Why businesses need to adapt to survive
When Amble Pin Cushion closed its doors on 23 March to go into lockdown, things looked bleak, but this local company has emerged on the other side feeling positive and excited for the future.
Back in March, along with many other small businesses, our local craft and alterations shop wondered if it could survive a lengthy period without income, and whether all staff would be retained. However, by April, there was a resurgence of interest in sewing, knitting and crafting, both in support of the NHS, and to while away the time in lockdown.
Orders came in thick and fast, and the shop partially re-opened on June 15 with reduced opening hours, selling from the door, or by bookable browsing appointment.
Amble Pin Cushion’s dinosaur masks are on sale at the Centre For Life’s Lego Dino Experience
Face mask manufacture has boosted business, allowing staff to gradually come back off furlough. As well as making-to-order for the local market, masks have been sent all over the country, and have been made in larger batches for businesses, including the Newcastle Centre for Life, which has ordered a large quantity of dinosaur masks for their shop, to support their Lego Dino Experience, opening in August.
The shop has recently won the Northumberland “Lifestyle Store of the Year” Prestige Award. In the same week, they were nominated in the British Sewing Awards Best independent haberdashery shop in the North East Region, up against large companies in Newcastle and Stockton-on-Tees.
Amble Pin Cushion expects that the trend for crafting will continue, and expects to be very busy – so much so, that they are looking to take on an apprentice. Contact Norma Arthur for more details: 01665 714584.
Unlike the dinosaurs, Amble Pin Cushion has proved that, in these times of great change, if you can adapt, you can survive!
