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Small Business Focus in partnership with Inverness BID
Q How would you describe the business to a stranger?
TO We are an independent family business based in Inverness city centre. We opened in April 2017 and received many visitors from all over the world shopping with us. We stock a wide range of Harris Tweed ® clothing, accessories, gifts and souvenirs and also sell Harris Tweed ® fabric by the metre. Our sister store is based in Tarbert, Isle of Harris, and has been trading since 2008. Harris Tweed ® is a protected fabric and must be hand-woven in the Outer Hebrides from 100% pure new wool.
Q What inspired you to work with the company?
TO I grew up in Tarbert, Isle of Harris and started working in the business before leaving school. My grandparents were Harris Tweed weavers for many years and owned a small shop next to their home in Harris Bays. In 2008, my aunt Catherine opened a shop in Tarbert and I worked for her on weekends and school holidays. I left school and moved to Inverness to study Business Management at Inverness College. In 2017, my Aunt Catherine wanted to open a new shop in Inverness and I was delighted to be back working in the family business. Catherine was recently awarded an OBE for her dedication and services to the Harris Tweed ® industry and I am very proud to work for her business.
Q How has the business developed?
TO We have added many new styles and colors to our wide range of products that appeal to locals and tourists alike. Many of our products are handmade by local/Scottish artisans and are unique. The store staff have worked here for many years and have considerable knowledge and experience of working with Harris Tweed ®. We have a range of products that we make to order in store so our customers can choose their own tweed colors and make something bespoke.
Q What are your plans to develop the business in the future?
TO We will continue to add new styles and tweeds to keep up with trends. We are always looking for new products to have in the store that are unique and we are always thinking about how we can improve our customers’ shopping experience.
Q What lessons have you learned from your time in business?
TO During the pandemic restrictions, it was very important to promote our online store (in Tarbert) through social media so that people could continue shopping with us from home. Our online store ships worldwide, which is a great benefit for the business. We continue to promote our online store to our in-store visitors so that they can shop with us at any time.
Q What do you like most about working in Inverness city centre?
TO There is a great sense of community between local businesses which is really nice and I know Inverness BID does a great job of attracting people to the city center by organizing various events. Recently, some interesting new businesses have opened in previously empty units and I think this is a really positive for the town centre.
Q Can you tell us something interesting about yourself?
TO I really enjoy traveling and like to visit other cities and countries whenever possible.