Love Lou Lou’s gifts
CUSTOMER service and community involvement are key qualities for an Ainsdale business which celebrated its third anniversary this summer.
Lou Lou Moon, in Station Road, reached the landmark in July and attention at the gift shop is now turning towards the festive season.
“Christmas is creeping into the shop now,” says Lucy Watson, the owner. “I’ve already sold out of three items and that was in the first week of October.
“Customers are asking me when I’m going to get more in, so people are definitely getting ready early this year.”
Lucy is originally from Formby but opened the shop in Ainsdale on the advice of friends who live in the village.
She previously worked for Lush and homeware shop Pier, in the Trafford Centre, as well as the Ball and Percival estate agents in Southport, before deciding to start her own business.
“I decided to give it a go doing craft fairs and did the Southport Flower Show, just to test the market and to see I enjoyed doing it.”
After doing stalls at those events with a little help from mum Sue, Lucy quickly decided to open the shop, which has proved very popular in the area.
“I think it’s just friendly service,” explains Lucy. “I’m quite good with names so I do remember people.
“I think that’s why I’ve got a good local following, because I do like to say hello to people and I’m involved with the community, working at the Rain- bows and running stalls at charity and school events.”
Another key area for the shop is its official Facebook page, where she runs giveaways and posts all new stock. There are also plans for a new website in the New Year.
Lucy also looks to help other local crafters by selling their work in her shop. This includes wooden toadstools, personalised bottle bags and gift bags, and handmade charms.
The best sellers in the shop are typically items such as candles and bath bombs, but with Christmas around the corner, expect to see Christmas pudding doorstops and festive cushions lining the shelves.
Lucy will also be hosting her traditional mulled wine and mince pie evening during the Ainsdale Christmas lights switch-on.