83 RETAILER INTERVIEW Are you active on social media, and how do you use it for your business? Yes, we have an Instagram account and Facebook. However, Instagram is our main platform. We show our store as a whole and also focus on new products and brands. What brands do you stock and why? We stock exclusively British brands, artists and makers as I’ve mentioned previously. Our brands often hand make their products in the UK. We also stock a couple of brands that employ people overseas thus supporting the preservation of traditional handicrafts and generating employment for marginalised communities. We feel it’s important to support the UK and other small businesses. How often do you change up your window dressings and displays? We generally change things a couple of times a quarter depending on what we have in stock at the time and we also consider the time of year. What are your plans to do develop your online presence? We are working on improving the SEO’s on our website and adding additional lines to offer more choice. We also hope to improve our social media and potentially collaborate with some of our brands. We are also discussing a possible quarterly blog. Do you undertake any charitable initiatives? If so, what? We have a trade stand at a local charity event in the spring. We also stock several brands that donate a portion of profits to various dog charities. We are part of the Trails organised by the Secret Society of Hertford Crafters and the Town Council which raise money for various charities and we regularly donate prizes to various fund raising ventures around the local area. Do you attend any trade shows and if so, which ones and why? We don’t attend trade shows due to lack of time but we do check the exhibitors list of Top Drawer and PATS to keep up to date on new products and brands. We hope to attend in the future. Are you looking to open more stores across the UK? At the moment no but potentially in the future we could look at opening another Margaux’s or two. What has been your standout moment since opening the store, and why? Every day at least one person says how lovely the store is, which is really amazing and so kind. Also winning a commendation from the panel at the Hertford Civic Society Architectural Awards 2024 for the renovation of our building. In what ways are you positive about the future of independent retail? Hertford is full of independent retailers and thankfully we are all supported by our local shoppers as well as lots from further afield. We think generally people are becoming more aware of the importance of shopping locally with independents and the importance of shopping thoughtfully, maybe spending a little more but leaving with something that is great quality and will stand the test of time. What are your plans for the future? We plan to grow our business including our online store and, potentially, at some point in the future, open another store or two. MARGAUX’S T: +44 (0)1992 536 367 www.margauxs.co.uk
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