Innovative retail “pods” designed by a Newtown company are helping to boost the profits and growth of a major national retail chain.
Waitrose, part of the John Lewis Partnership, reported five per cent growth in its own brand sales with its chairman, Sir Charlie Mayfield, highlighting “impressive growth from the outdoor pods in 167 branches.”
The pods were designed and installed by Stagecraft, a specialist in design, manufacture and installation of timber based shop fittings and retail merchandising displays, based at then Vastre Enterprise Park in Newtown.
“The pods were designed to attract customers to a range of products sold by Waitrose within its horticulture and garden areas,” said Sebastian Smith, managing director of Stagecraft.
“The challenge was to design something that fitted in with the Waitrose brand while ensuring it attracted the customers eyes to a range of products. We’re very pleased that the company has cited our pods specifically as being part of the reason for its sales growth.”
Stagecraft, which marks its 30th anniversary this year, works with a wide range of large and small retail businesses, including local independents, throughout the UK and Europe.
It undertakes a complete design to manufacturing and installation service.
It recently completed work on the £40m redevelopment of the Percy Thrower Garden Centre in Shrewsbury, owned by the Wyevale Garden Centre group.
“This is our thirtieth year in business and we are continuing with our investment and growth plans, working in a range of sectors ranging from garden and horticulture to DIY, food and high street retailers,” added Sebastian.
“Since moving into new and modern facilities in Newtown we have brought together the skills and expertise of our teams, from design to sales and manufacturing and we’re seeing some real interest and opportunities from a new range of products.”
Last year the company took on additional employees and has plans for continued expansion in 2015 after extending its site.