As I continue gathering insights from people in the front line of town centre retail I asked Sarah Murray, the owner of Edinburgh’s award winning, luxury women’s wear boutique Jane Davidson, to provide her view. I request head shots and store shots to give you some context to who everyone is and what they and their stores look like.
Tell me about you, who you are, what you do and what you love most about your life in Edinburgh?
I’m Sarah Murray. Owner of independent designer boutique Jane Davidson, mum of two and advisor to www.Atterley.com. I love Edinburgh because it’s like a cosmopolitan village. We have the best of everything….shopping, art, restaurants, architecture. We are also blessed with central open spaces and to be near to the sea. The perfect city for business and family.
What is it you love most about retail?
I love the fast pace of retail. It’s changed so much in the 20 years I have been involved. I started off doing purely bricks and mortar and now it’s all about e-tail and social media marketing. A lot to learn but it keeps me on my toes. I also love it when I go to fashion week and see a show that blows me away. Doesn’t happen so often these days. Finally I love walking into Selfridges in London- my heart beats a little bit faster. Retail at it’s finest…I also appreciate other kinds of retail, Wholefoods was a revelation to me.
Do you have a dream for retail in the future; what would you like to see?
I wouldn’t like to see internet shopping replacing bricks and mortar completely. I think the best will work in tandem. This is why I am involved in Atterley- it’s a platform for independent retailers to sell together. It’s difficult as a single store to grow your internet business but with volume we have strength. I also think that internet businesses need to replicate the instore experience more in order to move to the next level. Personal service, fit and fashion advice.
If you were to walk into a Doctor’s surgery or Dentist waiting room (there is zero wifi or phone reception), which magazine would you instinctively pick up and why?
I don’t think many magazines are so relevant now and am more of an instagram kind of girl…. Perhaps something like Woman’s Health? Or ideally the first issue of Edward Enninful’s Vogue tenure? I don’t think that will be sitting in my Doctor’s surgery somehow… might have to bring that one with me.
Jane Davidson Boutique, Thistle Street, Edinburgh.