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2023 stock is chosen…

It’s taken longer than normal to get our stock order placed this year.  I’ve been very indecisive (not like me at all) and with minor health issues I’ve been finding it harder than usual to make time around work and family life.  I finally got my act together last week, and added all the things I’d love to have to my basket.  This week I whittled it down to a manageable order, both financially and logistically!

This year I need to invest in some more space, probably for packing orders as one of our business goals is to make more of this lovely website.  My husband aka the logistics manager has long been complaining that we need a proper packing bench, so my thoughts are for a shed in the garden that we can use for display storage and packing.  As it is the stock is rapidly taking over my dining room, and we are bursting at the seams.  Long term we have our mind set on a warehouse/retail space, but for now we can manage where we are (just about!).

Anyway, here’s a sneaky peek at something we might have arriving after the summer.

Cari xx

Merry go round Snowglobe coming soon

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What will be in store for 2023?

I hope you had a lovely Christmas, however you celebrate.  As we all prepare for a new year to start, I thought it might be nice to talk a little about plans for 2023.

The year starts with a visit to a local trade fair which I’m really excited about as we haven’t been for a couple of years I think?  Certainly we didn’t go this year, so it will be nice to search out some new potential suppliers and to see what our current suppliers have planned.  I’m hoping to stock a variation of the nesting snowmen as they proved popular, and maybe some more mini snow globes too?

Bigger plans for this year are to find more markets for our stall, perhaps attend Beverley this year and maybe even Lincoln (if we can get offered a space that is).  I’m going to be working hard to improve the website too, as those sales really keep us ticking over between markets.  I know I need better descriptions and images so that’s the focus.

I’m also changing up our system at our ‘base’ (aka the dining room) so that we can manage orders more efficiently.  If my aim is for ten orders a day to come through online, I need a way to get them processed and out next day as usual.

We have a 20% off sale running right now so that I can implement the new system, so if you had money put aside for January sales hop over to the shop to take a look.

Here’s to a happy and healthy new year for you all.

Cari

 

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Time for a stock sort out

It’s been a busy week here at UKCS HQ, mostly redecorating our living room and younger teens bedroom, but I’m also trying to get myself organised for another season of few events and mainly selling through the website.

I have my stock in plastic tubs ready for loading for each event, but as things have changed quite a lot now I decided that turning my small office into a stock room was a better solution, as then I will be able to pick and pack your orders more efficiently.

With that in mind, and a lot of stock to fit on the new shelving (before we even get this years delivery) I’ve been working on a pre-season sale for you all.  You can see a sneak peek of what will be available from 1st September, but (as long as I’ve scheduled it correctly) you will have to wait until the day for sale prices.

To be honest, I’m a little worried we won’t have enough shelf space for everything.  I ordered so many lovely things way back in April/May with the hope that Christmas markets would be up and running again, but it’s not looking hopeful.  We find lovely new homes for so many of our Christmas decorations at events, but this year I’m fully expecting Bowes Christmas Fayre to be the only one again.  Keep your fingers and toes crossed for us, but if you don’t want to take the chance of us being at a market close to you this year please order online.

Cari