Partner Article

Lady of letters heads online for success

As many traditional shops continue to encounter growing strain as a result of the recession, many ‘e-tailers’ appear to be bucking the trend by growing in the face of adversity.

One of these is Frances King, creator of Typografika, an internet-based shop which specialises in the sale of unique and original home accessories and giftware celebrating the art and craft of type.

Frances King said: “I like to seek out the individuality in everyday utilitarian items, which are beautifully decorative or are simply quirky and interesting.”

After sourcing these from craftspeople and selected wholesalers who sell in small numbers to ensure originality and quality, Frances, who is from Grangetown in Sunderland, makes them available via her website, alongside other unique items including reclaimed vintage goods.

Frances said: “My background in arts and graphics showed me how attractive, decorative and just plain handy letters and numbers can be, and my time as a stay-at-home mum allowed me to tentatively explore the idea of starting a business.

“However, it was not until I began working with advisers at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) that I gained essential insight into the practical ‘nuts and bolts’ areas of business such as pricing, cash flow forecasting, legal issues and bookkeeping.”

Margaret Cook, Business Adviser at the North East BIC, said: “Typografika is representative of a new generation of retailers, which allow their customers to sit down with a cuppa in the comfort of their own home and source the different and unusual, all in one place. E-tailing, as it is becoming known, also provides a convenient, efficient, ethical and eco-friendly method of trading in a time of growing awareness.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .