After already being an independent business owner and being an avid stationery lover, owner of Analog Shop, Melanie, decided it was time to expand her business mind into the stationery world. The pandemic gave her the push she needed to open her very own stationery shop in Lancaster.
Can you give us a little introduction to your shop?
Analog Shop was established because there was an empty unit four doors down from my wool shop in Lancaster. The space was crying out to be something special. I love wool and I love stationery so, for me, the next logical step was a stationery shop!
What makes your shop stand out?
Analog Shop stands out because the selection of items on offer feel hand-picked and feel different from other offerings available. There is also a rapport with our customers that I feel only independents can offer. We are always there to offer a personal touch.
What made you get into the stationery industry?
The pandemic! It started with a desire to get thank you cards somewhere other than TK Maxx. There were a lot of people I wanted to thank throughout lockdown!
I have always been a stationery lover and I have worked in retail for almost three decades – the lack of quirky and unique stationery in my area made me think there was an opportunity waiting for me.
The only options for stationery in our area were the big high street chains and I wanted to offer the people of Lancaster something different. We have two universities in our small city and a generally artsy and creative vibe – I wanted to service my community with a specially curated offering. I think that is what we are achieving.
What is the best part of your job?
The people and the products. I enjoy the relationships we have been building with our suppliers since we opened, there are a number of brands who launched at a similar time to us and it feels like we have been on this ride together! The customer base is more far reaching than the wool shop – even though our footprint is about a third of the space. There is a good overlap between both shops.
What’s your favourite industry memory?
Probably finding out that Maddie from Also the Bison, was in a craft group with one of our regulars – the world is small! Knitting and stationery really are perfect partners!
Can you tell us three interesting facts about your shop?
- Our most famous customer to date… Lulu! She loved it!
- We have a yarn shop four doors down.
- Our store was previously a stationers! When we took the premises, it was most recently a vintage clothes shop and it had been shrunk down as the upstairs was turned into student flats. We still get people coming in with memories of the old place.
What is your favourite stationery product of all time?
I love the Kaweco pocket pens and bought my first one in Germany about 20 years ago. I still have it and use it. I have quite a few more now – they are in most of my handbags/pen pouches!
What is your current favourite stationery product that customers can find in your store?
Kaweco Sport pens and pencils are always a winner – but the Ingenious Ink productivity pads are stellar and sit beautifully alongside our pens, notebooks and other stationery goodies. Wellness and mental clarity seems to be a priority these days and these products really cater to that focus.
If you had to give one piece of advice to another store owner, what would it be?
Remember it’s a business. As much as you love your products – that’s usually why we open small businesses – it is a business, and you are here to make money. Understand margin, VAT and operating costs and embrace them!
Check out Analog Shop on Instagram at @analogshopuk.
