Award-winning retailer, Stationery Supplies, takes on a second branch in Wilmslow.
The Award-winning stationer and Independent champion of National Stationery week, Sarah Laker, has branched out from her successful stationery shop in Marple to open a second branch in Wilmslow.
Sarah, owner of Stationery Supplies, has taken over Stationery Solutions on Chapel Lane after the retirement of David Hall who has owned the store for 11 years.
Speaking about the expansion, Sarah said, “I’ve always wanted to expand my passion further afield and have looked at a few options for a second shop over the years, but none ever felt right. However, this time everything feels as though it is meant to be and has just fallen into place. The existing Stationery Solutions shop is a part of the Wilmslow retail experience and I will be immediately looking to expand on that, including rebranding to Stationery Supplies and the iconic Pencil planter in front of the window, creating an immediate and noticeable link between the two shops.â€
Given the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 and lockdowns, it might not seem like the optimum time to expand but Sarah isn’t letting that stop her. “It might seem crazy expanding to a second shop during a pandemic,†she explained, “but actually, it’s perfect timing! People are swinging back to shopping local, they’ve valued their independent shops during lockdown and are voting for the kind of community they want to live in by supporting local business – a movement that is very close to my heart. In addition, so many people are working at home, popping into their local shop for items rather than ordering through the business account, small commuter towns like Marple and Wilmslow are starting to thrive more than some of the larger shopping centres.â€
Sarah will be keeping operations in the family and employing her eldest daughter Molly, to manage the new store – after learning from her mum’s experience. Sarah plans to split her time between Marple and Wilmslow in the short term.
Stationery Supplies recently celebrated 15 years in business and was the winner of London Stationery Show Northern Independent Retailer of the Year 2020. It was previously shortlisted for the Best Small Shops award in 2019 and was Office Club Retailer of the Year in 2015.
