RETAILER SPOTLIGHT
October/November 2025
housewareslive.net
customers who’ve been coming to us for generations,” he says proudly. “They’ll tell us, ‘I’ve still got my dinner service from when I got married here,’ and then they’ll bring in their children and grandchildren. There’s so much affection. It’s more than shopping – it’s part of people’s lives.” His stories abound with small moments of humanity. “Not long ago a
customer had a panic attack in the shop,” he recalls. “We took time with her, helped her calm down. She came back later and told us how much it meant. You don’t get that level of connection in retail parks. Taking the time matters – and it builds trust.”
People make the difference The store’s tight-knit team – now just three staff – runs on camaraderie and
passion. “We’re small, but mighty,” he laughs. “When you’re independent, you wear every hat – buyer, merchandiser, cleaner, HR. But that’s what keeps it exciting. You can make decisions instantly, and you see the results in real time.”
Those relationships extend far beyond the shop walls. “Your suppliers and
reps become your colleagues,” says Mr Cole-Evans. “You see them every few weeks, you chat about business and life. The industry is one big web – everyone knows everyone, and that trust carries over when they move between brands. It’s what makes the trade so special.” Hargreaves also remains a proud member of BIRA, whose advocacy and practical support – from legal advice to HR guidance – has proven invaluable. “It’s a lifeline,” he says. “You never feel you’re facing the minefield of retail alone.” Of course, longevity brings challenges as well as rewards. “Brexit continues to cast a long shadow,” Mr Cole-Evans says bluntly. “We’re still dealing with cost pressures and supply complications that started back then. Covid was awful, but Brexit left us with one hand tied behind our backs. It’s made the playing field uneven, especially for independents.” Competition, too, has shifted shape. “Supermarkets now stock housewares that rival prestige brands in design and quality for a fraction of the price,” he notes. “We can’t and won’t compete on that basis. Instead, we focus on credibility and craftsmanship – products that tell a story, that have a reason to exist.”
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