Smithery an independent sustainable based lifestyle store in Warwick
Smithery, founded by Lara 6 years ago is on Smith Street amongst another 50 businesses in Warwick near the train station.
Smithery is a lifestyle store featuring a broad range of products from cards, gifts and posters to lighting. The one thing they have in common is that they are all sustainable, locally sourced and many handmade.
Lara says “There’s something magical about buying handmade goods, rather than a factory made object, it also helps our environment, supports our artistic community and improves our local economy.
As a designer I wanted to support other makers and give them a platform to showcase their work, telling the story behind what they do.
Our makers produce diverse work, demonstrating a commitment to quality and originality, which last and get better with each use.
These unique collections sit alongside carefully sourced home wares and European brands, with the aim to provide gifts that are as much of a pleasure to give as they are to receive.
Our growing number of customers love that they can always find something different in our shop – pieces that are true one offs, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, we also provide custom design”
Their story:
It was always in the back of Lara’s mind to do retail having been in the fashion industry 25 years as a freelancer she wanted to do something local and believes being Australian that you should live as ecofriendly and with sustainable methods as possible. So she took on The Smithery and the rest is history.
When the Pandemic first hit she was on her way back from Australia and she came home and closed her business for the whole first lockdown. At the same time she said yes to starting an air bnb business with a partner therefore the time she would normally have been at her store she spent restoring an old office building and turning it into accommodation.
.”We didn’t do online at all in the beginning, because I work with local crafters and independents, people were isolating and I simply couldn’t get stock. We started opening up to online and click and collect in second and third lockdown.” says Lara.
They predominantly sold lighting during this time as a lot of people were focusing on home renovations and they had a very strong social media following therefore when a product went on instagram it sold.
Lara also runs the social media account for Smith Street and ran a campaign recently to help support the other local businesses in the area #seeyouonsmithstreet where each business was showcased.
Lara believes that in order to stay relevant and keep your buisness afloat it is crucial to be community minded therefore working with other businesses, collaborating as a street (even hosting a party once a year) is for her an essential part of her business.
”the more people we attract to Smith Street the better it is for everyone” she adds.
“There’s something magical about buying handmade goods, rather than a factory made object, it also helps our environment, supports our artistic community and improves our local economy”
How can you support them:
Pop into Smithery to bag yourself some beautiful products whether it is a treat for yourself or someone else. Otherwise check out some of the other businesses on Smith Street.
Please give the local businesses some social love. A like and comment means so much to local businesses.
You can find Smithery in Warwick’s High Street Guide alongside other local businesses to discover and support in Warwickshire.
