Based in the United Kingdom (UK), retailer David Shuttle began in 1978 as a small hardware store. Fast forward to 2016 and David Shuttle has grown into multiple store locations, a large staff, and a growing and unique ecommerce presence. Yet, throughout the years of growth, it has remained a family-run business, proving that a modernized, high-end retail business can still provide the personable service that is typically seen only in smaller, independent shops around the world. Among their products you will find jewelry, housewares, and gifts. David Shuttle has carried MOVA Globes since 2010 and in our first international Reseller Spotlight, we spoke with Catherine Mullen, E-Commerce Executive, about the evolution of David Shuttle and its experience selling MOVA Creations.
MOVA: Tell us a little bit about your business.
David Shuttle has been trading in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire for nearly 40 years. From the opening of the first store in 1978, the business has seen a number of important milestones, including the launch of www.davidshuttle.com in 2008. To this day, the business is still family-run, and we continue to offer a diverse product range – including fine dining items, home accessories and jewelry – which make unusual and unique gifts.
How did you discover MOVA Globes and why did you decide to carry them in your stores?
We have stocked MOVA Globes since 2010, when David Shuttle himself had a chance meeting with the UK distributer. David immediately loved the concept, the designs and the intriguing technology.
Beaconsfield is a market town. For those who do not know, what is a market town and in particular what makes Beaconsfield unique?
A ‘market town’ is the name for a settlement with the legal right to hold markets. Beaconsfield is a market town which sprang up on the road between Oxford and London in the 12th century, and today you can reach London Marylebone by train in 25 minutes.
Beaconsfield also has a few claims to fame: the town was the home constituency of Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli; it is home to the oldest original model village in the world, Bekonscot; and children’s author Enid Blyton lived here when she wrote some of her most famous books, such as the ‘Famous Five’ and ‘Noddy’ series.
How do customers typically react upon seeing MOVA Globes and what is your favorite method of explaining the technology?
We usually find people react with wonder! They are convinced that the rotation is powered by an electric power supply, or a battery powered motor, and they can’t understand how the globe rotates so smoothly on the stand. Before we explain the technology, we like to tease that the globes are magic…!
Your mission statement: “We aim to give to you, our customer, the best service possible.” How do you convey this statement on an everyday basis?
Our staff is friendly, approachable and has great product knowledge. We love to build relationships with our customers by offering a more personal service, even within the world of e-commerce, which is often seen to be a more ‘anonymous’ or ‘impersonal’ method of shopping. For example, if we don’t have exactly what the customer would like, we happily make suggestions for items to be ordered in specially, and we always work to the customer’s deadlines or special requirements.
Which MOVA Globe design is your favorite and why?
We love the way the Antique Terrestrial White globe tells a story of adventure and travel, with its graphic which maps the three voyages of Captain James Cook.
As a family-run independent business, what are you most proud of and what’s in the future for David Shuttle?
We’re always very proud and humbled by the feedback we get from customers through our Feefo review service. It’s lovely to know that people enjoy shopping with us and appreciate the little touches, such as the chocolates we include with every order we ship in the post! In the future we look to continued growth, whilst still maintaining the traditional values on which the business was founded: great quality products and exceptional customer service.
David Shuttle has grown to one of the finest retail establishments in the UK and we’ve been very thrilled with our MOVA Globes’ successes in their stores. The business truly offers a wonderful shopping experience, both in store and online, and you’re sure to find a unique gift from its wide selection of products.
Not making your way to the UK in the near future? No problem, find a MOVA Retailer near you and browse through our Reseller Spotlights to learn more about some of our other featured retailers.
