Changes at Suffolk’s Snape Maltings are proving popular with visitors since the retail and leisure site reopened after lockdown focusing on customer safety. With some retail areas (such as Books & Cards) still closed, the retailer is incorporating “pop up areas” in its House and Garden Shop, and mixing up product categories. Kitchenware has a new location near the food hall, with cookery books merchandised in the same area.
“You can choose a cookbook and then pick up all the tools and equipment you need for a recipe,” interiors buyer Chloe Flatt told HousewaresNews.net. She enthuses: “We’re matching products in a way that we haven’t done before.” Coffee and tea are now located near to coffee and teapots, and wine near to bar gadgets.
Snape Maltings’ own bespoke range of mugs, tablemats, coasters and home fragrance is displayed near to greeting cards for a full gifting opportunity, and a display of housewares for the outdoors (such as travel cups) is next to garden gifts.
“We’re getting really positive feedback from visitors, with lots of comments on how beautiful the shop looks,” says Chloe, confirming that some of the changes will be carried forward. She adds: “We’re doing our utmost to keep our customers and staff safe while ensuring a beautiful shopping experience.”
A member of staff outside the Foodhall welcomes visitors at a hand sanitising station, as well as regulating numbers, ensuring that – once inside – visitors can safely browse without feeling rushed or crowded. “We have so much outdoor space that if there is wait to come into the Foodhall and House and Garden, visitors are happy to go for a walk or visit the café or Craft Shop,” notes Chloe.
The one-way route guidance (with arrows), which leads customers from the Foodhall into the House and Garden area “provides visitors with an enjoyable journey of discovery, and means they don’t miss areas they might have walked passed before,” Chloe acknowledges.
Top: Buyer Chloe Flatt in the new kitchenware area next to Snape Maltings’ Foodhall.
