NEED a musical card or a scented card to celebrate a special occasion? You've come to the right place!
Best Wishes of Bishop's Waltham is an independent specialist card shop stocking a large variety of greeting cards, gifts, balloons and party items.
And staff there go above and beyond to help their loyal band of customers celebrate any obscure occasion imaginable.
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Established in 2011 by Russell and Yvonne Payne, the business quickly became a thriving part of the community and was soon on the awards trail.
Local residents unable to get out can take advantage of a card delivery service and customers are also offered a loyalty scheme, as well as receiving a birthday card on their special day.
Best Wishes of Bishop's Waltham is the long-running sponsor of the local football team and staff organise the nativity at the town's annual Christmas Fayre as well as an Easter Egg hunt for 1000 local school children.
South Coast Ambulance Service's local responders team has benefitted from fundraisers and customers are invited to regular tea, cake and tombola gatherings.
Within 18 months of opening, the business was shortlisted for an award at the Retas , otherwise known as the Oscars of the greetings card world, held at The Dorchester in London. It was shortlisted for Britain's Best Small Shop in 2018 with staff attending a prestigious awards ceremony at The Houses of Parliament and, a year later, the shop was runner up in the All Star Business Awards 2019.
But it hasn't been an easy time. Like many small businesses, the shop struggled to stay afloat during the pandemic.
Owner Russell Payne told the Daily Echo: "We had to close for over seven months. Without government support we would have had to cease trading. We missed some very key trading periods in our line of business such as Valentine's and Mother’s Days and Easter.
"What we did to try and gain some revenue was a click and collect service. We even numbered items in our window and had customers contact us.
It was particularly difficult as there were still some traders allowed to sell our type of products, which was very frustrating for an independent business whose livelihood depends upon it.
"Our future was unknown and put into jeopardy but upon reopening we have kept to what we do best in care and dedication to our customers and we have found that our levels of business have soon returned."
- Best Wishes of Bishop's Waltham is our trader of the week. If you'd like us to feature your local business, just click on the link below or email lorelei.reddin@dailyecho.co.uk
Trader
Who goes above and beyond? There are so many traders in our corner of Hampshire who are providing their customers with the best possible service. At the Daily Echo, we are starting up a new feature where we will highlight one exceptional trader per week who goes the extra mile for their customers. To have your shop, hairdresser, restaurant or business featured, fill in the details below.
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