Member Article

Independent Coventry jewellery retailer bounces back from Covid after support

An independent jewellery retailer in Coventry has emerged from its Covid-19 chrysalis in style after taking advantage of a project to improve digital retail.

Glitterbugs, which sells gifts, handbags and watches from its stall at Arena Shopping Park, has enjoyed returning to trading after a 10-month absence caused by the pandemic, and has heaped praised on a free digital training scheme delivered by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber, which operates the course on behalf of Coventry City Council, has been working with Stories Marketing to deliver the online sessions, which include two bespoke workshops and an online networking event for local businesses to share their concerns, questions and advice. One-to-one support has also been available to companies that participate in the programme.

The family-run business contacted the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce for support after hearing about the scheme, which is funded by the Council’s Additional Restrictions Grant support package for businesses.

Coventry-resident Laura Kelly, owner of Glitterbugs, said: “The scheme came at the perfect time for our business because we had endured a tough year because of the pandemic.

“As a business which relies heavily on footfall, we were forced to rethink our strategy when we were unable to do business in person.

“With the help of the Chamber and the Stories Marketing team, we were able to boost our social media presence and open up a new avenue for sales and customer interaction. We now have a website in development that will allow us to reach even more customers.

“The team we worked with was extremely professional and the support we have received has been invaluable to our business. Our Instagram and Facebook pages have grown in popularity since starting the course, and we are now more equipped to take orders, respond to queries and process payments via our online platforms.

“All this has meant we have been able to bring some stability back to our business following an incredibly uncertain time; this has put us in a great position to take advantage of lockdown coming to an end.”

Keely Hancox, Operations Manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Helping small businesses like Glitterbugs rise to the challenges of today’s retail environment is at the heart of the Chamber’s ethos, and it’s great to know that the support we offer has made a real impact.

“The advice on offer ranges from practical tips on digital marketing, including how to make the most of low-cost online tools and social media to connect with more customers, to methods for driving footfall as stores begin to reopen.

“The final session is also a great opportunity to develop new relationships and collaborate with other local businesses to find solutions to navigate the ever-changing business landscape.

“The scheme is open to all Coventry retailers as well as those in the hospitality and tourism sectors. It is completely free to sign up and we are encouraging all customer-facing businesses to get involved.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .