Tell us about the beginnings of The Garnet Shop and the inspiration
behind it?
lockdown we had to find inventive ways to stay afloat. We initially took on the
window space of the vacant pub area for bottles of wine and local producers.
We built a website at this point also so people could get deliveries (which
could get delivered all over the UK via courier or locally via Lauren in her
mini!) It was a wonderful way of staying connected with our county and
community. Gradually we continued to build up also a small stock of
enamelware, gorgeous but useful brushes and homewares. Things we felt
people wanted to buy whilst locked away in their homes. During this time the
shop next to the pub went out of business and laid empty for months on end
and added to the general feeling of emptiness of the City as a whole. We
approached the landlord to see if he would offer us a reduced rent to see if we could make something work and with a bit of luck he took a chance and we began moving in. So organically, we became The Garnet Stores & Supplies… gifts and utility built to love and last.
Where did you hear about Norfolk Natural Living?
We try as much as possible to stock local produce. As we are based on
Norwich market in the heart of the city we get a lot of tourists and they love to
pick up something from Norfolk. We had discovered NNL sometime before on
a visit to Holt so they were one of the first stockists we approached. They are
still one of our biggest sellers!
We’re not just biassed, but you can’t beat Norwich Market or the Lanes. The
food stalls, cafes, little bistros, and independent shops really are wonderful.
You could spend an entire day browsing and eating… and finish it all off with
a glass of wine or ale on the terrace of The Garnet (of course)
If a customer asked for your favourite Norfolk Natural Living product
currently in store, which would you choose and why?
That’s a tough one, but we would have to say either Coastal Walks eau du
parfum, or the Garment Refresh. The fabulous thing about NNL products
aren’t just that they are beautifully packaged and incredibly effective… but
they smell so good! We always have a little spritz of the room spray every
morning before we open, and the first comment everyone says as they enter
the shop is always ‘oooh… smells amazing in here’
What’s currently your best selling product?
We can’t stock up on the eau du parfums quick enough! They are the perfect
size and price for either a little gift for a friend, or to have one in every
Handbag.
How to spend a weekend in Norwich?
Our favourite weekends would be a Saturday on the coast. We’re so spoilt for
coastal walks and towns you can’t possibly visit Norwich without visiting our
beaches. Then on Sunday a lovely wander through the Lanes, a glass of fizz
downstairs in the Jarrolds Food Hall, then a pub roast with friends. I mean,
can a weekend get better that that!