News on Catford Town Centre

Small Business Saturday: celebrating pop-ups

If you’re not familiar, House of Catford (and its sister store House of Lewisham) sell locally-made products which represent the area and the wider borough, with a percentage of profits going to charities including the Refugee Cafe, the Sickle Cell Society and the Lewisham Foodbank.

Recently HoC and HoL (as they're known by the team) have been lucky enough to receive advice and support from local volunteers - who happen to be retail and fashion experts. One such expert is Natasha Ward who has been putting her business skills to use in the shop this autumn.

Natasha has managed departments inside retail icons Selfridges and Harrods, and most recently managed a Louis Vuitton store in Barbados.

Natasha now lives locally and chose to join the team because she is invested in the area and its success.

She explained: "My whole goal is that everybody should feel like they're getting value at whatever price point it is, and that's what I've come in here to help them achieve. They got it off to a most amazing start, and I just want to be available to help hone that. I love training and development of staff and spaces."

She added: "The fact that the business has a philanthropic goal also appeals to me. It's really refreshing to come into an environment where people are shopping but they are also giving back directly."

Natasha believes that the hybrid working future will see locals spend more time - and m

oney - in Catford, sti

mulating the local economy and helping small, independent businesses.

She said: "We are on the cusp of something really exciting in this area. There's

such a diverse group of people now.

"Most of my income used to be spent in central London, which doesn't really need it. Now all the community spirit comes back - you know the people that you're shopping with."

House of Catford’s tips for retail success

Natasha says there is a science to retail. Her top tips for aspiring shop owners include:

Excellent customer service.

Be strategic and identify metrics of success.

Presentation is key.

Focus on customer retention rather than chasing new customers.

Be prepared to pivot and change where necessary.

Know your industry and keep abreast of trends. You may not implement them but it’s good to know what people want and what the competition is doing.

Join forces with similar business or complementary businesses to build critical mass.

Use social media. If you don’t like it or can’t do it, find someone who can!

Find out more about House of Catford and House of Lewisham by visiting their websites or visiting the pop-up shop which is open every Saturday and Sunday 10am -5pm.

Posted on 4th December 2021

by Team Catford