Loyal customers of this Sheffield gift shop find new way to support it by buying online

Now, Kelly’s shop – the aptly named Foxes Den – is open again and she is keen to see all of her customers in person.

Kelly said: “When it was announced that that we had to close I literally grabbed all the cards and jewellery and other small items and took them home.

“Many of my customers are friends so they could message me and I would send images of my products and drop them off for them too.

"Customers also contacted me through my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/atthefoxesden. I could go a week without someone messaging me, then five people would message me all at once.

“I want to thank my loyal customers for supporting me during lockdown and since I have reopened. I hope that people who are slightly anxious and nervous about venturing into shops again can come here knowing it’s a safe quiet environment.”

Even though the shop, on Greenhill Main Road, is open and all customers are welcome to visit the shop for browsing and buying, people can still shop online if they choose.

Kelly is continuing to run her website in an effort to help those who prefer an alternative way to shop as the current climate remains uncertain – and there's an extra incentive for those who choose to buy online.

"The one good thing that came out of lock down was that I have finally got my website up and running and I must say that I am super pleased with it.

"Anyone who is still shielding or who is just feeling a little bit anxious about going out can order items through the website and I will deliver within S8,” said Kelly.

"Anyone who subscribes to the website also gets ten per cent off their first order.”

During lockdown, The Foxes Den marked its third birthday. Kelly opened the business in 2017 when Kelly found that their was a gap in the market in Greenhill – and decided to fill it by opening her own gift shop.

She said: “We would normally have a celebration with discount, cake and fizz. I think that unfortunately it will be a long time until I will be able to have a shop full of people, so we will just have to have a bigger and better fourth birthday celebration.”

Kelly has urged shoppers to get out and support businesses like hers.

She said: "Small businesses have never needed customers through the door more than right now. Being shut for 12 weeks is a huge knock. The big chain shops can recover, the little independent shops not so much.

"I am hoping that one positive thing to come out of this whole situation is communities. Greenhill had a great community already but I think that this has made it even better. Everyone seems to be supporting the local shops more than ever.”

The Foxes Den is currently open are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 3.30pm and also on Saturday from 10am to 3pm. This gives Kelly the time to get website orders ready to be sent out to customers.

To shop online, please visit www.thefoxesden.shop.