Welcoming Autumn to Chirpy, keeping the door open (but adding an extra layer)!

The sun may have shone for the last week in September but there’s a definite nip in the air as we look back at the last 3 months at Chirpy.

 I welcomed July with a bucket list gig, getting to see Steve Wonder live has definitely been one of my highlights of the year, supported by local girl Corinne Bailey Rae which made it just that little bit special. Closely followed by a holiday in Croatia I was really thankful for my amazing team in July to let me have a bit of time out to relax and gather my thoughts for the rest of the year.

Straight back at it from my holiday with a visit to Harrogate Home & Gift, just a bus ride away, where I found some gorgeous new products which have already become best sellers at Chirpy. Just hoping I can keep them stocked up for Christmas as know they are going to be popular.

July saw the launch of Wellbeing Wednesday Meditations sessions – something a little bit different for us but we loved it. Looking forward to running these on a monthly basis so don’t forget to book. The next one is Wednesday 15th October - click HERE to book

 In August we said goodbye to Lizzie (& my Thursday mornings sleep ins!) as she’s got herself an exciting part time job as well as continuing to make her beautiful ceramics. Great excuse for a team night out trying out one of the newer bars in Chapel Allerton, Brew + Bao, which did not disappoint.

I had a flying trip to Aberdeen to help my daughter move into her new uni house (not quite as flying as planned thanks to storm Floris and a cancelled train). Then a day trip to London to meet up with some uni friends, though we didn’t really leave the vicinity of KX, too busy eating, drinking and catching up to actually take in any of the sights!

Despite the rain, Chapel Allerton Festival was another great success, as we supported it again as a wristband collection point, meaning new visitors to Chirpy who’d never been before. Let’s just hope they return soon and buy something!

 If you’ve wanted to find me in September then chances are I’ll have been at Chirpy! With a depleted team and staff holidays I’ve spent most of my time here, though huge thanks to Stacey and Molly for helping out when I needed a break.

Another flying visit to London, this time to visit Top Drawer, the trade show which for me really marks the start of autumn and the run up to Christmas. A great show, a chance to catch up with retail pals, suppliers and of course find some new products.

We celebrated Thinking of You Week with a week-long competition, sending cards on behalf of our winners to spread a bit of Chirpy love and joy.

 Our workshop programme got off to a great start, with Jesmonite, Fused Glass & Calligraphy workshops as well as our second Meditation session which left me ready to take on the next 3 months and whatever it throws at me!

 We welcomed back Katie & May with their preloved clothing, a perfect way to end sustainable September. Did you pick up a preloved bargain?

 So as the sun sets a little bit earlier every day, the leaves start to fall and the temperature drops, we’re gearing up for the ‘Golden Quarter’. With marketing plans, purchasing spreadsheets and sales forecasts we’ve hoping the this year doesn’t disappoint. Every year we are always blown away by the support of our Chirpy customers and this year we need you more than ever as it’s been a tough year in retail. We hope you love the new products we have chosen and as ever we’re here to offer great customer service with a smile!

In October half term we see the return of mini Jesmonite Workshops for just £10 - click HERE to book. We also welcome back our amazing CHIRPYVERSARY card competition to celebrate our 9th anniversary. Throughout October buy a bundle of 5 cards in store or online and be in with a chance of winning a bundle of cards every month for a year, worth over £170! Head to our online store to be in with a chance of winning

Here’s to a busy and successful autumn!

Hope to see you soon in Chirpy

Jo x

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Sweeping the autumn leaves over the summer...

July’s usually a quiet month as everyone gets ready for the schools to end and holidays to begin, but thanks to our Chirpy customers we had a busy one.

We were also honoured to be a finalist at the RETA awards, the Oscar’s of the card industry. Even though we didn’t take away the prize it was a wonderful event to be part of such an amazing group of other independent retailers.

In the quieter moments I also  spent a bit more time working a little bit on the business rather than just in it, attending a great branding event workshop and behind the scenes I was crunching numbers thanks the The Resilient Retail Club & looking at our Christmas planning.

I also attended Harrogate Home & Gift Tradeshow, which I’m really lucky to have only a bus ride away (& perfect for a trip to the Turkish Baths afterwards)

Our workshops finished for the summer, ending with a a sell-out  Jesmonite workshop and hosting a birthday party for a customer’s daughter.

It seems like a long time ago, but the memories of 2 epic walks are still alive – what a month taking on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks and then Snowden. Definitely two of my highs of the year, quite literally.

And so to August when the summer finally arrived and everyone went away (except me!). Team Chirpy enjoyed a much needed team get together, a rare chance for use all to get together and catch up. Chirpy just ticks along in August but in home life things were much more exciting. With A level results and an 18th birthday to celebrate it proved to be an exciting month, if you include trips to Ikea to get the obligatory university essentials!

This year I actually got to enjoy the Chapel Allerton Festival, which we were happy to support by being a collection point for wristbands and offering customers wearing them discount in the shop. It was a great and busy event and something Chapel Allerton should be really proud of putting on each year.

I love September, when the light changes and you can feel the new season around the corner. Not so much a fan this year, as it’s quickly turned cold and rainy and the shop’s been a bit too quiet! But there has been good moments.

Our workshop programme has got off to a great start, with Colourful Weaving, Arm knitting,  Painting and Lampshade Making. We’ve launched all our autumn & festive workshops for the rest of the year and look forward to a welcoming lots of crafty customer upstairs. We also hosted 2 private Jesmonite workshops  for Leeds Society of Architects and a team building for Connective3 which saw amazing results. Love running these so always happy when people get in touch to ask about them.

Our favourite trade show, Top Drawer, did not disappoint this year and we can’t wait for you to see what we’ve ordered. PREORDERS are available now to help you spread the cost of gifting over the festive period and to guarantee that you get the products you’ll love.

September is the perfect time to get in touch with people during ‘Thinking of You’ week – this year we ran a competition every day and loved sending cards on behalf of our customers. Cards are so important to Chirpy, they literally pay our rent, and we love that our Chirpy customers appreciate the great ranges we stock. Watch this space for our annual Card Subscription competition which launched in October.

Finally September was a big month in our household too as my daughter went off to university, just a mere 350 miles away! Think we’re all adjusting but can’t wait to go and visit in October.

So as we enter the ‘golden quarter’ we’ve just launched a couple of exciting events. This half term we’ll be running some mini Jesmonite workshops, perfect for kids, Tickets are also on sale for this year’s CHIRPYVERSARY party on 8th November – come and join us to celebrate my 8th anniversary in Chirpy.

Here’s to a busy and successful autumn!

Jo x

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The highs and heights of July ...

The theme of this month has been about putting one foot in front of the other, quite literally. It’s taken me to heights & distances I never expected, have ticked 2 amazing walks off my bucket list (that I’m not sure I even realised were on it!) The Yorkshire 3 Peaks was epic - I needed to know I had 24 miles in 12 hours in my kegs in preparation for my marathon Coppafeel trek in September & the good news is I do!

So while on holiday in Wales this week it seemed obvious to climb Snowdon. What a fabulous day - perhaps a little bit too warm but a wonderful 4 hours with the best views I’ve ever seen. Just managed to avoid a big cloud when we reached the top. I can categorically say I’m super proud of myself (& Sally & Iain) for getting those walls done & dusted. Ben Nevis next?!!?! 

We started July being a finalist at The RETAs, the Oscar’s of the card industry. Even though we didn’t take away the prize it was a wonderful event & to be part of such an amazing group of other independent retailers is an honour. We pride ourselves on the wonderful cards we stock and our customers  are frequently complimenting us on the range we gave so we’re winners in their eyes. 

Working a little bit on the business rather than just in it, this month I attended a great Branding event workshop with Buttercrumble hosted by neighbouring local independent shop  the Little Book shop. Behind the scenes I’ve also been crunching numbers thanks the The Resilient Retail Club & looking at our Christmas planning. Christmas in July definitely seems to be a thing! But in all seriousness, having also attended Harrogate Home & Gift Tradeshow this month it’s never to early to start looking forward to make sure we have everything right for the busiest time of year. 

Our July Jesmonite workshop was a sell out & we were delighted to be able to help a customer out & host her daughter’s birthday workshop. Thinks have been busy on the corporate workshop front too with 2 Jesmonite workshops in the diary for the autumn. I love doing private workshops so if you’re looking for a team event, meeting or get together then just get in touch for a chat

So as July has come to an end what does August have in store?

I’m planning on keeping my feet on terra firma -  no big walks planned. It’s usually a quieter time in the shop so a great time to sort, renew, take stock. The Chirpy team are getting together next week to celebrate the year we’ve had - I couldn’t do it without them, they’ve been holding the fort while I’ve been clocking up the miles! 

And finally as a little treat for all our Chirpy customers in August to help you do your gift shopping wherever you may be, by a pool, up a mountain, on a houseboat or in a tent, here’s some discount codes for you …

AUGUST10 to get 10% OFF when you spend £25 or more

AUGUST15 to get 15% OFF when you spend £50 or more

AUGUST20 to get 20% OFF when you spend £80 or more

Happy Summer!

Jo x

It was a long time coming but we finally saw some sun ...

So here we are, half way through the year, 6 months until Christmas (there I’ve mentioned it!) and it’s t-shirt weather at last! So we’re looking back at the last 3 months in Chirpy …

April wasn’t the best month for sales but there was lots going on to keep us Chirpy! It was time to stocktake (literally), come out of hibernation and kick off Spring, even if the weather didn’t get that memo.

It’s was great to be part of #myshoplife24, celebrating with independent businesses around the country through social media. I’ve been involved in this for the last 7 years and it really feels like being part of an indie family, supporting each other especially when times are tough. Loved seeing all the posts, reels and stories and being inspired by what other indie shops are doing. Lucia also joined us for her work experience and it’s always lovely to have a fresh pair of eyes in the shop, especially young ones! You may have also heard me on Radio 2 this month chatting about shopping trollies! You’ll often see me around Chapel Allerton, mine filled with shopping form the local shops or parcels on the way to the post office.

In May we were delighted to find out we were a finalist for a RETA Award - the Oscars for Card Retailers. Watch this space on 4th July - it’s not just the election which will be decided! As we’re not a bank we decided to stay open for the Bank Holidays and glad we did. Thanks to everyone who shopped with us and made it worth our while being open. May was a busy month with workshops, with over 40 people joining us to paint, knit and get crafty with Jesmonite and Fused Glass (not all at once!) On the look out to expand our stationery range, this month I visited the Stationery Show in London, as part of National Stationery Week, which saw me make my own fountain pen, get lots of great samples and have some decisions to make on what products we’ll be bringing to Chirpy later in the year.

June, another month and another trade show. Visiting PG Live is now one of my favourite days of the year, as cards play such an important part of Chirpy. We had a Sunshine Ticket to spend for our RETA nomination, which we were delighted to spend with Lucky Ink, a new supplier to Chirpy and we’re sure you’ll love her gorgeous modern colourful cards as much as we do. Another month, another radio appearance, this time on Radio 4 chatting about the benefits of shopping local. We really rely on our loyal local customers so it’s a subject very close to my heart.

Summer really did arrive with our Summer Energy Boost workshop with Sarah Brown, where we all took away lots of great tips on how to feel healthier and more energised for the year ahead - still no coffee for me!

After the stresses of A levels in our house, I finally got to relax(!) on a little on a trip to Paris with my daughter. I really noticed the increase in more small independent shops which I’ve never really noticed in France before - like the UK there’s a lot of lovely indie makers which is great to see.

So as we head into the summer months traditionally the quietest season for us, we’re starting to plan ahead for Christmas (there I mentioned it again!). As schools finish and people head off on holidays, please don’t forget your independent shops and local hight streets when you’re looking for gifts for summer birthdays, weddings and teacher presents. Why not spend that class collection money in Chirpy to thank us for the support we’ve given your school Summer Fairs?

Here’s to a summer of sun, washing on the line and eating al fresco.

Until the autumn…

Jo & the Chirpy team x

It's beginning to feel a bit like ... Autumn!

Can you believe that we’re 3/4s of the way through 2023 already, the mornings are getting chillier, the nights are drawing in and everywhere seems to be decorated in pumpkins, including Chirpy!

Time to look back at the summer we almost had!

Best buying decision of July had to be stocking the wonderful Smiley umbrellas for what turned out ot be a very wet month. For those of you who know me well you’ll know it’s a bit ironic that I’m stocking these as I have a thing against emojis (long story!) but I couldn’t resist these, and neither could our customers! The other best buying decision was stocking ROKA bags, which have gone down a treat! Their great designs and vibrant colours fit in perfectly with the Chirpy vibe and they’ve proved very popular. Think they’ll be a best seller this Christmas. Retail really is affected by the weather though and July proved to be a challenging month, much quieter than last year, when we were baking in sunshine. I did also manage a little family trip to Scotland where it didn’t rain all the time and a visit to the Harrogate Trade fair which is great as it’s only a bus ride away & got lots of ideas for new season stock.

August saw a couple of new businesses open in Chapel Allerton, Paria and Bricklebanks. It’s always great to see new businesses pop up and keep our local high street vibrant and thriving. Paria does great coffee and pastries, have to admit I haven’t had a chance to try Bricklebanks yet but it’s on my list.

We launched the new Chirpy Workshop programme this month, with lots of new workshops and a few trusty popular ones too. It was great to get lots of bookings straight away, really helps us plan ahead. Talking of planing ahead we also opened our preorders for lots of new stock, including our Festive Papercut Baubles. The aim of this was also to help you spread the cost of gifting this year, help us manage our orders and cashflow and help our suppliers know what we’re going to order as soon as possible so a win win all round.

On a personal note I had a lovely couple of days beside the seaside with my mum for her 80th birthday followed by her garden party. Hope I’m as sprightly as my mum (with her new hip) when I’m 80! My daughter turned 17 too (don’t worry the roads are safe as she’s not learning to drive) and we had a great trip to London to see Cabaret which was amazing!

September, my favourite month, and the return of summer! The month had a busy start with Chapel Allerton’s annual festival and the monthly market - not particularly good for shop sales but great to see the ‘village’ so busy and what a lovely weekend for it. September also denotes the beginning of the festive season for me in retail with a visit to Top Drawer, my favourite tradeshow, where I order most of my Christmas stock. It was a great show, meeting some existing suppliers and finding some new ones too. We think you’ll love the things we’ve bought and the new pencil sets are already proving very popular.

This September we took part in ‘Thinking of You’ week and raised over £250 for Breast Cancer Now, with personalised cards, a raffle and a bake sale. We’ll continue to raise money over the next couple of months so still time to buy your raffle tickets - there’s some gorgeous prizes.

The workshop programme got off to a great start, having already hosted 5 workshops this month and lots more to come - don’t forget to book your places!

The shop is looking lovely and autumnal as we’re embracing Halloween. We’ll also be welcoming back My New Wardrobe for a pop up shop on 6th October and also planning for the MAGIC TENNER event which starts on 7th October.

We couldn’t do all of this without our wonderful Chirpy customers who continue to support us, buying gifts, booking on workshops or even just popping in for a card.

Now the fun starts … if you see me running around looking a bit stressed then that’s autumn for me!! Coffee always welcome!

Jo x

Bye bye Spring, here's to a Chirpy Summer!

So we’ve waved goodbye to another 3 months of the year, Spring is behind us, we’re in the middle (!) of summer and half way through the year. Less than 6 months until Christmas - there I’ve said it now, promise I won’t mention it again!

So looking back at April, May and June it’s been a real mixed bag - typically Spring I suppose, with all retail seasons in 3 months.

After a busy March, April brought us back down to earth with a bang! Sales were 33% down from March and from April 2022, it was not to be a busy Easter! We were left wondering where everyone had gone to eat their Easter chocolate. We did however welcome Black Violet as she popped upstairs as our ‘Maker in Residence’ and hosted a fabulous Jewellery workshop. We also held our now monthly Arm Knitting Workshop with Mizz Knits which never disappoints with woolly fizz & laughter!

We welcomed May with the launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I was honoured to be featured in their ‘Wear it Pink’ Campaign - watch this space for more fundraising events in October as our chosen Chirpy charity. The news was full of how the numerous Bank Holidays would be good for retail businesses, so we threw open our doors to the cries of ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’. The first one coincided with a very sunny Sunday and the new Chapel Allerton Market so as gluttons for punishment we opened then too! Think it might be a slow burn but Sunday openings when the market is on is here to stay for Chirpy. After 5 long years we were also delighted to welcome back My New Wardrobe with her pop up shop, which was a great success so we’ve got the next autumn date in our diaries (6th October is case you’re wondering) Another Arm Knitting and a Jesmonite Coaster workshop finished off what turned out to be an enjoyable and quite busy month.

June, my favourite month! And it did not disappoint! I have realised the busier I am, the happier I am and I think that reflects in the shop. 5 workshops, Double Points event, visited a new card tradeshow where I found 5 new suppliers, asked to be a judge for the Oscars of the card world, feature article in Gifts Today and welcomed Annika for a week on Work Experience. Another Chapel Allerton market day, where we were much busier and Shop Independent Day too. As well as my own birthday - a busy month which flew by!

So what does the summer have in store? As terms end and people go off on holiday July & August can be tough months in retail. We’ll be open as usual thanks tp my fabulous Chirpy team.

There's still time to grab those Teacher gifts, cards and vouchers. We’d like to think that the schools we support through prizes for Summer Fairs & Raffles support us by shopping local for their Class Collections (fingers crossed!)

We’ve got trade shows to visit with Christmas in mind (sorry, I said I wouldn’t mention it again!) and from September we’ll be back in full swing with lots of new Workshops.

I’m always amazed when I look back at what we’ve achieved at how much more there is to running a shop, no one told me that when I bought Chirpy almost 7 years ago. I’ll always strive to keep the stock, workshops and events new ands exciting for our wonderful customers and love to hear your feedback and ideas of what you’d like Chirpy to offer so don’t hesitate to get in touch here

Thanks for your ongoing support, have a wonderful summer and don’t forget us for all those summer birthdays!

Jo x