TGt Meets... Karen Keenan

Describe your business in one sentence…

A shop where you can find quality gifts and accessories for men and women with a range prices to suit all budgets.

 

Where is home and why?

Bear Flat, Bath –  I can walk to work, there’s everything you need locally, a park, pub, chemist, grocery store, café etc… and a house to renovate.

 

Why do you think it is important to have a month celebrating Bath’s Independent Retailers?

The people that come to Bath to shop come mostly because of a unique offering of businesses that they can’t get in their local area. It is very easy to take this for granted when you live locally.  However, the independents are constantly finding business harder as the rent and rates are high in Bath, plus the giant high street stores are undercutting prices constantly – that is why sadly, there are many independents closing.  I hope by celebrating what makes our city unique and supporting all those little businesses for a month will raise awareness of the diversity of cafes, shops and services we have.

 

What inspired you to set up your business in Bath?

I live here – so there is no more commuting. 

 

I also love Green Street – it is like an old fashioned high street. There is a post-office, beauticians, butchers, pub, fabric shop, card shop, several boutiques and obviously the best accessories store in Bath. All this on one little street.

 

What have been your key challenges and how have you overcome them?

Apart form the usual things of starting a business from scratch the most challenging is finding a way to stand out from the crowd. 

 

I am constantly sourcing products; we work with mostly British brands and designers and I am really fussy about what we offer.  For example, all our toiletries are paraben free, made in the UK and not tested on animals.  I also look for up and coming designers to support the more recognizable names.

 

Secondly, our product knowledge is excellent and we go that extra mile to get the customer what they want, including ordering in specific pieces. 

 

The staff do not have sales targets instead we try to ensure that we are welcoming, friendly, and offer great customer service.  We are always ready for a chat, to offer help or to leave you alone to browse. 

 

For me shopping is about the whole experience not just what you buy.

 

What do you think attracts people to Bath?

History – We have some fabulous buildings and historical sites in Bath.  

 

A diverse offering - There is a wealth of places to stay from independent B&Bs to luxury hotels.  Great places to eat and drink, brilliant shopping, a theatre, spa and pleasant night-life all within walking distance of each other.

 

Education – We have some wonderful schools, colleges and universities.

 

How do you like to spend your time off?

What’s time off? 

 

Where is your favourite place to eat in Bath?

Hudson’s. Love the food and the staff are pretty fabulous too.  

If cocktails count as food (they do in my book) then I am a huge fan of Circo too.

 

Your phone book must be full of business contacts, but who is the most famous person in there? 

She’s not in my phone book so I’m sure it doesn’t count but Sue Perkins and Anna Richardson have shopped with us – I believe it was for Sue’s Birthday. 

 

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

Becoming a grandma.

 

Describe Bath in 3 words

Beautiful, eclectic, capricious