Member Spotlight - The Design Gallery
Q1 TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND WHAT YOU DO?
The Design Gallery is a luxury Giftware and Lifestyle store based centrally at Laurence Gate Drogheda. We specialise in Design led Giftware creating innovative and authentic gift solutions. We have been at the forefront of promoting the finest of Irish Craft and Design locally for 20 years. We opened in May 2003 and have embraced the changing face of retail that has evolved over the years, particularly since the outbreak of Covid in March 2020. The store is beautifully situated in a fantastic pre 1900 era listed building, so it is steeped in history and character helping it to sit beautifully in harmony with all our wonderful Giftware,Homeware and Accessories.
We are passionate about supporting Irish Brands. From a selection of wonderful accessories including Scarves, Bags, Jewellery, Dazzling Crystal, Hand Thrown Pottery, Lamps and a wide range of Homewares and Giftware you can be sure to find some wonderfully designed products.
We stock an array of contemporary brands such as Newbridge Silverware and Jewellery, Tipperary Crystal and Jewellery, Galway Crystal, Orla Kiely Homeware, Belleek Pottery, Aynsley China and Nicholas Mosse Pottery.
We also stock exquisite Jewellery brands such as Pilgrim, Absolute, Envy, Equilibrium and Knight & Day to name but a few, all fabulous brands renowned for their talented creations and individual design flairs.
We also stock a wide range of children’s and baby gifts including much loved brands such as Jellycat and Irish handcrafted wooden jigsaws by Alphabet.
We are passionate about including local Irish Beauty and Skin careranges from The Handmade Soap Company based in Slane Co. Meath , Esker Fields Hand Made in Co. Louth ,Irish Botanicals and Herb Dublin, both strong Irish Brands too.
Q2 What do you think has been your biggest achievement with the business?
I would say surviving one of the worst economic down turns in the country’s history with the last recession before Covid through hard work, dedication and loyalty from both our staff and customers would be a great achievement for all of us.
Our most innovated activity throughout Covid was going from A Face-to-Face Bricks and Mortar only Store to Online in a very short time frame. We also hugely increased our Social Media Presence and turned around our business to have a 20% increase in 2020 with having our doors closed twice in that year alone.
We signed up for many different courses and seminars throughout Covid which was so helpful too. I completed a Level 5 Digital Marketing Course through the LMETB and also received a Certificate In SME Management Practice within a Superior Retailing Programme through the Louth County
Enterprise Board which was a great personal achievement and a fantastic learning experience. This was all greatly supported by the Drogheda and District Chamber Of Commerce, I think many of the local businesses have a lot to thank them for.
Q3 Tell us one thing people might not know about your business.
My Dad was in the Textile Business for many years with his Business “ Irish Tapestries” and “Weave of The Irish” and I used to help out with the many trade shows that they used to exhibit at, that’s really where my interest in Giftware and Retail began.
One of the things I really love doing is visiting other Retail stores both at home and abroad to keep up with the ever changing trends so always working when not working so to speak!!!!
When we are on buying trips we would carefully select all of our products with specific customers in mind too which is something people might not realise!!!
Q4 What is the best piece of business advice you have ever been given?
Always stay connected with your customers in every way possible both personally and digitally as it builds wonderful long-lasting relationships.
We always pride ourselves in giving our customers a unique shopping experience.
Throughout Covid we continually reminded our customers that even though our doors were closed we were very much open for business!!!
We are looking forward to the future and staying positive!!