Jason Somers, general manager of Divertimenti, London says these are “exciting” times for the independent retailer, particularly as it has the “ability to react to what customers quickly.”
He adds: “I’ve never been at a retailer where you can make a change so quickly and see the smiles on customers’ faces. The biggest thrill is to see people who are as passionate about cookware as you are.”
Jason cites the shop’s collaboration with Portuguese ceramics manufacturer Bordallo Pinheiro and the recent Taste of Portugal event (whose attendees included Portuguese ambassador, one of the V&A’s directors and Divertimenti’s founders) as one example of the store’s unique initiatives.
Jason also shared some reasons to be cheerful while judging at the recent Excellence in Housewares Awards:
What are you most proud of about the housewares industry?
“The ability to transform a home of kitchen with ease, from the most simple of products which have been well designed to put smiles on faces.”
What has made you smile at work recently?
“Being an independent retailer and having an instant input on buying products by identifying customer trends.”
Who is your local hero and why?
“Samantha Harvey, Divertimenti’s cookery school manager. Her outstanding work infusing great homewares into her classes gives our customers an excellent chance to see the products in a live environment.”
* Divertimenti is one of the finalists in the Excellence in Retail Display (Independent) Award. * The full list of retailer finalists for The Excellence in Housewares Awards can be seen HERE.
Top: Jason Somers from Divertimenti at the recent Excellence in Housewares Product Judging Day.
