A FIRST FOR THE KING’S SCHOOL CHESTER
The historic King’s School at Chester has seen many events over the centuries, as it was founded by none other than Henry VIII in 1541. Until now, it had never had its own school shop – but the school shop now installed at King’s comes with a special added extra.
For most of the year, the shop is situated in a compact area of the school, which is ideal for parents to visit whilst collecting or dropping off their children, and for pupils to visit in a safe environment to try on uniforms and sports kit. However, things change in July, the key Back to School time, when the entire shop relocates for six weeks to a large area inside the Recital Hall at King’s. Here, an ‘instant’ or ‘pop-up’ shop is created, complete with changing rooms, so that everyone can be served in comfort, no matter how many parents arrive at the same time. It’s an idea that works extremely well, as the school’s director of marketing, Vicky Titmuss, confirmed: “We’re heading for our second summer with this pop-up shop concept and it’s working well for us. We would have liked a bigger school shop, but space here is at a premium, and this system is proving very effective. Parents are happy with it and we’re getting a very responsive service from John Cheatle.”
The school shop is run by an ex-parent, who had been involved with running the second-hand shop and who is familiar with the uniform and sportswear requirements at King’s. John Cheatle’s North West area manager Carolyn Boggiano commented: “It’s been a huge success and now means that King’s has a school shop fit for a school of its stature. We work closely with the school to ensure the useful regular feedback received from parents means we can continue to make small improvements to the service – such as changing opening times, updating uniform and sportswear styles, even the out-of-hours message facility.”
Open three days a week during term time, the shop is a popular venue for parents and pupils alike, as generally with a single visit, correctly fitting school uniform and sports kit can be assured.
As Vicky concludes, the next step would be a bigger school shop, but for now feedback indicates the pop-up school shop is working well and parents at this historic school are appreciating the service.
ENDS
PHOTO-CAPTION: The school shop at The King’s School, Chester
For further media information please contact Bridget Summers, Footprint, PO Box 4, Thorpe Park, Leeds LS15 8WX. Tel: 0113 251 5697. E-mail:bridget@fim.org.uk
