Retail Shop Opens 2 Years Ahead of Plan

Founder of Athenagifts.com, Emma Crawford, is to open her first gift shop on Rose Street, Aberdeen, just 5 months after the launch of her e-commerce website and a whole 2 years ahead of her business plan.  This follows the success of her online shop, which sells jewellery and accessories throughout the UK.  The shop is to open next week and will offer additional products to include candles, hand bags and other locally made crafts as well as high quality jewellery made by local designers.

Despite the economic downturn, Athena Gifts has been steadily growing and expanding its client base since its inception.  Most of the goods sold are made by local suppliers and it is hoped through time that all goods will be locally sourced.  Athena Gifts prides itself on delivering on time and offering good quality affordable gifts.  It has had over 3000 customers to date; Emma will continue to build on this by reinforcing its online presence and promoting the brand in the new outlet.

Although the move has come ahead of time, business owner Emma feels the time is right for Athena Gifts to move into its own premises.  She commented:  “It has been an uncertain time for the retail sector as a whole and i feel very fortunate that Athena Gifts has done so well over the last 5 months.  It has given me the confidence to invest further into the business and to continue offering what people are looking for in these hard times – good quality affordable gifts.  Most suppliers are small, up and coming makers and crafters, who offer unusual contemporary products, which are difficult to find elsewhere.  I’m looking forward to growing the business and it’s good to have a client base there before I even open the doors.  It’s a really exciting time.”

Athena Gifts officially opened on Tuesday 9^th November just in time for the Christmas.