Media Release: Lumin-Essence Trade Alight At Dolphin Shopping Centre Store
Poole, Dorset – Thursday, July 1, 2010; Lumin-Essence, a local innovative independent trader, is doing more than just surviving the current economic climate. After five years trading from the Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole’s favourite candle lifestyle store shares its secrets of survival, which include a ‘back to basics’ focus on traditional trading values of excellent customer service and quality product offer.
Turning away from e-commerce may seem like a brave move to make but with strong trading enjoyed in the Dolphin Shopping Centre Lumin-Essence took that leap of faith. The resulting free-up of staff time has allowed the local business to concentrate on developing the in-store experience, ensuring flexibility to proactively explore new product lines, trends and services. “Directing our efforts away from online purchasing was a major decision,” explains store manager Catherine Standen. “The recession has been tough on local traders, but Lumin-Essence has weathered the storm well and we believe that success is down to putting the customer first, almost going back to traditional basics. “We talk to our customers so we know what they want. Feedback and buying patterns show people are staying in more and investing in their home environment. Although candles aren’t an essential, they are a lifestyle choice and we try to offer products to make it heaven for your home. That’s why most of our products fall within a manageable £20 price mark.” Winners of Best Independent Window Display and runners-up of the Best Overall Independent in the 2010 Top of the Shops awards, Lumin-Essence has increased their offering to customers with additional services such as in-store ordering, private in-store party events and home party opportunities. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy having exclusive after-hours access to candle and giftware heaven in the company of close friends, especially when the host receives an array of complementary goodies? Customers are further rewarded with a loyalty card that offers £10 off when completed while a recycling scheme helps customers dispose of their stickered Lumin-Essence jars to receive £1 off their next candle. The first to introduce the Yankee Candle brand locally, Lumin-Essence’s extensive range now incorporates WoodWicks, unique gifts and home furnishings. From candles to children’s Jelly Cat giftware, to the latest shabby chic inspired essentials from Giesla Graham and beautiful recycled glass artefacts. “Strong supplier relations are vital in ensuring quality product ranges while passing on the best possible deals to our customers,” said Catherine. “We favour British and particularly local suppliers and our customers love gemstone jewellery from Essania (Ferndown), Wax Bears from Spetisbury, driftwood candle holders crafted by Simply a Gift in Poole, and Wax Lyrical reed diffusers from Cumbria, to name a few. “We’re passionate about the products we sell and that passes through to our customers. Nothing goes on the shop floor without six staff members trying and testing it at home.” Location has also been key in developing the business established in 2004 by Lisa and Darrin Abbott, comments Catherine; “Our Dolphin Shopping Centre position is ideal. We’re the shop-front to the Gallery Level of independent traders with excellent access, convenient travel links and parking. If we were to expand, additional premises would have to offer the same benefits and support.” “Thanks to our stability, we are looking at moving forward with planned in-store improvements that will enable us to offer the best product range possible. We are also developing new exclusive ticketed events designed to give something back to our customers, the first of which looks set for October and will give shoppers some great deals and an exclusive insight into our festive ranges.” Lumin-Essence is just one of the unique independent traders hosted from the Dolphin Shopping Centre’s Gallery Level. For further information call Lumin-Essence on 01202 669778 and for full Dolphin Shopping Centre store listings and a downloadable guide visit www.dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk -Ends- Please click on the thumbnails below to download the images. Notes to Editors In 2003, The Dolphin Shopping Centre was acquired by Grosvenor – the leading international property development, investment and management group – for its Grosvenor Shopping Centre Fund. The centre contains 115 stores and covers an area of over 47,000 square metres. The Grosvenor Shopping Centre Fund was established in 1998. It is a partnership created to invest in high quality, dominant shopping centres around the UK. The Fund is managed by Grosvenor from its office in London, combining the expertise of the company’s fund and asset managers. The Fund currently owns Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole; Coopers Square, Burton upon Trent; Eastgate Shopping Centre, Inverness; and Freshney Place Shopping Centre, Grimsby. For further information please contact the Dolphin Shopping Centre Press Office: Emma Spearing, Hazel PR Tel: +44 (0)1202 862411 Mobile: +44 (0)7736 341828 Email: emma.spearing@hazelpr.com
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