Northampton couple see how their natural skincare products are fulfilled by Amazon ahead of bumper sales period

The Northampton couple behind a natural skincare brand is gearing up for a bumper sales period following a special visit to an Amazon fulfilment centre.

Holly-Anna Coulton and Andy Wood run The Ilex Wood, a company that creates natural beauty and skincare products for all genders in a collection of herbal salves, balms and creams.

Having used Fulfilment by Amazon to list their wares on the retail giant's website, the pair were given a tour of its base in Rugeley to see how their products are stocked, picked, packaged and shipped across the globe.

Holly said: “It’s been great to meet the team who help companies like ours grow.

“We love making the natural creams, salves and balms and by selling our products on Amazon and using programmes like Fulfilment by Amazon, we’re afforded more time to do what we love – developing high-quality natural skincare products for our customers here in the UK and around the world.”

The Ilex Wood, which has been running since 2018, was born from Holly’s lifelong love of nature.

Like many people, Holly found herself purchasing beauty products with a long list of ingredients and additives and she grew tired of using obscure chemicals on her skin.

Not satisfied with the natural products already on offer, she created The Ilex Wood to help people take care of their skin in a natural way.

Demand for the company’s products soon soared and Holly decided to make her natural cosmetics available on Amazon using Fulfilment by Amazon.

The initiative means the conglomerate takes care of fulfilment, customer service and returns as well as having access to international customers and Prime delivery.

Selling on Amazon has helped The Ilex Wood to reach customers in new markets, spurring the natural cosmetics company to increase its revenue and profits.

During the visit, the couple met some of the team responsible for helping small businesses like theirs to grow in the UK and across the globe.

Andy added: “Selling The Ilex Wood products online is a no-brainer.

"It helps us reach more customers in multiple markets and it’s something we’d encourage SMEs of all shapes and sizes to embrace as it really does help fuel growth.”

Holly and Andy’s visit to Amazon comes during the annual Prime Day sales event, which this year aims to support small businesses after the devastating impact of coronavirus.

This Prime Day, and throughout the festive season, Amazon will spend more than £75 million on promotional activities to help small businesses around the world increase their sales and reach new customers.

Plus Prime members who spend £10 with select small businesses selling in Amazon’s store, like Ilex Wood, before midnight tonight (Wednesday, October 14) will earn £10 to spend on Prime Day.

Amazon UK country manager Doug Gurr said: “After a tough six months for everyone, we’re committed to making this the most successful Prime Day ever for small businesses like The Ilex Wood, and excited for members to discover the very best from artisans and entrepreneurs in the UK, whilst saving big on everything they need and love from the comfort of their homes.”