‘Absolutely manic’ first two months for booming pottery painting business in popular shopping centre
It has been an “absolutely manic” first two months for a booming pottery painting business since its move to a popular shopping centre in Northampton.
Potz Ceramic Studio, which was previously situated at Billing Garden Village, is a family-friendly environment for people of all ages and abilities with a desire to paint pottery.
After nearly two decades in its former location, the team entered a new era with a fresh space, more tables and innovative events at Weston Favell Shopping Centre from the start of September.
The team pride themselves on offering a calm environment to get creative and try something new at an affordable price, as well as their growing range of items to paint – including lanterns, vases, plates, mugs, figurines and unusual retro designs.
Business director Ronald Gunn admitted the team had been looking for a different premises for years, but this was initially intended to be a second studio in addition to their location in Billing.
However, after the business had to close for three days due to flooding in December last year, this troubling time made them realise they needed to move their first location altogether.
Having seen an advertisement for a unit in Weston Favell Shopping Centre, which welcomes around 8,000 visitors per month, the team saw this as an ideal opportunity for growth for their long-standing venture.
A five-year lease was signed in June and the business is now located in the former premises of Silhouette Youth Theatre, which is upstairs nearby to Boots Pharmacy and Card Factory.
Talking to the Chronicle & Echo, Ronald reminisced on the first two months at Weston Favell Shopping Centre: “It’s been absolutely manic and we’ve been so busy.
“We used to have a seven to 10 day turnaround for collecting pottery but now it’s three to four weeks. We haven’t stopped since opening day and we’re doing all we can. I’ve taken on extra staff.”
Ronald “wholeheartedly” stands by the decision to move as they have combatted their biggest issue, which was a lack of footfall. He praised his amazing team and the “remarkable” couple of months they have had.
The business has gained more than 4,000 extra social media followers since the move, and Ronald is confident that word is continuing to spread about the new location.
The team at Weston Favell Shopping Centre have been a massive support for Potz Ceramic Studio and Ronald believes this has helped the business gain traction.
“The products we sell are seasonal and change four times a year,” said Ronald. “There’s always something new coming through and I make 25 percent of the pottery we sell.
“I have an eye for what sells and I’m having to go and make more when things run out. It’s all going so well and people are requesting specific products.
“I don’t think we can grow much more as we’re at peak performance. The team has been fantastic and are putting all the hours of hard work in. I can’t thank them enough.”