Attire Accessories - Mar/Apr 2019 (Issue 75)

RETAIL INTERVIEW 95 Can you tell us when and why you opened Walter and May? I launched the website on Mother’s Day 2017 and then opened the shop in June 2018. I wanted to curate a gift store with a collection of thoughtful and inspiring gifts for customers but one that also championed and supported small independent brands as much as possible Can you describe your product offering and the suppliers you use? We have a collection of unique home décor and gifts all designed by UK-based independent businesses. How do you choose what products to stock? We choose products that complement each other, and work with designers who have the same values as us. What are your current bestsellers? The simple silver jewellery we have in store and online is very popular, but the personalised gifts in the shop sell very well. How often do you change your window and shop displays? We change the window displays and the displays inside weekly because we get new products in every week, and we like to showcase different products in the window to give customers a chance to see everything. Do you attend any trade shows? Which ones and why? We haven’t attended any trade shows since opening the shop as we’ve just been too busy! But we love Top Drawer and are planning to go again next year!