Popular town shop has a click and collect service
Sewing Cafe says it will take baby steps towards re-opening
A POPULAR fabrics and sewing shop in Hinckley is running a click and collect service so it can continue to operate during lockdown.
Regulars at The Sewing Café on Castle Street are still buying materials for making quilts and other designs, while many customers are ordering fabrics and elastics to make face masks.
Becky Owen, who works in the shop, said: “The challenges of running the business in current times are different to our normal challenges.
“It takes up time looking at how to reopen.”
The business has two workshop rooms at the back as well as the shop.
At the moment, there is an area by the door where customers wait to pick up their items.
The venture had to close entirely for two weeks when the lockdown came into force but soon had the click and collect system in place.
The café said in a message on its Facebook page: “We’re currently working out what that will look like for us, especially in a shop that doesn’t naturally lend itself to social distancing.
“We will be taking baby steps on this one, so we won’t suddenly be back to being open five days a week at the moment.
“Click and collect seems to be working well and we do plan to be open for people to pop along.
“We’re also considering an appointment system for those that want to spend a bit of extra time buying for a project or with questions or looking for advice - is this something that would be of interest?
“It would also be great to get an idea of how many people are keen to get back to visiting the shop (with social distancing), or whether you’re happy shopping from home and just keeping trips out for essentials (obviously sewing is essential, but hopefully you know what we mean).
“We’d love thoughts.”
Some of the stitchers have taken part in quilting classes during the Covid-19 lockdown, adding to a quilt each week.
“We have still tried to make that sense of community”, said Becky.
“We will just take each week as it comes. It’s been nice seeing to hear your customers again.”
Orders must be made by 4pm on Mondays or Thursdays, with the shop open for collections on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 1pm.
Visit the Sewing Café website to place your order or visit the shop’s Facebook page for more information.
You can call the Hinckley 698034.
Gift shop Marmalade Meringue, which is on Castle Street a short walk from the café, is also offering a click and collect service.
It will be posting pictures of items on its social media page shop on to inspire customers with ideas.
The shop said in a post on its Facebook page: “Following the Government’s guidelines, we ask you to remain outside of the shop and practise safe distancing when collecting your gorgeous gifts and greeting cards.
“Can’t wait to see you all.” The shop is open for collections on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm.
Email hello@marmalademeringue.co.uk or message the shop’s Facebook or Instagram pages to find out more. gift