Lawsons the Devon based home store group has been fundraising for The Trussel Trust to help prevent hunger through food banks in the UK. The retailer has raised over £2000 so far; much of this was in the run-up to Christmas, thanks to the enthusiasm of customers and staff. The initiative is dedicated to the memory of family member Jennifer Lawson, who died last year.
“Our charity fundraising has been a great distraction and has had really positive feedback from customers and staff,” explains Liz Lawson, managing director of Lawsons. “What was really challenging was thinking of ways to raise money and still be Covid safe, so no in-store activities such as cake sales, raffles or group sports events.”
Lawsons’ fundraising has included an online auction (donating products from leading brands including Le Creuset, Cole & Mason, La Cafetiere and Prestige), as well as the donation of profits from Christmas products (such as Christmas tissues), and “old fashioned collection tins,” which were popular by tills when shops have been open. Lawsons also invited customers to donate their loyalty points, which they could do at the till, and has a Just Giving page, which is still active for donations: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lawsons-fundraiser
Meanwhile, in the current lockdown 3, Lawsons’ branches in Ivybridge and Tavistock remain open to sell building supplies, gardening and pet supplies (which all remain on the Government’s ‘essential’ retailing list). With hardware no longer appearing on the ‘essential’ list, the Totnes branch has now closed “as most of its products are cookshop, domestic hardware and linens,” reports Liz. She reflects on the current trading situation: “Open or not our sales are very low about 50 – 70% less than normal.”
The retailer is continuing its end of year sale online, as well as providing online customers with inspiration for healthy new year resolutions, ‘greener’ cleaning and coffee brewing at home.
