Business booming after lockdown sale night idea
‘We have never been so busy’ say owners over Facebook launch
AN idea that started just three weeks into lockdown has been so successful that it has gone worldwide.
Following the announcement by the government that shops and businesses had to close during the height of the pandemic the owners of Mosaic clothing shop in Leek, felt that they could lose their business.
The shop in Sheepmarket is run by Steve Lanza and Jason Smith.
Steve said: “Three weeks into the first lockdown we were worried about the business as we could be closed for at least three months and this would have a big effect on us.
“Then I had the idea of holding sale nights on Facebook. We agreed to try one and the first attracted 90 people, then the following week 250. This then kept increasing until one night we had 900 people viewing.
“They were proving very popular and at one stage we were finding it hard to keep up, as we had to go to the wholesalers more often. It has made the business busier than ever.
“We sell ladies clothes with sizes from eight to 26. The sales have now gone worldwide and we have customers in Spain, Italy and Cyprus. We have also had people viewing from the USA and Japan.”
Now the shop is to stage its 100th sale next week. To celebrate the milestone former MP Edwina Currie has offered to visit the shop to model some outfits, while Steve and Jason’s friend, Simon Gregson from Coronation Street, is also to visit the town.
Jason said: “We have never been so busy. It is the best thing we have ever done.
“It has also brought more footfall into the town as we have had bus loads of people visiting the shop. They then use other shops and restaurants in the town so it helps the town’s economy.
“It has also given us a better quality of life and we open the shop just two days a week on Fridays and Saturdays, but can open in the week for appointments.”
When people purchase items on the sale night, they can collect the items from the shop, or the business offers free delivery in the local area. For people living long distances away the items are bagged and then posted.
Steve added: “We have arranged trips for our customers to Blackpool and also to the tower ballroom. It brings people together so they meet and chat to one another. We are going to arrange three more trips this year.
“This whole experience has been a life changing thing and has also enhanced the town by bringing more people in.”
To celebrate the 100th sale next week Steve and Jason are to hold three sales on Tuesday, May 10, Thursday, May 12
and Friday, May 13.