LOVE RESTORED REIMAGINING ITS FUTURE BUSINESS

Friday 29 July 2022

WHEN Kirkcaldy partners, Lorraine Gardiner and Nadia Moreland were renovating an old dining table, they didn’t think the project would become the catalyst for creating Love Restored, an independent homeware and interiors shop. Eight years ago, Lorraine, a town planner and Nadia who worked in retail, decided to give up their jobs and invest in their passion to create something unique in experiential retail in Kirkcaldy town centre. Lorraine said, “We really wanted to invest into our hometown and loved our time there and we had some amazing customers. Sadly, the loss of footfall following major retailers' departure to Retail Parks prompted the departure. Our footfall dropped by around 40 per cent in the area.  We were really sad to leave but the timing just wasn't right.” She added. “After a bit of a break from the retail space and having worked with Annie Sloan as Area Co-ordinators for a period we felt the time was right to get back into a shop premises. Historic Falkland fitted the brief with its lovely setting and charm. It is known widely in the area as a great place to visit and spend a day”. The pair have plans to secure a more established trading pattern in Falkland and to grow their range of gifting so that people from all areas can take something nice home with them regardless the price point. Being the top performing Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Stockist in Scotland, they offer a wide range of paint colours, accessories and great advice and support to help their customers upcycle their own furniture. They opened just before covid started so it has been a real bumpy ride with a decline in footfall to the village, but they are keen to look forward and welcome back old and new visitors to the area. They reached out to Business Gateway Fife and business adviser, Stephen Mitchell was able to give them support and advice.  Stephen commented,  “We were able to get the business some Expert Help to look at how to refocus their financial position to make savings and allow them to sustain during these challenging times.  Lorraine and Nadia have shown real commitment and enthusiasm to create a unique shopping experience for visitors, giving them confidence to style their own homes in a personalised way.” Whether thinking of starting a business or looking to grow or sustain an existing business, contact Business Gateway Fife on 01592 858333 for a variety of advice and support or visit www.businessgatewayfife.com