It’s only a small shop, tucked onto the side of our warehouse, but it makes a very big impression. Not only is it the only shop that Celtic Sheepskin run, but it’s also a great way for us to meet our customers face to face, and you’d be surprised at just how many travel a good distance to see our products in the flesh.
Shop manager Lisa Parkinson and assistant Joanna Edwards explain that although the majority of customers are from our local area (Cornwall), many travel from Bristol and London to try on our range. The items that are drawing the most attention at the moment are our Button Side Poncho and Slouch Jumper Dress. When quizzed on this, Lisa explained that often people are surprised to see the Slouch Jumper Dress as it’s seemingly overlooked in the catalogue with few spotting it (it’s on page 47 if you have a catalogue in front of you). The comments from customer are how flattering and versatile the dress is, and often it’s tried on with a belt. As for the Button Side Poncho, Lisa described how the fabric makes many not want to take it off. It’s so snugly and so adaptable for many different outfits that our shop customers can’t get enough of it!
Lisa and Jo go to great lengths to show off our clothing in a different style to that of the catalogue, so that customers can see alternative ways to wear them. No matter how much we invest in excellent photography, easy-to-find website product pages and high quality catalogue design, there’s nothing better than seeing our clothing in the flesh. The quality really stands out when you can touch the fabric or simply put it on and style it to your figure.
Understanding this, directors Nick and Kath Whitworth have recently converted a meeting room into a new changing area for our customers. Our admirers can now try on Celtic clothing and footwear in a beautifully lit room, with big comfy sofas for those whose opinions are keenly sought. Filled with Union Jack memorabilia and all-important floor length mirrors, it’s quite a haven from the warehouse it is so closely connected to.
Of course, our Factory Shop isn’t just great for trying on our clothing. For the majority of our customers it’s the place they come to and try on their favourite sheepskin footwear. Lisa explained to me that on one day, nearly all customers ask to see slippers, then the next day, for seemingly no apparent reason, they all choose to try on Celt Boots! With rows, upon rows of footwear, you’re really spoilt for choice, and of course more can be brought out from the warehouse for you to try on, so it’s no wonder our customers shopping habits are so different.
While I was busy snapping away for this blog, a new customer Milly entered the shop with her mum. Both Lisa and Jo commented to me that it’s the variety of customers that make working in the shop so interesting. From a child trying on their first pair of sheepskin boots, to a grandad looking for his new winter slippers. “Teenagers are great fun” commented Jo, “because you can show them the latest styles and various options to wear our pieces”. Lisa added that there are some customers who “buy the whole catalogue”. Now that would be fun to watch – Julia Roberts, eat your heart out!
So if you do find yourself in Cornwall, or you fancy a road trip, Lisa and Jo would love to welcome you and help you to experience a Celtic Shopping Day. The shop has all the charm of a small boutique, and with the extra effort that’s required to get here, we’ll do everything we can to ensure it’s worth your while.
For shop opening times and a location map, please click here.
Understanding this, directors Nick and Kath Whitworth have recently converted a meeting room into a new changing area for our customers. Our admirers can now try on Celtic clothing and footwear in a beautifully lit room, with big comfy sofas for those whose opinions are keenly sought. Filled with Union Jack memorabilia and all-important floor length mirrors, it’s quite a haven from the warehouse it is so closely connected to.
Of course, our Factory Shop isn’t just great for trying on our clothing. For the majority of our customers it’s the place they come to and try on their favourite sheepskin footwear. Lisa explained to me that on one day, nearly all customers ask to see slippers, then the next day, for seemingly no apparent reason, they all choose to try on Celt Boots! With rows, upon rows of footwear, you’re really spoilt for choice, and of course more can be brought out from the warehouse for you to try on, so it’s no wonder our customers shopping habits are so different.
While I was busy snapping away for this blog, a new customer Milly entered the shop with her mum. Both Lisa and Jo commented to me that it’s the variety of customers that make working in the shop so interesting. From a child trying on their first pair of sheepskin boots, to a grandad looking for his new winter slippers. “Teenagers are great fun” commented Jo, “because you can show them the latest styles and various options to wear our pieces”. Lisa added that there are some customers who “buy the whole catalogue”. Now that would be fun to watch – Julia Roberts, eat your heart out! 
So if you do find yourself in Cornwall, or you fancy a road trip, Lisa and Jo would love to welcome you and help you to experience a Celtic Shopping Day. The shop has all the charm of a small boutique, and with the extra effort that’s required to get here, we’ll do everything we can to ensure it’s worth your while.
For shop opening times and a location map, please click here.
Charlotte Cole
Press Officer & HR Manager
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