RETAILER SPOTLIGHT
Best sellers Among current bestsellers are Maison Berger’s exquisite fragrance lamps –
“a touch of luxury that lifts people’s spirits” – and the new Riva bedding range, which has exceeded expectations across every price point. De Buyer’s Mineral B cookware, beloved by chefs and home cooks alike, continues to be a star performer. “It’s proper kit,” says Mr Cole-Evans. “At first we worried people might be put off by the maintenance, but they love the ritual. They buy one pan, then come back for another. That loyalty is what sustains us.” If the pandemic and its aftermath taught retailers anything, it was the
value of flexibility. Hargreaves has shifted its approach to ordering and stockholding accordingly. “The days of pallets upon pallets are gone,” he explains. “Small, regular top-ups keep everyone moving – suppliers, couriers, our own staff. It’s healthier for cashflow and the industry as a whole.” Looking ahead, Mr Cole-Evans has no intention of reinventing the wheel.
“We’re not trying to be something we’re not,” he says. “People come to Hargreaves because it’s authentic – heritage service married to contemporary style. Pretending to be ultra-modern or digital-only would miss the point. What customers want now, more than anything, is realness. They want to know who they’re buying from.” His advice to others in the trade is heartfelt. “Listen to your gut – you usually know what’s right for your store. Know who you are, and what questions your brand answers. Keep learning. Watch what’s happening – on TikTok, at trade fairs, in magazines – because trends start everywhere. And when things get tough, don’t lose faith. Remember to enjoy it, because your customers can tell when you don’t.” The industry itself, he believes, is on the upswing. “After the turmoil of
Brexit, Covid and the shipping chaos, confidence is returning. Suppliers are innovating again, investing in newness. Some brands became very cautious, even defensive, but we’re seeing fresh energy. New suppliers, new products – and that’s brilliant for everyone. The housewares sector has always been resilient, and I think it’s finding its feet again.” There are challenges, of course – not least the rise of direct-to-consumer models and drop-shipped imports from overseas. “That’s nibbling away at the high street,” he says. “But there will always be customers who prefer to touch, to talk, to experience. The personal connection we offer can’t be
October/November 2025
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replicated online.” As Hargreaves & Sons marks this remarkable milestone, Mr Cole-Evans is philosophical. “We’ve survived wars, recessions, social change – and we’re still here. That’s down to resilience, yes, but also to joy. We genuinely love what we do. If Alice Hargreaves could walk through the doors today, I think she’d recognise her shop – and hopefully she’d be proud.”
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