The Laings Journal
This week we’re celebrating local, independent and family-run businesses, championing their efforts, throughout what has been a difficult year for many. Here our team members from Glasgow have nominated their favourite local businesses, highlighting how they have evolved through lockdown.
2020 has certainly not been an easy year for many. Local businesses in Glasgow had to shut their doors back in March and the future looked decidedly uncertain. However, the power of positivity has shone through these past few months and many businesses have adapted to the changing times, continuing to be there for customers, as well as helping others and giving back to the community.
Our team in Glasgow have nominated their favourite shops, restaurants and businesses. We want to share their top picks with you, celebrating local businesses and all that they’ve done.
Gifted
From Vivienne Shaw
Gifted is a fabulous independent family-run gift shop in Clarkston, Glasgow. With a range of cards, candles, soaps and accessories they have beautiful gifts for everyone. Just like Laings, they pride themselves on their superb customer service and it’s a joy to shop in.
During lockdown, they kept themselves busy out and about hand-delivering cards and gifts that people had ordered for special occasions. They also sewed 100 face masks and made scrubs and scrub bags for the NHS, an amazing contribution that really made a difference.
Sarti’s
From Claire Ross
Sarti’s are three highly regarded Italian restaurants in Glasgow that have been serving traditional Italian food for over 25 years. They only use the best ingredients for authentic cooking and have become a Glasgow institution of family Italian restaurants.
When lockdown hit they sadly had to close their restaurants, but made the change to delivering hot cooked pasta and pizza online with their Call & Collect service so that people could still enjoy their amazing food. This service then teamed up with Beatson Bites and Sarti’s donated £1 from every order to the amazing charity. They also began to deliver groceries to shoppers, including their fresh-made sauces and items that people were struggling to get a hold of, like pasta and rice. Throughout lockdown, people have also wanted to show loved ones that they’ve been thinking of them so made up packages as gifts and hand-wrote notes to go with the surprises. The much-loved Italian restaurant is one that has proven they can always be there for their foodie customers.
The Right Signs
From Sally Fenton
Established in May in 1996 The Right Signs produce a wide variety of sign solutions. From vehicle graphics and safety signs to printed labels and stickers they create eye-catching signs using computer-cut vinyl and digital printing.
During lockdown, the husband and wife team used leftover sign materials to make visors for the NHS and care workers free of charge. They also created safety signs for businesses that outlined the government guidelines and helped to ensure the safety of their customers. Like many other businesses it has been a tough time for them, but despite this, they’ve dedicated their time to helping others by doing whatever they can to help.
http://www.therightsigns.co.uk/
It's the Little Things
From Laura Wallace
Sadly this year saw countless weddings being postponed and many wedding suppliers had to adapt as their bookings dried up. Established seven years ago It's the Little Things provide vintage-style candy carts and can help to add an extra special touch to weddings.
As weddings, parties and events were postponed and cancelled It's the Little Things made up Pick & Mix boxes to sell and deliver in the local community. Demand for the boxes soared and helped to keep It's the Little Things going! As restrictions began to lift they started hiring out their items for garden parties and are now looking forward to taking bookings for weddings in 2021/22.
https://www.facebook.com/itsthelittlethingsx/
Posies and Pots
From Laura Wallace
Posies and Pots, run by Karen is another wedding business that was hit hard as weddings were postponed. The bespoke wedding florist creates individual floral arrangements. Karen is well-known for bringing floral visions to life and has created some amazing pieces for weddings, corporate designs and gifts.
The fantastic florist had always specialised in weddings however, she began to help out families with floral arrangements for funerals and was one of the few people providing this service in East Kilbride during this time.
Firmbanana
From Laura Wallace
Firmbanana is a fresh fruit and veg delivery service that’s available to purchase online. They have a wide selection of fruit and veg, all sourced from reliable suppliers, guaranteeing only the freshest produce.
During lockdown, they worked around the clock to make sure they got their orders out as soon as possible, particularly looking after their vulnerable customers. They also expanded their delivery area and travelled further than they normally would, ensuring that they were there to help people get the fresh food they needed.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating local businesses, it is now more than important than ever to shop local and support these places that bring so much joy to the community. Let’s continue to champion them and enjoy all that they have to offer!
Visit your local Laings store in GLASGOW.