At a time of uncertainty in the retail sector, Joanne Fisher, owner of Home & More, in Corn Market, Penrith, has taken the bold step and relocated into larger premises just a few doors down from her original shop.
Home & More was established three years ago at number four Corn Market, where Joanne offered a range of country home accessories and gifts. Almost exactly three years to the day later, she has relaunched her shop in the much larger premises at number nine, enabling her to offer a wider range of products to her customers.
Now set in five rooms over two floors, Joanne has expanded her range to include sofas, chairs, and occasional furniture as well as a range of mirrors, lamps, and soft furnishings. There is also a dedicated fabric room where customers can look through sample fabrics for bespoke cushions, curtains and blinds as well as made to order sofas chairs and stools.
Joanne said: “We have been looking for the right premises to expand into for some time, and were so fortunate to learn that Strolling 4 Shoes were relocating.
“We wanted to stay in Penrith because customers know where to find us, and it takes a while to build up a customer base – moving five doors down was an incredible opportunity.
“We were able to keep Home & More open at number four until recently but then focused on getting the new shop ready and also taking the opportunity to visit our new suppliers. We wanted to introduce a range of furniture, sofas, chairs and stools that would be handmade in Britain, but still affordable for our customers. Value for money is very important to us, and we found new suppliers in the Nottinghamshire heartland of British furniture making.
“Having more space allows us to really showcase the interior side of the business, too. I’ve been home styling for customers for many years, styling homes from Keswick to Carlisle and down to Shap, but not that many people knew we had fabrics and a styling interior service.
Now we have a bespoke room, we can let customers experiment with fabric options and can hold consultations in the shop with more privacy, but I’m still happy to bring fabric books to customers’ homes.
“Interior design can sound daunting and expensive, but we offer a free initial consultation and are happy to work on any projects, no matter how big or small.”
Joanne said: “It’s important to recognise the enthusiasm and hard work from our team. Susan Fisher and Evie Radcliffe have worked hard to keep the other shop open while we worked on our new shop and they have been very supportive – and very enthusiastic about what we now have to offer in our new space.
“The shop now stocks a wider range of colourful and quirky gifts and home accessories, often unusual, but always with a country home focus.”
She added: “Penrith is a lovely place to visit, and we’re pleased to be one of the great independent shops that are here. Hopefully, we’ll be able to attract new customers to the town, which would be good for everyone.”
