Shropshire boutique celebrates 1st birthday against all odds
A boutique in Ironbridge, Shropshire, is celebrating its 1st birthday on Sunday 5th July against all the odds. Wild Iris has survived severe flooding in February and three months of closure due to the COVID lockdown, as well as ongoing consumer uncertainty due to Brexit.
Owner Toria Salisbury-Scott says: “We’re very proud to have not only survived, but to have thrived! We had to find innovative ways to survive throughout the flooding and lockdown, but our customers have been so supportive and encouraging. We’re so grateful for their continued custom and look forward to celebrating many more birthdays!”
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis Wild Iris found ways to diversify through virtual shopping experiences, contactless local delivery and free UK delivery. By finding innovative ways to offer products and services to customers this, in turn, helped Wild Iris continue to support local causes. It also supports three charities, including Stay Telford, Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre and the Royal British Legion. Through work with Stay Telford, Wild Iris supports local homeless women who need smart attire and guidance for job interviews, while 50p from the sale of every one of Wild Iris’ stainless steel straw sets is donated to Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, to support its conservation programme.
Since opening last summer, Wild Iris has been dedicated to stocking local artists’ gifts, such as prints, pottery, candles and jewellery, alongside its ranges of handbags, scarves and Italian clothing, as part of Toria’s commitment to supporting the local community.
A different local artist is chosen to be featured every month in store and online. Sally Davies of Sally Davies Silver hand makes sterling silver jewellery and was one of the first artists selected by Wild Iris to be featured in store. Sally says “I love being part of the Wild Iris team - Toria has been amazingly supportive and I am so grateful for the opportunity to get my work on the high street. The last few months have been very difficult, especially for small businesses, but Toria has never lost her enthusiasm and energy for this little gem of a boutique. It really is lovely to see the shop open again.”
Wild Iris will be celebrating in store 11am - 5pm Sunday 5th July with free gifts, goody bags, flash sales, discount vouchers, a prize draw and more. The boutique sells ladies clothing, jewellery and accessories as well as pieces by local artists such as candles, silver jewellery, pottery, art and photographic prints. To shop online visit www.wild-iris.co.uk or pay Wild Iris a visit at 6 Tontine Hill, Ironbridge, TF8 7AL.