After investing their life savings in opening a homeware store at the height of the Covid pandemic, a Perth couple are now planning a second shop.
Quince and Cook in Princess Street had set an opening date of April 2020 when the pandemic hit.
After finally opening in September that year, it took a while to build momentum.
However, with year-on-year growth, Sophie and Neil McEwan are now planning a second city store, which will specialise in interior design.
Quince and Cook becomes retail destination
Prior to opening the shop, the couple found success with an ecommerce website, called Quince Living, which offered craft products by UK producers.
The natural progression was to then look for retail premises.
Quince and Cook describes itself as an independent mini modern day department store specialising in handpicked gifts, homeware, cookware range cookers and zero waste refills.
Sophie, who has always had an eye for interior design and exquisite items, admits opening during Covid was “nerve-racking” but said there was “no turning back”.
After a slow start due to Covid restrictions, Quince and Cook has become a retail destination.
Sophie said: “Every year since Covid the footfall of the shop has increased although our earnings are still 50:50 online/in-person shopping.
“I’m shocked at the amount of people discovering the shop. We are getting new people in all the time that aren’t just from Perth.”
What does the shop offer?
The shop also provides courses for people to learn to make pasta and work with crafts. This year Sophie will be starting calligraphy classes.
Sophie said: “The shop has evolved since we first opened it. There is always a wee buzz in here which is always really good.
“We want to create a sense of community and kind of like a hub so people can come in and spend a really good amount of time in the shop.
“We are really hands-off with people they can have a relaxed wander and then come to these classes as well.
“You can’t just stand still and be sort of stuff on the shelves.
“You need to make sure you create an atmosphere, from the scent of the candles to the music.
“It’s all about creating an atmosphere that’s welcoming and makes people want to be in it.”
Second shop plans for Quince and Cook
Sophie said that following the success of Quince and Cook she is now planning to open another Perth city centre shop.
She said the next outlet – whose location and opening date are to be announced – will focus on interior design.
“It will be dedicated to larger bits of furniture and sell things like homemade tiles from Bert and May and a range of paints,” she said.
“This new shop, which will be in Perth, will be focused more on interiors and vases.”
Sophie hopes it will be a valuable addition to the independent shop scene in Perth. She promotes other retailers in the city with her guides on Instagram.
She adds: “Perth is where I was born, bred and raised – I’ve got a real passion for it. It’s a great city.”
