So here we are, half way through the year, 6 months until Christmas (there I’ve mentioned it!) and it’s t-shirt weather at last! So we’re looking back at the last 3 months in Chirpy …

April wasn’t the best month for sales but there was lots going on to keep us Chirpy! It was time to stocktake (literally), come out of hibernation and kick off Spring, even if the weather didn’t get that memo.

It’s was great to be part of #myshoplife24, celebrating with independent businesses around the country through social media. I’ve been involved in this for the last 7 years and it really feels like being part of an indie family, supporting each other especially when times are tough. Loved seeing all the posts, reels and stories and being inspired by what other indie shops are doing. Lucia also joined us for her work experience and it’s always lovely to have a fresh pair of eyes in the shop, especially young ones! You may have also heard me on Radio 2 this month chatting about shopping trollies! You’ll often see me around Chapel Allerton, mine filled with shopping form the local shops or parcels on the way to the post office.

In May we were delighted to find out we were a finalist for a RETA Award - the Oscars for Card Retailers. Watch this space on 4th July - it’s not just the election which will be decided! As we’re not a bank we decided to stay open for the Bank Holidays and glad we did. Thanks to everyone who shopped with us and made it worth our while being open. May was a busy month with workshops, with over 40 people joining us to paint, knit and get crafty with Jesmonite and Fused Glass (not all at once!) On the look out to expand our stationery range, this month I visited the Stationery Show in London, as part of National Stationery Week, which saw me make my own fountain pen, get lots of great samples and have some decisions to make on what products we’ll be bringing to Chirpy later in the year.

June, another month and another trade show. Visiting PG Live is now one of my favourite days of the year, as cards play such an important part of Chirpy. We had a Sunshine Ticket to spend for our RETA nomination, which we were delighted to spend with Lucky Ink, a new supplier to Chirpy and we’re sure you’ll love her gorgeous modern colourful cards as much as we do. Another month, another radio appearance, this time on Radio 4 chatting about the benefits of shopping local. We really rely on our loyal local customers so it’s a subject very close to my heart.

Summer really did arrive with our Summer Energy Boost workshop with Sarah Brown, where we all took away lots of great tips on how to feel healthier and more energised for the year ahead - still no coffee for me!

After the stresses of A levels in our house, I finally got to relax(!) on a little on a trip to Paris with my daughter. I really noticed the increase in more small independent shops which I’ve never really noticed in France before - like the UK there’s a lot of lovely indie makers which is great to see.

So as we head into the summer months traditionally the quietest season for us, we’re starting to plan ahead for Christmas (there I mentioned it again!). As schools finish and people head off on holidays, please don’t forget your independent shops and local hight streets when you’re looking for gifts for summer birthdays, weddings and teacher presents. Why not spend that class collection money in Chirpy to thank us for the support we’ve given your school Summer Fairs?

Here’s to a summer of sun, washing on the line and eating al fresco.

Until the autumn…

Jo & the Chirpy team x