We maybe a few days late into the new year for reflection of our last year, but we’re still going for it, so hold tight!
2019 was a year of ups and downs, and threw up many challenges within the party retail business and for many independent retailers on the high Street! There wasn't just one big issue, there was a whole load to consider.
However for us, Helium increasing in cost (twice) and sustainability were the 2 big players of 2019. Big things for a small business to tackle, but we have, and are still trying hard on both accounts.
With our helium we found sustainable and reliable suppliers and as a business tried to absorb the cost as much as we could, but unfortunately by the summer that wasn’t possible so we had to put a slight price increase in place.
Sustainability is one of the biggest things that has been raised in 2019 and for anyone in the party trade its one of the most difficult things to try and bring into your business, however we are trying Our body glitter is now biodegradable and our latex balloons are all sourced correctly so they biodegrade alongside our ribbons (7 years approx to breakdown). We no longer stock plastic straws or cups, only paper. We are moving towards paper only decorations as much as we can. Amongst all of that we are also looking into compostable party ware.
We are trying to put in as many small changes that we can and will continue to do so.
Personally, the business has had its own pressure on me as an owner, mentally it pushed me to a place I was very unsure of. I feel it’s important to highlight these things, so others don’t feel alone, after all we are only human!
I very much believe you are only as strong as your staff team, the summer of 2019 was not the summer of light that it should of been and the pressure of running a business finally got to me. Running the shop felt like I was stuck in a very big, thick, muddy puddle and was finding it very hard to wade through to the end!
However the staff team were and are incredible and kept the business going for me, making sure the ethos of the shop stood strong and I will forever be grateful for such support.
Thankfully things are a lot more sparklier and positive for 2020. We are currently in the process another shop shuffle, with new lines coming in and old lines being faded out....because we all know 'A change is as good as a rest'.
You’ve already been throwing some beautiful creatives our way as well. So keep an eye on all our socials for all the things we get up to. You can find us on Facebook and Instagram.
As ever the support you have shown us is invaluable and we look forward to taking you all through 2020 for whatever occasion you want to celebrate with us!
Happy New Year!
x
