A Year Since Lockdown - Connor McKay

Today we talk to Connor McKay who is the shop and spa manager of Lush Spa in Bath.

It's now been a year since lockdown began and the reality of the pandemic hit the UK. What are your memories of that day?

I remember thinking that it hopefully wouldn't be too long before we were back open and able to provide for our customers. We had closed the shop down and the streets of Bath were really quiet, which we were not used to at all. We are all so excited to see people safely returning to town, respecting restrictions, but also enjoying some degree of "normality".

Thinking back, how did you anticipate the way forward for your business over those first few days?

Our customers are incredibly loyal. And we sell great products, so I assumed our online business would thrive. We have also been able to adapt and offer order and collect services throughout the lockdowns which has been amazing for our customers and staff.

What actions did you take to save/change/pivot/support your business?

Around Christmas, we looked into corporate gifting. We were able to offer "pick me ups" to be sent out by businesses to their staff who were continuing to work from home during the pandemic. We took to social media to continue to build rapport with our clients and customers and offer relaxation tips, giveaways and just engage in conversation to keep our Lush spirit booming during the closure.

Name up to three positive outcomes of the last year for your business?

• The spirit of the #LushCommunity online
• Our online staff training and team building exercises have been so enjoyable
• Our customers continuing to support us online whilst the shops are closed

Name up to three positive outcomes for you personally over the last year?

• Successfully keeping up the spirits of my team during a challenging time
• Being able to keep employment for 100% of my staff during the pandemic
• Offering the opportunity for eight amazing individuals to join the Bath team over Christmas

What do you most look forward to doing IN BUSINESS as we slowly move out of lockdown? 

• Welcoming our customers back into our space
• Showcasing the new products we've been working on
• Offering safe Lush Spa treatments to our clients

What do you most look forward to doing IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE as we slowly move out of lockdown?

• Eating my dinner in a restaurant
• Seeing some friends and family I haven't been able to see for a while
• An ice cold cider in Victoria Park listening to Fleetwood Mac in the sun

What are your predictions for business generally in late 2021 into 2022?

I think customers will return to the high street and will be supporting small local businesses and businesses that intend to do good for the world.

I see a lot of businesses' future-proofing their business by moving online or backing their business up online.

Name one person who has been a lockdown hero for you over the last year?

My Mum, Natalie, with countless care packages and looking after me.

Name one business which has been heroic for you or your community over the last year?

Cascara in Bath, a stunning vegan cafe and juicery which has fuelled myself and my team for many lockdown shifts.

Find out more about Lush Spa Bath HERE!