Congratulations to Little Saplings in Ross-on-Wye who are our 2022 Christmas window competition winners! Their magical window featuring our polar bear range was a winter wonderland for little ones. The polar raincoat, pom-pom hat, and long-sleeved jumpsuit from our range were displayed on mannequins with an igloo, penguin and polar bear plush toys in an icy scene with snowflakes and snowballs. Claire, owner of Little Saplings shared the secrets of her success with us:
Tell us about how your business got started. What was the inspiration and what gap in the market had you identified?
We noticed an increase in sales of baby gifts in our original gift shop ‘Crossfield Creations’ and in 2021 decided to open ‘Little Saplings’ further up the high street to meet the demand. We had amazing support from our customers as well as some fantastic reviews stating that an affordable baby shop was just what the town needed. As our Crossfield Creations shop focuses on laser engraved personalised wooden giftware, we chose to continue this in Little Saplings by offering engraved wooden frames, personalised wooden cutlery, plates, keepsake boxes as well as a variety of other wooden gifts but also added a range of clothing and accessories.
What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start and manage your business?
As a primary school teacher and mum of four boys I hoped that I had enough experience and knowledge to help me source a wide range of educational toys, gifts and clothing that would hopefully be just what our customers were looking for.
How long have you stocked Powell Craft products?
In 2022 just a year after the first opening we relocated to even larger premises, it was at this point that we had the additional space to add further clothing ranges and began stocking Powell Craft. Our new site also gave us the space to add a children’s bookshop and play area as well as a preloved area of the shop.
What are your favourite Powell Craft products?
Each of the Powell Craft ranges we have stocked have proved very popular. The farmyard and tractor range has been one of our best sellers and customers particularly love that the range includes so many items that match and complement each other. The traditional pyjamas and matching teddy are a very popular gift too. The city dress and crown and soldier designs by Powell Craft featured in our very first window display which then led to us winning the Ross-on-Wye Jubilee window competition.
We are very fortunate to have an amazing window space at the shop, a great area to create eye-catching displays. As an Early Years teacher, I always loved to design and make themed displays in my classroom and so now I continue to do that but within the shop. Sometimes I create a window display inspired by an item of clothing which is exactly what happened with the Powell Craft polar range we used in our winter display. I spotted the range on the Powell Craft stand at the Autumn Fair and I spent the next few months searching for polar bear items to go with it. We were so pleased to have been chosen as the winner of the Powell Craft Window Competition, to win two window awards within just a few months makes us really appreciate the amazing window area we are lucky enough to now have.
Find Little Saplings at 43 High Street, Ross-on-Wye and on Facebook and Instagram
