Case Study - David and Marie Clements
For twelve years David and Marie Clements ran their own Londis store in Kilkhampton, Cornwall. The shop was successful and they loved the freedom of self employment. However, after many years behind the counter they were looking for a new challenge and this is when the idea of becoming a Card Connection franchisee first took shape.
The Kilkhampton Londis store was one of Card Connection’s retail customers so during their time running the shop David and Marie had become very familiar with Card Connection’s award winning product and service.
“We had always been impressed with the quality of the greeting cards and gifts that the local Card Connection franchisee supplied to us,” confirms David. “This combined with the excellent merchandising service provided by the franchisee made it clear that Card Connection had a great business idea. When the local franchisee let us know he was considering selling his business we knew we should seriously look into the proposition.”
Further research revealed that Card Connection had been in business successfully for many years and was a full member of the British Franchise Association. Following visits to the Card Connection head office and meetings with the local Card Connection franchise manager, David and Marie eventually agreed to buy the Cornwall franchise in the late summer of 2007 with the proceeds from the sale of their Londis store.
“We completed our training and worked with the old franchisee for a month and then by November we were in business,” explains David. “We knew it was the right decision because the franchise had all the benefits of being self employed, yet with the support of a professional, national and reputable organisation right behind us. This means ongoing training and support is always available including access to Card Connection’s network of national retail accounts.
“Starting full-time in December – the busiest month of the year for greeting cards – was a challenge!” continues David. “However, the Card Connection head office support staff couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful to ensure our business got off to a flying start.”
Currently, David and Marie divide the responsibility of running the business. David spends the majority of his time visiting retailers and merchandising products while Marie prepares boxes of greeting cards for delivery and orders the stock. At the moment they are heavily focused on developing relationships with retail managers, ensuring they can provide the best possible service in addition to extending the product range that can be delivered to each store.
“The next year will be a steep learning curve for us but we are keen, and our years in charge of the shop has given us a unique insight into how we can best fulfill the needs of retailers within our territory,” confirms David.
It is no surprise therefore, that one of David and Marie’s key accounts is now their old Londis store in Kilkhampton.
