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Newsletter – November 2007
Where has this year gone? Believe it or not it was April when we sent out the last newsletter, and lots has happened since then - most notably the opening of our brand new extension, which has more than doubled the size of the showroom, allowing us to stock a much greater range of furniture, and our customers to browse in slightly less cramped conditions.
And it’s nearly Christmas. Once again we look forward to welcoming you to browse our lovely fair and ethically traded gifts and decorations. And don’t forget our special Christmas shopping evening on 23rd November - to which you are cordially invited (see below for details).
AN EXTENDED WELCOME
Many of you came to our opening event at the end of September, when Dr Ian Gibson - MP and fair trade campaigner - cut the ribbon to open our splendid new showroom extension. We have more than doubled the size of the shop, enabling us to have a much increased range of goods, especially bigger furniture items (see below for details of some of our new range).
Opening the new extension, Dr Gibson said, “Norfolk shows the way again! This is a real opportunity to take seriously our concern for poverty in the developing world and to support the skills of people who live and work in other lands. The Living Rooms is demonstrating its commitment and support for humanity across the globe.”
The building work - carried out sympathetically to match the wonderful exterior and interior of our existing old barn - has also created a larger, enclosed outside courtyard, which we have plans for in the spring. So watch out for a bigger, better outdoor display area where you will be able to see the best of garden furniture and ethically-traded pots, statuary and other garden items.
EXCITING NEW FURNITURE RANGE
We have had a very positive reaction to the new ranges of furniture from Indonesia which we have introduced since we enlarged the showroom.
The Provence range contains relaxed country style furniture with an aged polished finish, made in a heavy and solid fruit wood - this is furniture to fall in love with. The Tiger range is so-called because it is made of the very best cuts from the mango tree, which have a natural dark stripe in them, bringing brings warmth and excitement to this beautiful range of bedroom furniture.
If you’re very quick, there is still just time to order furniture for a Christmas delivery (new dining table for Christmas lunch?). We don’t make promises we can’t keep, so please ask us before ordering if you need your furniture before the holidays.
BRAND NEW STOCK FOR CHRISTMAS
Stop Press: A whole container of new stock has just arrived in the country (on Wednesday) from Indonesia. We order these containers way in advance and never quite know when they will arrive (such is the nature of dealing with individuals rather than slick corporations!). So this arrival is very timely for Christmas.
Included are lots of very popular ranges which we have been waiting for, as well as many new items which we have never stocked before. We are very excited about the crocodile benches and boat shelves, and we will also be receiving more coffee root benches and tables. These always disappear from the shop almost as soon as we put them out, and there has been a long waiting list for the stock in this container. If you’re after a piece of coffee root, don’t delay.
We expect the stock to be on the shelves by the end of next week (Customs & Excise at Felixstowe permitting), so now is the time to start that Christmas shopping!
EXCLUSIVE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENING
Talking of Christmas shopping, we are delighted to invite you to a Christmas shopping evening on Friday 23rd November, from 5.30pm until 8pm. Come and join us for a glass of mulled wine and a homemade mince pie, and to see our new range of Christmas gifts and our ever-popular decorations.
Everyone who comes will also receive a Christmas present from us - an ethically-traded gift to say thank you for your support for what we are trying to do in building a successful ethical trade business.
If you can’t make the evening, mention this newsletter when you come in anyway, and we’ll give you the same gift when you spend over £5 before Christmas (while stocks last).
OUR OWN FAIR TRADE COFFEE
We have teamed up with well-known Norwich coffee specialists Wilkinsons to create our own branded fair trade coffee, which is now on sale at the showroom. It’s delicious - and you can drink it knowing that the person who grew it is getting a fair deal.
OPENING HOURS
Because the extension took our floor area to over 3000ft2, we have had to slightly amend our Sunday opening hours to stay within the law. So on Sundays we now open from 11am - 5pm on Sundays; on all other days we are open from 10am - 5pm. |
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