58 ZIGGLE BABY T: +44 (0)1625 569 530 www.ziggle.co.uk that match colour trends is important. We also want to offer fun designs and patterns that appeal to today’s parents, so continuous research is integral to how we do things. What sets you apart from your competitors? We offer coordinated collections of varied baby gifts at great value price points to offer something for every budget. How are you finding the current climate in the UK? Is it affecting business? I think it’s really difficult for retailers as there are increasing ways the consumer will spend their money and buying products such as gifts is competing with ever increasing alternative expenses on ‘non-essentials’ such as buying a coffee, media subscriptions, leisure memberships etc. How do you view the future of independent retail? I firmly believe human beings will continue to want to indulge themselves in the physical shopping experience, particularly for important emotional purchases such as gifts. Being able to browse a wide range of products, to touch them and be advised on product benefits and features by friendly, knowledgeable retail staff are strong factors that will continue to pull shoppers into their local indies. Are you active on social media? How is this important for the business? We try and support our retailers’ social media activities by providing content through regularly introducing new designs and seasonal ranges supported by lifestyle imagery. Do you have any advice for new businesses starting out in the world of gifts? Research, research, research and then try small to see what works. Adapt as needed and enjoy the journey! What can we expect in the future from the company? Launches of new design collections and expanding collections into new product categories suitable for baby gifting. What challenges have you overcome since the company’s launch? After 12 years the list is long! But probably the hardest setback was the financial loss when an artic lorry load of products was stolen whilst the lorry was parked. Needless to say, we have increased our insurance since then!
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