Fortescues #LoveLocal
A family-run fashion retailer in Lichfield has thanked their customers for keeping them going over lockdown and since they reopened.
Fortescues, based on Dam Street, is an independent retailer that sells fashion and home accessories handpicked from across the world.
The boutique store has been trading in the city centre since 2014, but nothing prepared them for the highs and lows of being a small business owner during a pandemic.
After receiving government grants to help them come out the other side of lockdowns, and with help and support from Lichfield District Council’s Information Officer, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Fortescues is back and in fine form. They have wasted no time in attracting customers with their vibrant window displays and are thankful to their loyal customers.
Charlotte Fortescue, Manager and Co-owner of Fortescues, said:
“As we’re all about a personal service, offering styling appointments and alterations in-house, we haven’t moved to online sales even while we had to close. This has meant our customers have had to be very patient with us over the past year.
“However, we are lucky to have amazing, loyal customers who we have kept in contact with via Facebook during lockdowns and it’s great to be back.”
The team is looking forward to getting involved in any events that take place in Lichfield over the summer and are optimistic about the future.
Of the support from the Information Officer, which includes distributing #LoveLocal resource packs, Charlotte added:
“It’s been great to talk to a member of the council face-to-face and feel like our suggestions are being heard.”
Councillor Iain Eadie, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said:
“I’m really pleased to hear Fortescues’ experience and their positive outlook. Despite so much interruption to trade, they are still offering a fantastic service and have bounced back since reopening.
“it impresses me how resilient, creative and hardworking our small business owners are and we’re glad we’ve been able to get funding out to them and support them through initiatives, such as the #LoveLocal campaign and Covid-secure resources and advice.
“We’re working on more ways to support businesses and boost visitor numbers into the city and across the district and are looking forward to sharing our plans soon.”