Apr23196 Independent Village Shop of the Year 2023 - North West England Based in Croston, Lancashire, Feather and Twigs is a small independent retail outlet that works with Artisans and Craftspeople to bring unique gifts, specialist homeware, and handmade items to its store visitors and online patrons. Dedicated to its local community, the business goes above and beyond to fulfil the needs of its customers. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and unique scenery, Croston is a picturesque village nestled within the historic county of Lancashire. People from miles around visit Croston not only to enjoy the delightful landscapes and a delicious meal, but also to browse the unique gifts offered by local shop Feather and Twigs. The company’s mission is to put “artisan brands into local hands”, offering distinct products that can’t be readily found through large high street retailers. Feather and Twigs is proud of the unique products it offers. The shop sources and sells pieces of homeware, jewellery, art, and handcrafted gifts that showcase the local and regional talent of Artisan makers. As well as its village outlet, the shop has a handy online store, through which its products can be purchased across the UK. In its range of handmade and specially crafted products, Feather and Twigs aims to encapsulate the UK’s heritage. Through craft fairs, art exhibitions, and country fairs, the business searches for “Best of British”, organic, sustainable, and ethically sourced products, as well as interesting artwork and handcrafted gifts. Feather and Twigs has a particular love of nature, animals, and the local countryside, which is very much reflected in the products it sells. In Croston, Feather and Twigs shares a space with The Secret Closet, a ladies’ fashion outlet, which is located at the back of the store. This unique enterprise brings in a wide range of customers who might be looking for a special outfit for a night out as well as a gift for a family member. With today’s bricks and mortar stores struggling with ever-increasing energy bills, increased rates, and staffing issues, the shop share allows the two businesses to share the benefits and the costs of maintaining a physical store. Both businesses have the same core values, including supporting local groups and organisations, providing first class customer service, and sourcing only ethical and sustainable products and fashion. Both local ladies, Catherine Titherington-Teale (Feather and Twigs) and Hayley Wright (The Secret Closet) have gotten to know lots of locals over the last four years. Many people pop in regularly for a chat, to pick up a card, to try something on, or to browse gifts. They have found that the shop has come in especially handy to Croston residents who are unable to drive or travel far. Both Catherine and Hayley have learnt to love everything about the village, the surrounding countryside, but most of all its community. They dedicate time and effort to supporting local charities through fashion shows or Spring Fairs and support Croston in Bloom, Croston WI, and other associated charities. “It is important that Feather and Twigs supports its local community as well as its local artisans,” Catherine says. “Artisans like us are independent businesses and we believe we can give them a platform to market their talents, allowing them to produce more of what they are good at. Whether it’s a regular supply of local honey, handmade candles, crocheted bears, or raising money through raffles, it all goes a long way to support the local economy.” At Feather and Twigs, no request is too much trouble. Both Catherine and Hayley are constantly going above and beyond to provide products and services that will meet their customers’ needs, whether it be sourcing a particular product, running a veg swap scheme, conducting a wardrobe edit, or commissioning an artist to paint a pet. Whatever is needed, they both always do their best to help their customers. They are even committed to ensuring their customers’ pets are happy, so every visiting dog gets a treat! As a result of its unique range of products and its customer-focused nature, Feather and Twigs has been awarded Independent Village Shop of the Year in the UK Enterprise Awards 2023. With online sales still growing, Feather and Twigs must ensure that its products are not freely available through other retailers in order to avoid price battles with major online stores. Providing incredibly distinct gifts, the business will undoubtedly continue to succeed in the coming years. Contact: Catherine Titherington-Teale Company: Feather & Twigs Web Address: www.featherandtwigs.com
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