RETAILER SPOTLIGHT
August/September 2025
housewareslive.net
Partnerships and products
Strong supplier relationships underpin Amy’s product offering. Mr Clark and Dominique attend key trade shows: Spring Fair, Autumn Fair, Exclusively, Glee, as well as visiting supplier showrooms nationwide. “Seeing and touching products is vital,” Mr Clark says. “A rep with a tablet
can’t replace that.” Some suppliers, notably Pyrex, have invested in Amy’s with point-of-sale and exclusive window campaigns. “Our Pyrex promotion We’re keen to work with brands that see the value of independents.” Amy’s takes a pragmatic approach to pricing. Previous owners pushed for
high margins across the board, but Mr Clark and Dominique now differentiate. “Some products you can achieve higher margins on, but others you can’t. It’s better to sell it at a fair price, get it in and out, and keep constantly juggled. It’s really tough at the moment: “There are weeks when you decide which the reality for independents right now.” word you’ll hear from every independent right now. But once we stabilise, we still want to expand. Our model works best with three shops.” Key milestones lie ahead: Halloween, Christmas, and then the new year. on trees and decorations, that’s a good sign for the wider economy.” Ultimately, he believes independents like Amy’s have a vital role in the
retail landscape. “If every high street becomes a discount chain and a coffee shop, we lose variety and community. Independents provide service, personality, and local engagement. That’s worth protecting.” Mr Clark offers clear advice for policymakers: “Listen. Not to big associations with agendas, but to actual shopkeepers. Get us in a room and ask how decisions will affect us. Business rates need reform, wage rises should be balanced, and the high street needs investment. Otherwise, more shops will close.” Despite the pressures, he wouldn’t change his path. “Running a small
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business is challenging, but it’s rewarding. When you have a good day, when customers are happy, when you see staff progressing, it makes it worthwhile. If you get the chance to run your own business, go for it. Just don’t underestimate the work involved.” For Amy’s Housewares, the next chapter is about resilience and readiness. “If we can survive the next year or two, we’ll be stronger for it,” Mr Clark concludes. “And I believe there’s a future for independents on the high street, because people still value what we offer.”
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