Something Completely Different

Here at Lambs Larder, I am always looking for new and innovative ways to generate additional income and when the Brexit vote happened, I instantly saw an opportunity to create a side line to our traditional convenience store offerings.

My idea was to create a clothing brand that could take advantage of the enormous amount of press exposure Brexit was receiving.

After some thought and a bit of market research, I designed a 48% logo and had a local embroidery company produce Beanies, Polo Shirts, Weatherproof Jackets and Hoodies emblazoned with my design. The choice of 48% over 52% was simply one of demographics, Tunbridge Wells where my shop is located voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU so I saw that as my Niche market for the clothing line.

Initially, I displayed the garments in the shop and surprisingly started selling a few almost instantly. I then expanded my reach by including the offer on our website and enabling people to purchase online. That was when sales took off and we stated selling garments not only into Kent and Sussex but into Portugal, France, Germany and Scotland also.

To see the online store CLICK HERE

At time of writing, we have sold in excess of 100 garments generating sales in excess of £2,000 which is not bad for an opportunity that did not exist prior to the 23rd of June 2016.

I often joke with customers that we are doing the opposite of M&S, they are getting out of clothing whilst we are getting into them.

The lesson for me in al of this is that regardless of what outside forces are dictating, there are always opportunities for commerce to be exploited, the key is finding the right Niche.

C-Store Success