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Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way
Listed under: One Voice
Published: Friday, March 13, 2009
Hot on the heels of scooping this year's Crafts Beautiful Award for Best Independent Store in Ireland, Craft Corner in Coleraine has never been so busy. Owner Valerie McCausland tells us why she believes success is in the eye of the beholder
In today's climate, stories about redundancies, repossessions and the recession have become as much a part of our everyday lives as a morning cup of tea, leaving us all feeling rather gloomy. However, exhibitors at the recent Craft, Hobby + Stitch show in Birmingham – which included manufacturers and suppliers from all over the world – were anything but pessimistic about the future, insisting the craft sector had not suffered due to the economic downturn. And yet, while the majority of visitors at the event were optimistic about the year ahead, many were keen to stress that beating the recession would not be easy, requiring businesses to tackle the difficulties head-on, and literally fight for their survival.
A Case in Point
One company to have done just that is the award-winning Craft Corner in Coleraine, Ireland. With the business currently booming, the people behind the store have spent the past year doing everything in their power to overcome the economic difficulties – including hosting a range of new classes, expanding the amount of products on offer and even launching their own jewellery making DVD!
“Although Coleraine has been hit hard by the economic downturn – experiencing the closure of at least seven large stores since Christmas – the shop has remained very busy,” explains owner Valerie McCausland. “The sight of vacant premises is a constant reminder of the fragility of the retail market at the moment and drives us to work that much harder to succeed as a business.”
Standing Strong
Determined to fight back, Valerie has tackled the recession head-on, using every trick in the book to secure her survival. “At Craft Corner, we have always tried to ensure the business is as customer-driven as possible,” she explains. “If we don't have a product, we will source it and have put together our own DVD, as well as hosting a range of classes every Saturday.
“Over the past few years, there has been a definite shift in the craft business,” she says. “Although card making and scrapbooking are still extremely popular, jewellery making has also really taken off. The wedding market is growing as well, with an increasing number of brides designing and producing their own accessories. This is something we have actively tried to promote, showing our customers how they can create unique and personal items at very little cost.”
Looking Forward
“Survival is the key to beating the recession,” she explains. “Winning the Crafts Beautiful award has boosted our morale, as well as the success of the business. We've had people coming to see us from all over the world saying they've heard about us winning the prize and want to learn more about the store. We are optimistic about the year ahead and, although it won't be easy, I believe if you’re strong and positive in mind, you can overcome anything.”
A Case in Point
One company to have done just that is the award-winning Craft Corner in Coleraine, Ireland. With the business currently booming, the people behind the store have spent the past year doing everything in their power to overcome the economic difficulties – including hosting a range of new classes, expanding the amount of products on offer and even launching their own jewellery making DVD!
“Although Coleraine has been hit hard by the economic downturn – experiencing the closure of at least seven large stores since Christmas – the shop has remained very busy,” explains owner Valerie McCausland. “The sight of vacant premises is a constant reminder of the fragility of the retail market at the moment and drives us to work that much harder to succeed as a business.”
Standing Strong
Determined to fight back, Valerie has tackled the recession head-on, using every trick in the book to secure her survival. “At Craft Corner, we have always tried to ensure the business is as customer-driven as possible,” she explains. “If we don't have a product, we will source it and have put together our own DVD, as well as hosting a range of classes every Saturday.
“Over the past few years, there has been a definite shift in the craft business,” she says. “Although card making and scrapbooking are still extremely popular, jewellery making has also really taken off. The wedding market is growing as well, with an increasing number of brides designing and producing their own accessories. This is something we have actively tried to promote, showing our customers how they can create unique and personal items at very little cost.”
Looking Forward
“Survival is the key to beating the recession,” she explains. “Winning the Crafts Beautiful award has boosted our morale, as well as the success of the business. We've had people coming to see us from all over the world saying they've heard about us winning the prize and want to learn more about the store. We are optimistic about the year ahead and, although it won't be easy, I believe if you’re strong and positive in mind, you can overcome anything.”
