Darrell, our founding Director had been working in the corporate world for many years for the likes of Toshiba, Microsoft and Sage specialising in programming and retail consultancy. His job took him around the world working on retail implementation projects. Quite an adventurous role but it was time for a change. Time to stop helping other retailers to grow. Time to grow his own retail business.
British retail - but done differently. That was the concept. After a few months of pencilling ideas there was a voila moment and a commitment to take it forward. A limited company was formed on 20th December 2010. Atsura Ltd. Why the company is called Atsura is a complete mystery with the reason and the meaning known only to our founding Director - who won't spill the beans. If anyone knows the answer then please get in touch.
In August 2011 the lease was signed with Shaftesbury plc and soon after we got the keys to the shop. The shop was fitted out and our brand new bespoke shelving was fixed into place. At this point we now have a beautifully fitted out shop but not one single product to put on the shelves. We had already approached lots and lots of fantastic makers who found it hard to sign up for a shop that didn't actually exist yet. Good point. Well, the shop existed now and we started calling all the makers back armed with lots of photos of a shop, albeit an empty one. We opened as planned, on 1st September 2011 with 20 makers and grew that to over 120 by Xmas. Quite proud of that.
First ever product sold
On 1st September 2011 the first ever product was sold at a Things British shop - a Polaris & Swarovski Crystallized Bracelet, by DMS Designs. The first of many to come.
Our online shopping option was launched today, allowing our partners to log in and create their very own shopping portal to sell their products. The first product to sell via our online shop was a handmade black and brown leather iPhone sleeve by Ruby and Freddies.
Marie Cole (aka Wee) began creating bold, colourful and sustainable handmade clothing designs in 2007 and selling with Things British since 2011.
Things British. The gift shops where everything is designed and made in Great Britain. Proudly helping our partners to grow since 2010 with our unique collaborative retailing.
