AUTUMN//WINTER 2017 57 industry. This is reflected in the look of the shop and what I stock – I’ve never been one for candles and jewellery for instance! I was always told to sell what you love and have knowledge of.  Do you have a philosophy for the layout and display of the store?  This is where the librarian past comes to its fore. Clean lines, no clutter and not overcrowded. Everything in the shop is there for a reason (to be sold) and I like to show off everything in the best way I can. How is Austin & Co addressing some of the challenges facing the UK high street? By being savvy and prepared to negotiate; an empty shop is of no use to your landlord. I never overstock (the stockroom is almost redundant). I always research a new product – I’m too small to be a pioneer, it needs to be tried and tested in a bigger market before I can see success. And while others around you are losing their heads, don’t lose yours – I discount infrequently. Be prepared to remain strong on your core product, but if something isn’t working, shift it quick, get your return, and move on. Are you purely a bricks-and-mortar man or will you ever consider selling online? Purely bricks and mortar. And I’m happy with that. Opening a shop was always seen as being an alternative not just to the big players on the High Street but also as a tactile oasis to those who saw the online retailers as killing off the High Street. Also, everyone expects an Amazon experience when shopping online and with a manpower of one, the thought of developing an all-singing all-dancing website while maintaining the shop doesn’t appeal. And it wouldn’t feel right to blow the ‘shop local’ trumpet with one hand and then sell online with the other. You’re very active on social media. How has this evolved? I’ve always seen social media for the shop as an extension of my personality. It can be quite personal though you’ll rarely see a picture of Mr Austin & Co; we leave that to the dog – Nessa’s far prettier. We don’t hard sell. I ALWAYS RESEARCH A NEW PRODUCT – I’MTOO SMALLTO BE A PIONEER, IT NEEDSTO BETRIED ANDTESTED IN A BIGGER MARKET BEFORE I CAN SEE SUCCESS.