The words ‘shop local’ are more than important in these testing times for local businesses. With the COVID-19 affecting many businesses over the last few months. Last week non-essential shops began to open up again with social distancing measures in place.
Andover has a brilliant array of local businesses, and many have adapted to continue operating to provide their products and services to customers.
Here at Love Andover we are passionate about our town and the many businesses in it. We always want people to shop local where possible and we want to provide local businesses the opportunity to promote themselves with us.
As part of our partnership with the BID, we are giving away £35,000 worth of advertising to 70 local businesses in the BID area.
The Money Guy, Adam Phillips is working with these businesses to help save money and has successfully saved many businesses in the area thousands of pounds. We have dispatched Adam into the High Street to talk to these businesses finding out how they are now operating. Adam visited La Di Da – one of the many independently owned businesses located on Bridge Street.
Steph Talks to Adam all about La Di Da, the awards and the future!
When Adam met Steph:
Back in my business banking days, I had the privilege of meeting Steph Briggs a lady who had recently bought a shop in town, called ”La Di Da”, a small shop that is slightly off the main High Street as it right at the front of Bridge Street, facing the duel carriageway. It’s previous owners were successful with it, but what Steph has done with it is incredible.
First of all, it is not your average shop, there are so many goodies in there, including Gin! Steph also does online classes whereby she teaches people how to upcycle their furniture and make it look rustic and gives it that ‘Vintage look’. Steph been nominated in and won, many Awards Categories including:
- Currently up for ‘Best Bricks and mortar Shop’
- Nominated for ‘Business of the year’ for Hampshire women’s in business
- Won Muddy Stilhettos ‘Best Interiors Store in Hampshire 2017 AND 2018!
The business has only been going for a few years now, so to be nominated for so many awards is testament to Steph’s hard work, friendly demeanor and great sense of humour.
“I’m always so happy to be nominated for anything! I love what I do and to be recognised for my work, is always such an honour. It’s been difficult over the last few months, we have new policies in place, to be inline with Covid-19 Regs. including: hand sanitiser available for any customers upon arrival and limitations to the number of people in the shop.
We have found it difficult recently, not only due to our business closure, but the addition of the roadworks and subsequent closure of the footpath from the back of Wilkinsons car park, this has made getting to my shop harder than usual, we are looking forward to the footpath being open again and being able to open again – properly!
We are part of the Andover BID – who have very kindly, taken care of our delivery costs, so if any customers are nervous about coming in – please buy your gifts and we’ll get the item to you!”
La Di Da is a shop is a certified Andover Plastic Free Business Champion and an avid supporter of local producers and craftsmanship. The business has also featured in titles including Daily Express, Good Homes, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, The World Of Interiors and The Lady to name just a few of the fabulous titles that La Di Da has graced.
If you’d like to ask Steph anything, including workshop times, opening hours, delivery options and anything else then please get in contact by emailing them or click here to view what’s in stock.
