Intrigue of Stroud
My name is Caroline Ractliffe. Let me tell you about my shop INTRIGUE of Stroud in Gloucestershire. INTRIGUE is an eclectic mix of clothes and gifts, all of which I personally source including as many fair-trade products as possible. I do have something in my shop for everyone!
As owner of INTRIGUE of Stroud I am passionately aware of keeping the high street alive and of the importance of giving my precious customers a fun and a sensory shopping experience.
My retail experience began five years ago with trading at fetes, fairs and festivals. I worked my apprenticeship by running my pop-up Xmas shops (then called Bowl of Beauty) at the Cornhill area of Stroud for two years before opening my permanent shop INTRIGUE of Stroud in Kendrick Street in June 2013.
My customers tell me they find my shop window displays, outside rails and baskets colourful and the masses of plaques and signs amusing, and indeed they tempt many inside.
I love the fact that my shop makes people smile! In fact the strap line for INTRIGUE of Stroud is “Do More Of What Makes You Happy!”
I hope I welcome everyone into my shop with a genuine cheery ‘hello’. After a few moments and if appropriate I ask if they are happy browsing and offer them (depending on the time of year) one of either an elderflower pressé, a ginger beer, a dandelion and burdock or a mulled wine! If customers have young (especially fidgety) children with them I offer a jammy dodger while being aware of not wanting to overdo the hospitality!