Craft company appoints managers for new Chesterfield store
Global craft supplies company, Crafter’s Companion, has appointed two senior retail managers to head up operations and drive the launch of its new store in Chesterfield.
The store, which will be housed within the Dobbies Chesterfield Garden Centre and Shopping Village, follows the opening of the company’s first UK outlet in May and represents a further £250K investment as part of an ongoing retail expansion plan.
Scheduled to open in September, the store is designed to be a community hub and includes themed shopping areas covering papercraft, arts, sewing, home décor and haberdashery, along with demonstration areas for workshops and group sessions.
Gurvinder Barn, 39, from Doncaster will be taking on the role of store manager at the new outlet, while Sarah Jane Elliott, 29, from Matlock, will be joining as assistant store manager.
With over 23 years’ experience in retail management, Gurvinder, has previously worked for major household brands including Nike and Office.
The new store manager is hoping that his wealth of retail experience can help to inspire his team to deliver exceptional service to customers and make the company’s second UK store a success.
“I’m delighted to be part of such an innovative company, with such an incredibly inspiring story behind it,” said Gurvinder.
“Retail management is a real passion of mine and to join the business from the early stages of this project is a really exciting prospect for me, I can’t wait to get going.”
Assistant store manager Sarah has a keen interest in the craft industry having run her own business selling haberdashery and making bespoke wedding ribbon and products.
She previously held a position at The Works managing a number of stores and hopes to combine her love of crafting and her retail knowledge to make a positive contribution to the new store.
Sara Davies, founder of Crafter’s Companion, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Guv and Sarah to our family, they really fit into the Crafter’s Companion culture and they should make a great team when it comes to running our new store in Chesterfield.
“The shopping village is already a destination for many customers and hopefully our store will help to attract craft enthusiasts from all over the country to the area as well.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time for us and we can’t wait to see the store start to take shape.”
Focusing on education, enjoyment and inspiration, the 5,500 sq ft outlet will give both craft enthusiasts and people who are trying the hobby for the first time the opportunity to learn about craft and get to know the brand.
Crafter’s Companion, which was founded by Sara in 2005, specialises in manufacturing and distributing crafting tools and products to a global audience.
Having traditionally sold its products online via its website, on TV shopping channels across the world and via independent retailers, the new store will be the latest step in the company’s ongoing retail expansion plan.
