RETAILER SPOTLIGHT
August/September 2025
housewareslive.net
With police guidance that thefts under £250 are unlikely to result in arrest, shoplifters operate with impunity. “Stock can be replaced, people can’t,” Mr Clark asserts. “I’ve told my staff never to put themselves at risk. But without deterrent, it’s only getting worse.” He believes government and local councils need to do more. “If online is struggling and high streets are shrinking, there’s an opportunity to reinvest in communities. That means more policing, fairer business rates, and real support for independents.” Mr Clark is a part of Whatsapp group with the other stores in the local
area where they share details about known shoplifters who are in the area, which is a way to support each other against this plague affecting our high streets.
Staff are central to Amy’s survival. Recruitment can be tough, with independents unable to match corporate wages. “Sometimes we recruit one higher-paid person instead of two, which means everyone has to do a bit more,” Mr Clark explains. Training is largely hands-on. “Unlike corporate retail, where you have HR
and training departments, independents do everything themselves. We focus on personality, chatty, approachable people who want to engage. A one-off £30 frying pan sale is good, but a long-term customer relationship is better.” He also uses interactive interviews. “I’ll give candidates a piece of paper and It shows me whether they can hold a conversation and whether they notice detail.”
Mr Clark notes that some of the happiest moments from the last few
years have been supporting the most important people, aside from customers, the members of staff at Amy’s. He adds: “One colleague joined at 16 and stayed until she became a full-time teacher. Another worked three years before leaving for a career in nutrition. It’s sad when they leave, but it’s rewarding to see them grow, and for Amy’s to be a part of that journey, is truly incredible.”
you a £2 frying pan that lasts six uses. Our customers know they pay a bit more, but they get quality and service.” Window displays play a key role in drawing people in, while younger
customers are targeted with student discounts and growing social media activity. “We’ve launched a TikTok account and we’re exploring more ways to showcase what we offer,” he says. Product choice remains central to Amy’s appeal. The company takes pride in offering three price points, budget- friendly, mid-range, and premium, across most categories. This ensures accessibility for all budgets while maintaining quality. Cookware remains a strong performer. Pyrex, in particular, has supported
Amy’s with point-of-sale materials and dedicated window promotions. “During our Pyrex window, sales jumped by 30% and stayed 10% higher afterwards,” Mr Clark shares. Stainless steel cookware is also resurging, as consumers rediscover its durability. “People still remember the poor-quality non-stick pans of the 70s and 80s, but manufacturing standards are completely different now. Stainless steel is back.” Another unexpected growth area for Amy’s has been toys. During for games and entertainment. “We grabbed whatever toys we could from wholesalers. Now it’s a core
category, we buy direct, cutting out the middleman.” Colour is another trend. “We’ve sold yellow kettles, pink toasters, even lime green,” he highlights. “You’ve got to be brave, but customers love it.”
High street pressures
One of Mr Clark’s greatest frustrations is the rise in shoplifting, particularly at the Swiss Cottage branch. “I’ve been in retail since 16, and there’s always been shoplifting. But the aggression now is frightening,” he says. “We’ve had incidents where staff felt threatened enough to lock themselves inside. And when the police take over an hour to arrive, only to say there’s nothing they can do, it sends the wrong message.”
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