We're so pleased to introduce our final Stockist of the Month for 2021 - the wonderful Jarrold. It really is a remarkable department store that began in 1770 and is situated in the historic centre of Norwich. A beautiful place to visit in the lead up to Christmas, and you can even book in to visit Father Christmas and his grotto! Read on to find out more about Jarrold.
Tell us a little bit about your shop…
Our main store in Norwich is a celebrated, independent department store that offers a unique shopping experience with a carefully sourced selection of products. From fashion and food to books and beauty, we handpick every product, often from local producers, to offer something a little bit different and distinctive.
Being local is very important to us we also have several other stores around Norfolk and Norwich and have been part of the local life for over 250 years.
What do you love about being a shop owner?
Jarrold is a family business, who keep people at its heart; so although we may not be the ‘shop owners’, we are all part of a caring and connected team that believe in offering the best service to our customers.
Have you ever had any famous faces pop in?
Jarrold began in 1770 as a greengrocers and draper before moving into printing and published the first edition of one of the most famous children's books of all time, Anna Sewell's Black Beauty, in 1878. Since then, Jarrold has welcomed many famous authors through its doors, including Mary Berry and Michael Palin, as well as local legends such as Stephen Fry and Delia Smith.
Three words to describe your shop...
Independent, unique and local
Tell us a little bit about the place you are located…
Norwich is a wonderful fusion of history and contemporary city life with an independent nature. We look across the Norwich Market which has won multiple awards for being a bustling and vibrant focal point, Norwich City Hall which is a fantastic art deco building dating from 1938 and Norwich Lanes, a series of alleyways, courtyards and open spaces showcasing a range of independent retailers, cafes and restaurants and full of community spirit. Jarrold are proud to be a part of the central heart of the city.
Your favourite time of year in the shop?
That’s a difficult question as every season is great in its own way! We love welcoming the tourists in summer and the Christmas shoppers in December. It’s just a wonderful place to be all year round.
Your favourite moment in the shop?
All the difficult questions… I would have to say anytime we have made a customers day or when the products that bring us joy brings a smile to a customers face.
What first attracted you to Sophie Allport products?
The amazing quality, unique designs and country-inspired imagery. Norfolk is predominately rural, and it's fantastic to see that lovely quirky inspiration in the designs – we knew it would appeal to our customers.
What is your favourite Sophie Allport collection?
The dog-inspired collections are just lovely including Spaniels and Terrier as they look amazing in our Dog Boutique and are so popular. It’s also great to see the Christmas ranges, and the Home for Christmas has been very popular.
Finally, where can people find you?
At our flagship Norwich store alongside our art & stationery, Jarrold Intersport, The Granary, our contemporary living store and our branches at Cromer and Wymondham.
Follow Jarrold on social:
Instagram: @JarroldNorwich
Facebook: @JarroldNorwich
Twitter: @JarroldNorwich
YouTube: jarroldsnorwich