Visual Impact a stylish men’s and women’s fashion store in Newport, Isle Of Wight
Meet Steve Robson of Visual Impact, a stylish independent fashion retailer in Newport, Isle Of Wight.
Visual Impact has been serving the people of the Isle of Wight top of the range active, leisure and festival wear since 1985 and they have both mens and women’s stores with a loyal clientele of people who lead active, busy lives and want to feel good doing it.
The pandemic has had a big impact on this Newport indie retailer with them having to move completely online and master social media to connect with their customers where previously they had primarily run only local newspaper advertising.
“We have been really surprised however by how many people have still supported us when it would have been easier for them to buy from a big outlet, thank you” said Steve.
As a ladies and menswear specialist based in Newport, Isle of Wight, they were a primarily bricks and mortar business up until the original lock down. Their stock and styles are designed broadly for the 30 to 70 age range who are generally active and want to look good whilst being out and about. They cater to the Isle of Wight Festival Market usually as well ensuring they have all of the festival trends in each year to bring that extra flair to the festivities.
Their story:
Becca, who looks after the social media for Visual Impact said “ When the Pandemic happened we realised that the only way to connect with customers was through social media because they had no other route to market and we had to upgrade our website to ensure customers could still shop with us”.
The team have been very ‘pleasantly surprised’ by just how supportive their customers have been over lockdown with many calling and emailing asking about items for click and collect, ordering online or sharing their social media.
Steve says “ It would be easier to go elsewhere but they know they will get their service from me, that makes me feel good”
Visual Impact knows their customers care about the IOW and their locality so on social media they love supporting local trends and events, other businesses, sharing sports and brands but always help customers find the right look (even when locked down).
Visual Impact will always provide the bespoke service that every customer needs and as Steve says “people buy from people they like” and that has stood the team through each and every lock down so far.
““We try and do as much as we can for local charities and local businesses because we are fortunate, we live at work and we love it. It is our duty to give back” says Karen.”
How can you support them:
Check out Visual Impact’s Instagram and share their tops, posts and guidance with your friends who want to support local independent fashion businesses. You can check out their website here if you are further afield and want to sample some Isle of Wight style.
Please give the local businesses some social love. A like and comment means so much to local businesses.
Check out them live along with other local businesses here on Newport’s High Street Guide and see what else you can discover in Newport #shoplocal #newport #isleofwight
