Brocante up in 'The Big Smoke'

Earlier in May, Kieron, David, James and Katy ventured up to London to attend The Greats Gift Retailer Awards. Brocante had been nominated and voted as finalists for two categories of the awards ceremony; Best Specialist Multiple Retailer of Gifts as well as Best In-Store/ Window Display. Pictured below from left to right are David (Director), Katy (Visual Merchandiser), James (Logistics Manager) and Kieron (Director) outside the Royal Lancaster Hotel ready for the awards evening. They don’t scrub up too badly it seems!

Celebrating the achievements of companies large and small, as well as individuals across the gift retail sector in the last year, the awards evening was a welcome chance to support other retailers, network with current and potential suppliers, as well as to let their hair down (but not David, we all know the quiff never flops…) and enjoy getting dressed up to party. The evening was compered by comedian Sara Barron, delicious food (I hear James took care of any potential leftovers!), a few bubbles and lots of fun.

Katy, James, Kieron and David with the trophy for ‘Best In-Store/Window Display.

The night was made even better by the announcement that Brocante had won the award for the Best In-Store/Window Display, in the UK! You can read about all of the other amazing winners of their categories here, on the Greats Gift Retail Awards website. To learn more about the awards, how winners are selected, and what they mean, check out our blog post explaining all, from when we attended this time last year. Katy’s Christmas window display was the star of the Brocante show this year, chosen as a winner by industry professionals due to it’s eye catching flair, vibrant visual impact, originality and creativity used to present all of the beautiful products chosen by Kieron. We are constantly amazed by Katy’s ability to think up bonkers new ideas for the shop displays, and the energy she brings to create them, we don’t call her ‘Storm Katy’ for nothing!

Accepting the award at the event, presented by comedian and compere of the event Sara Barron, as well as Lou Hunt, sales representative from Gisela Graham (supplier) also pictured, as Gisela Graham were sponsors for the shop/window display category.

Kieron, David, Katy and James pictured with Sara Davies MBE (middle) who was one of the judges for the event.

Spearheaded by Katy, who does all of the visual displays in our 8 shops, aided by James (and his van!), Kieron and his highly impressive stock shopping abilities, the in-store and window displays are all a team effort, with Katy encouraging everybody to get stuck in. The Brocante team effort fed into the winning window display too, can you spot Josh in Perranporth’s delectable looking (papier mâché ) turkey, Sue in Fowey’s yummy sprouts, Maria’s roasties and Ed’s (his Mum’s) pigs in blankets? We cannot wait to find out what ideas Katy dreams up (and expertly executes!) for our next displays. No pressure, but last Christmas is the one to beat!

Here’s a reminder of Katy’s award winning Christmas windows. From sourcing vintage ladders, attaching delicate floral arrangements (pampas grass gets absolutely everywhere!), as well as papier mâché creations, all to display the beautiful Brocante stock to it’s best, with a seasonal twist, our very own Katy thinks of it all.

Alongside Katy’s phenomenal display skills, we have a very multi-talented team. The crispy skinned turkey above, was made by Josh who works in our Perranporth and also manages the website (but did not write this!). Is there anything he can’t do?

As you can see, Brocante enjoy balancing hard work with fun, Kieron and Katy especially are good at this, bringing smiles and laughter (and a fair bit of mischeiviousness!) to our shops. This approach enables our shops to be a fun place to work, and hopefully a fun place to shop too! Since Brocante’s first attendance at the Greats Gift Retailer Awards in 2018 when we won the category of ‘Best Independent Gift Retailer of the Year’ we have opened four new stores, bringing a carefully curated mixture of homeware and interiors to the towns of Charlestown, Perranporth and Salcombe, in addition to our offerings in Fowey, Mevagissey and St Ives.

The awards were a brilliant chance to reflect on the past year, and everything that makes Brocante, Brocante! And it is a real compliment to have even been nominated for the awards. To name but a few, the stunning products offered by suppliers, Kieron’s incredible ability to select the best and ever-changing stock, Katy’s creative and original merchandising skills, James’ diligent unpacking, pricing and delivery to all of our sites, as well as the enthusiasm of all staff in the shops, and all of the behind the scenes work from everybody. This is of course in addition to our fabulous customers, who continue to support our new and existing shops, enabling Brocante to continue providing inviting shopping environments in Cornwall, now Devon and also online. Hopefully you have enjoyed this little ‘inside information’ on how it all happens here at Brocante, we hope to see you in our shops soon, love Team Brocante.