I forgot – I totally forgot to update you with news about my Country Living Magazine retail fair in March. Well, in a nutshell, it was pecan fantastic – I got a great response from my new collection despite the selling prices in some cases, being double what they were when I launched in November last year -The reason for this? Well apart from the VAT increases and postage costs going up I have increased my prices so I can start to wholesale the styles to independent retailers and boutique stockists.
And I was rewarded by 3 great new enquiries about stocking my wares AND a repeat order from another one. It would seem that in March, most of the 28,000 women who careered through the Business Design Centre, Islington, were hell bent on buying something for themselves – whereas the Christmas Fair, was full of moochers and present buyers.
So, I sold almost all my stock and have now gained some new fans. I also had to take orders on styles like the Burton Bag and The Pevensey Tote. so there’s currently a waiting list for these beauties. So it would seem there is a gap in the accessories market, for understated and stylish design.
The Burton Bag shown here in Tan and Earth, made from Italian bridle leather and made in England with brass fittings. Go to www.stleonardsonline.com to see more and buy. The Pevensey Tote in full grain saddlery leather makes the perfect all round tote for Summer and Winter – it can be stuffed full of beach clutter, vegetables or even your laptop. See www.stleonardsonline.com for more details.
