Pethau Tlws: Business ‘gives back’ to the community after support during lockdown

A business owner from the Dee Valley says the support of the local community and loyal customers has kept them going through challenging times and they’ve adapted their business as a way of saying a big “thank you.”

Pam Morris set up business in Corwen with her sister Lynne Davies Hocking and began trading in July 2012. Initially their plan was to open a tea room but as there was plenty of competition in Corwen, they opted to buy an empty shop in the town and the Pethau Tlws gift shop was created.

The shop sells a wide range of products including scarves, clothing, cards, jewellery and candles, with a focus on selling products created by Welsh talent.  Whilst they have been dependent on the support of the local community, they have also gained customers across a wider area, including Bala, Ruthin, Llangollen and Llanrwst.

Pethau Tlws is supporting the Winter Shopping campaign being run by the Council, with the aim of encouraging more people to support local businesses.

Pam said: “It's hard to believe that we've been going for over 8 years now, especially in a small town. We sell a range of lovely products and it’s very important for us being local Welsh girls that we sell as many Welsh items as we can so are always on the lookout for Welsh talent so that we can stock their lovely wares.

“This year has been a very challenging year for small businesses due to the pandemic. We are fortunate to live in such a fabulous area where our locals are so supportive and have kept us going through these difficult times.  Without them we wouldn't be here - their support has been incredible especially this year. 

“One thing we've been doing since lockdown is offering evening appointments for those customers who have either been self-isolating or nervous of venturing out. This has been very successful and it's important that we look after our customers since they've looked after us. They can book a slot where they have the whole shop to themselves for 30-40 mins with no pressure and more importantly they feel safe. Also we have been doing local deliveries again for those who cannot venture out.

“We feel it's very important to 'give back' so have introduced a loyalty scheme where once you've spent £100 (which is carried over) you get £10 off your next purchase. This has gone down very well.

“It's so important to siopa lleol/shop local, we need to keep local businesses going as they're the soul of any town. We have a fantastic community here in Corwen and that's why we've been able to trade for 8 years .... so here's to the next 8 years hopefully”.