Potters Cookshop of Hockley has seen a rise in online orders since the physical cookshop’s closure last week. Tom Carter, director states:” Online sales are how it would be at Christmas! Large amounts of orders flying out which we are fulfilling safely.”
The retailer is benefiting from having taken delivery of stock from its spring show orders. This is particularly useful now that some suppliers are closing (Tom recognises that ‘safety of staff is the priority’), meaning that it is harder to reorder stock.
Meanwhile, as an essential retailer providing cleaning and sanitising materials, Potters’ hardware division remains open. It is serving its local community, adhering to new procedures such as entry to the shop on invitation to enforce social distancing. The retailer is also encouraging phone orders for collection to cut down the need to come into the shop.
With some challenging customers as well as the “wonderful and kind” ones, Tom admits that work at the retail frontllne at the moment is both mentally and physically exhausting, commenting: “I can genuinely say this is the hardest and toughest time I have faced at the shop.”
However, Potters Is looking to the future, as Tom states: “We are pushing forward with all of our window displays and making plans for new events for when we reopen. At the moment we are just trying to support the community with the hardware side, delivering everyday to the elderly and vulnerable. We even deliver them bread from the bakers next door too.”
Customers have been showing their appreciation on Facebook, with comments such as: ‘I really appreciate all that Potters does to serve the community. I’ve been visiting the shop since 1973. Seen many changes but always great service.’ Other comments include: ‘You have been a life saver for me being open.’
Many NHS workers have come into Potters for hand sanitiser and gloves, and not been charged. Tom states: ”This is just about keeping the shop going and not about profits.”
He also emphasises: “The staff that have been in are fantastic and we cannot do this without them volunteering.” In its 111-year history, the hardware shop has never shut, even through both World Wars.
Top: Potters of Hockley – the hardware side of the business was established 111 years ago.
