Domino Style transformed in-store and online thanks to easy-to-access WCC grant
"The council has been so supportive of local businesses and I can't thank them enough."
A small independent fashion retailer in Stratford-upon-Avon has a new look and a much greater online presence with which to shout about it thanks to a Retail and Hospitality Recovery and Investment Grants from Warwickshire County Council.
Domino Style, in Henley Street, has long been part of the town's vibrant offer of small independent shops - and is now well-placed to bounce from this most difficult year in the future with a brand new look both in-store and online.
Shop owner Abigail Edmunds said: "We heard about these grants through social media so got in touch with the county council and it all happened really quickly from there.
"The grant was easy to access and Louisa Smith at the council was brilliant. She was always there to help and that in itself was really good because, in what has been a very difficult year, it is so nice to know that someone is there and is keen to help. The council has been so supportive of local businesses and I can't thank them enough.
"The shop was looking a little bit tired so we got another local company - Creative Events Support - in to do the work and they were fantastic.
"The shop looks great and is also much more comfortable for customers and staff. We have moved one of the two changing rooms upstairs so that they are not right next to each other anymore. They fit with social distancing requirements and there is more space all round.
"We also used part of the grant to improve our website and social media presence because that part of the business has really grown this year. We bought a camera which will enable us to put high-quality, bespoke images of all our stock online.
"Our Instagram profile is growing all the time and we know that social media and the online element of the business will be an integral part of the future...though, of course, there will never be anything quite like customers coming into the shop and seeing the clothes and getting that one-to-one care and attention from us!"
The first round of Retail and Hospitality Recovery and Investment Grants saw 40 businesses supported with funding totalling £215,000. Businesses are now encouraged to consider applying for the second round which will open early in 2021.