We're all a bit fatigued after a full year of the Pandemic. There's been so much bad news everywhere we turn.
The team here at Drogheda Chamber have supported and celebrated the resilience, creativity and courage of our entrepreneurs over the last year. And now it's time to celebrate those that have been nimble in adapting to the changing situation. Those that have pivoted. That have used the lockdowns as opportunities to future fit and develop their businesses further.
Over the coming weeks we will interview some of these businesses and share some of the positivity and good news that we see.
This week we are talking with Lelia Doolan - from The Design Gallery.
Tell us about your pre pandemic Business status
LD: We've been trading for 18 years - since 2003. We are a Giftware, Lifestyle and Accessory Store specialising in design led giftware. Basically - all things gorgeous and wonderful!!! We are situated beside the magnificent Laurence Gate in Drogheda. Before the Pandemic we were a local gifting store with no website. Totally bricks and mortar driven.
What was the initial impact on your business & how did you react?
LD: Obviously the store had to close. And because we had no website, we therefore had no income. After we got over the initial shock - we used our Facebook and Instagram to stay in touch with our customers and we were soon able to trade a little using social media also.
What changes did you make in order to cope or pivot / and to adapt to the situation?
LD: I was lucky enough to get onto the Retail Battle Plan programme with Miriam Simon, which was run by M1 Skillnet & Drogheda Chamber. This was a turning point as it helped me to really focus on the business. Miriam also did some mentoring with me and we worked on trading strategies as well as our store layout, changing it up to make the retail instore experience better for our customers.
We also hugely increased our social media presence - reaching out to our customers in every way possible. And we added new brands to the store to enhance our offer. We've always been strong on giftwrap and additional touches for the customers. This is now more important than ever and we often help with gift note writing also. Alongside all of this, we worked on getting ourselves online, and our new website launched in November 2020. www.thedesigngallery.ie
What supports, grants, aids helped the most?
LD: There have been great supports through the Louth Enterprise Board and from Drogheda Chamber - right from the beginning.
- The business continuity voucher was great and enabled me to get mentoring from Miriam Simon, Catherine O'Donnell and Paul Quinn.
- The Trading Online Voucher really helped me to get the website set up.
- The Tapit Cashback scheme, supported by Drogheda Chamber has also been a great customer loyalty driver
- The LMETB helped me with a 12 week Digital Marketing Course which was a Level5 QQI.
- I'm also participating on the Superior Retailing Programme with Louth LEO
- The rates waiver has been a great relief
- I'm also in Miriam Simons Retail PowerHouse which gives me ongoing trading support.
- My loyal customers have been amazing! I'm so grateful - They still ran all their savings clubs and still shopped with me for their gifts and treats.
How are you feeling about business as we begin to plan to emerge from the lockdowns, and as vaccinations roll out?
LD: Positive and Hopeful!! There is a greater love in our Town for shopping locally as a result of Covid, and I feel 2021 will be a good year. We have gained so many new customers as a result of Covid and have managed to build lasting friendships and loyalty with our new 'Working From Home' Customers. These are customers that previously may not have shopped in the Town as they were commuting before the Pandemic.
Finally … What's your top piece of advice for other businesses?
LD: I've a few bits of advice. 1. Keep Positive and stay active on any Social Media platform that works for your business. 2. Keep in touch with your local Chamber of Commerce. And 3. Join the Retail PowerHouse if it's applicable for your business. Lelia.
If you'd like to be featured in this series - We'd love to hear from you @Drogheda & District Chamber.