Hello everyone,
Well, what a fantastic end to July we’ve had!
Our “NOT Closing Down Sale” continues to cause absolute confusion and great amusement in equal measure. People are still coming through the door saying, “We’re so sorry to hear you’re closing!” before I point to the huge word NOT and we both burst out laughing.
The funny thing is that the sign was originally intended to reassure everyone that we were simply having a radical stock clearance and not closing down. Clearly, quite a few people jumped straight to their own conclusions!
Thankfully, none of that really matters because it has had the desired effect, and we’ve been wonderfully busy.
What it has demonstrated, however, is just how much I have over-ordered over the years because, despite all your fantastic support, there is still plenty left to clear!
As you know, everything is now reduced by a minimum of 20%, and some of our footwear bargains are almost unbelievable. Although it might not make the best business sense in the short term, it feels incredibly cleansing and is giving me the opportunity to reset the boutique and move forward with a fresh approach.
Many of you have asked what the plan is, so here’s the simple answer.
I’m clearing the decks, creating more space, improving the layout, refreshing the displays more often and buying more carefully so that I can introduce new pieces more regularly. I’m genuinely excited about the future and the direction in which we’re heading.
Of course, the beautiful weather has helped too. Sunshine always brings people out, and it certainly helps when everyone is looking for cool, comfortable clothing.
Many of you have also been asking how long the sale will continue. The answer is simple: for the foreseeable future! I have a lot to clear, and we’ll continue until the seasons begin to change.
We’ve had some lovely sales this week. One customer heading off on holiday treated herself to three of our fabulous crushed cotton dresses, our half-price Sunday pencil skirts have been proving popular, a couple of Frandsen gilets have found new homes, and plenty of Robell trousers have disappeared from the rails.
This week’s featured item is this gorgeous cotton T-shirt from FOIL. I absolutely love the beautiful bluebell colour, although it also comes in coral and a navy-and-white stripe. It is slightly longer in the body too, which many of you tell me you prefer.
It has also been lovely to welcome back familiar faces. Diane, who used to work in the gift shop next door, was visiting a friend in Emsworth this week and popped in to say hello. She is looking wonderfully well.
Seeing so many holidaymakers wandering around Emsworth has definitely made me long for a holiday myself. But then again, I do hate missing out when the shop is busy!
So, if you’ve been wondering what all the fuss is about, why not pop in and see for yourself? We’d love to see you.
Have a wonderful week.
Karen xx
P.S. Just to be absolutely clear … we are NOT closing down! 😂
