The owner of Tip Tip Balloons, based in Andover, UK, has been held up in the local press as a positive example of how independent retailers can return to business after the difficulties faced over the lockdown period.
Dave Stanbridge – who runs Tip Top Balloons along with his wife Chrissy – had spent weeks worrying that he may never be able to reopen after being forced to close for a prolonged period, as a non-essential retailer. Since reopening he told the local newspaper that business has been ‘very encouraging’.
“During lockdown we were contacted by many potential customers asking about deliveries,” Dave later told PartyWorldwide.net. “In the first month or of lockdown there were many restrictions in place including a ban on non-essential driving, so we thought it morally wrong to offer a delivery service.”
“The second extension to lockdown was seriously worrying and we did wonder what the future held for us… the worst thing was the uncertainty of how long lockdown would go on for. We had no income but invoices were still coming in.”
However, after key restrictions were eased on 11 May Tip Top Balloons was able to offer balloon deliveries; a service which was ‘very well received’.
Towards the end of lockdown, Dave and Chrissy also installed screens, sanitiser stations and window/floor signage within the store so customers could feel safe when they returned. This meant they were able to open as soon as non-essential retail was permitted to open, on 15 June.
“Since reopening our shop most of our regular customers have already visited us and we have had many new ones coming in too,” Dave continued. “Footfall has been up on pre-lockdown weeks, which is very encouraging, so we look to the future with optimism. At the moment my team are still furloughed so during the week I’m in the shop alone, which is really hard work.”
“On Saturdays Chrissy and I run the shop together. However I see that changing very soon as customer levels increase and our financial situation improves; we will be able to bring our team back!”
On the event side of things – the weddings, parties and corporate promotions which form the biggest chunk of Tip Top’s business – business remains ‘pretty much non-existent. Most bookings are cancelled or postponed until next year, although there are still have some bookings in place for October onwards.
“We also have the Thornton’s franchise for Andover which helps to bring people in through the front door,” he adds. “On the balloon side people are choosing more arrangements now with co-ordinating accessories which makes up-selling easy!”
And looking to the future, Dave believes he will see a mixed reaction regarding face masks in shops. “Some will find it a comfort while others may be worried. We will try to encourage the wearing of masks, but cannot afford to turn business away so will have disposable ones for sale.”
