarily!
A lovely conversation…
One visitor I particularly enjoyed chatting to was part of a group of ladies who’d come for a day out from a residential village near Horndean.
They have a minibus which regularly takes them off on adventures together. They’ve visited Bishop’s Waltham, Southsea and Hayling Island, and this week it was Emsworth’s turn.
She was telling me about everything they get up to – quiz nights, yoga, fitness classes, day trips, and they’re all off to see My Fair Lady too!
It sounded absolutely wonderful.
She had sadly lost her husband five years ago and, although of course she still misses him, she has found a whole new community of friends and is really enjoying life with them.
I thought it was such a lovely reminder that new friendships and adventures can appear at any stage of life.
The NOT Closing Down signs have gone!
Yes, our infamous NOT Closing Down Sale posters have finally been removed!
They certainly did their job – and gave us all plenty of laughs along the way – but the windows are now announcing the next stage of our Great Clear-Out:
FURTHER REDUCTIONS!
All our Summer clothing is now reduced by AT LEAST 30%.
There are dresses, trousers, tops, T-shirts, skirts and plenty more waiting to find new homes, so if you’ve been admiring something this summer, now might be the time to take another look.
I still have a LOT of stock to clear before I can properly move forward with the new-look boutique, so I’m biting the bullet and getting on with it.
Which brings me to the shoes…
ALL HEELS ARE NOW JUST £10! 👠
Yes.
TEN POUNDS A PAIR!
Some of these beautiful shoes originally sold for as much as £160. They’re brand new, many are leather, and there are some absolutely gorgeous pairs amongst them.
One gentleman looked at me in complete disbelief this week and asked:
“How can you possibly afford to sell shoes that were £160 for £10?”
And he’s right. It sounds completely bonkers!
But the reality is that they’re older styles which have been travelling backwards and forwards between the shop and storage for far too long.
The way we dress has changed. Fewer ladies wear heels these days, we don’t necessarily have the occasions we once did, and here in Emsworth particularly, comfortable and casual footwear is much more our everyday style.
They’re taking up valuable storage and display space and, let’s face it…
They’re certainly not going to sell sitting in a cupboard!
Sometimes you simply have to cut your losses, make the offer irresistible and clear the decks.
And it IS working!
In the first three days alone we’ve sold at least 16 pairs.
A mother and daughter visiting from Reading walked away with EIGHT pairs between them, while one local lady bought FIVE pairs for work!
At £10 a pair, I can’t say I blame them.
There are still LOTS to go, though, so please spread the word. If you know someone who still loves a heel, has a wedding or special occasion coming up, needs smart shoes for work or simply appreciates beautiful footwear…
SEND THEM MY WAY!
There are some extraordinary bargains to be found, but remember – many are individual last pairs and random sizes.
Once Cinderella finds her size, they’re gone!
Meanwhile… Vinny’s adventures continue! 🚐
Last Saturday Ian and I took Vinny to Burford in the Cotswolds, and this time George and his girlfriend joined us in their campervan too, which made it even more special.
Our first stop was The Farmer’s Dog, Jeremy Clarkson’s pub. It’s in a gorgeous spot and we enjoyed a drink while George bought some sausages for the following morning’s breakfast.
Then it was back to the vans for dinner, cards, games and a few drinks before settling down for the night.
The next morning we cooked breakfast in our vans – and I can confirm the sausages were delicious! – before heading off to Bourton-on-the-Water.
What a beautiful place… but goodness, it was busy!
We had a wander for a couple of hours before deciding we’d seen enough of the crowds and headed home.
We’re absolutely loving our little adventures in Vinny and the freedom of being able to pack up and disappear somewhere for a night. I’m sure there will be plenty more tales to come!
So, back to the boutique…
FURTHER REDUCTIONS ARE NOW ON:
Summer clothing – AT LEAST 30% OFF
ALL heels – JUST £10 A PAIR
There’s still plenty to choose from, but once individual sizes and styles are gone, they’re gone.
Come and have a rummage, grab yourself a genuine bargain and, most importantly, help me clear those decks!
Until next week, have a lovely one and look after each other.
Karen xx
Open Monday to Saturday • 10am–4pm
