TWO DUCKS

14/06/2024

Hey Everyone, last post on here before I close it down 😢

As so many of you kindly asked what I might be doing next, I thought I’d give you a little update 😁

I have just been offered a permanent position by The British Independent Retailers Association - as their Trade Marketing Manager (for their product buying group - Bira Direct) - so I feel it is a great fit as I will be supporting small retail businesses and working with the suppliers who stock those shops 🎉👏

Bira supports the high street by influencing government legislation, offering over 30 business benefits and much more - so if you know know or are a small retailer who needs support or a supplier of small retailers who wants to talk to the 6000 strong membership - come and have a chat 👍🏻😁

I hope you are all well and have some lovely plans for Father’s Day. I miss the shop, you lovely lot and our St Johns community - but I’m sure the village will continue to thrive with all the other small businesses there to serve the community 🥰
Take care lovelies, Claire xx

14/06/2024

Hey Everyone, last post on here before I close it down 🙁

As so many of you kindly asked what I might be doing next, I thought I'd give you a little update 😁

I have just been offered a permanent position by The British Independent Retailers Association - Bira as their Trade Marketing Manager (for their product buying group - Bira Direct) - so I feel it is a great fit as I will be supporting small retail businesses and working with the suppliers who stock those shops 🥳🥳

Bira supports the high street by influencing government legislation, offering over 30 business benefits including legal/HR advice, favourable card processing rates, a buying group, great deals on insurance, Evermile delivery platform and much more - so if you know any other small retailers - send them our way and we'll look after them!! 👏

I hope you are all well and have some lovely plans for Father's Day. I have to admit to finding it a little strange when I pop into St.John's now and we're no longer there - but I'm sure the village will continue to thrive with all the other small businesses there to serve the community 🥰.

Take care lovelies, Claire

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has strengthened its Bira Direct buying group team with two major new appointments: Claire Leigh as trade marketing manager, and Lisa Richardson as sales support and business development executive. Claire and Lisa bring a wealth of retail and mark...

19/05/2024

Just a MASSIVE THANK-YOU to you all for your support over the years and particularly the last couple of days where it was busier than Christmas! Amber and I are very grateful as you managed to almost clear the shop of cards, gifts, clothes and furniture!

We will miss you and I’m sorry I couldn’t keep going for longer. Loves you. Claire & Amber xx

I have put below a few pics from the last month, I don’t have everyone’s social media tags so pls do tag someone in if you recognise them! 🙏🏻❤️🥰

12/05/2024

Thanks to everyone who came along last night for our leaving drinks, we had a small but perfectly formed crowd!! And thanks to all those who popped in during the day and sent lovely messages. We have really felt your love and support over the last few weeks since we announced our closure. We have one week still to go so do please visit especially if you haven’t had a chance yet!

I thought I’d post the talk I did last night for those who couldn’t make it as it is, after all, a thank you to you, our customers.

TALK;
I’m not gonna lie. Today and for the coming week is going to be difficult. To say goodbye and goodnight to my baby and my dream is not a day I pictured. I have to admit, however , I do also feel some relief as the stresses of the past few years with Brexit, covid and the cost of living crisis are at least coming to an end for me.

Reflecting back, I thought it would be fun to look at some facts, figures and anecdotes over the years so here are 10 interesting things you may not have known about Two Ducks;

1. We began offering gift parties in people’s houses on the run up to Christmas 2013 - those parties help shape many of the products I have stocked over the years.
2. As part of our role as retailers we’ve been dog sitters whilst customers try on clothing, given breast feeding women a comfortable seat when baby suddenly needs a feed, entertainers to children to help mum’s have some peace to browse and given out many shoulders to cry on and enjoyed numerous hugs.
3. Over an average year we take over a third of our total revenue for the year in the final three months to Christmas. So you can see just how important the Christmas period is to any small retailer
4. Since we started measuring sales in Sep 2020 we’ve sold over 10000 cards.
5. Our most popular product aside from cards is the Parkminster small votive candle which we’ve stocked since the very beginning. And our top 5 most popular brands have been - Pilgrim, Pom Boutique, Rino & Pelle, Rosie Made a thing and One Hundred Stars.
6. We have raised or donated approximately £15k to local schools and charities over our 10 years in the village and have employed around 10 local people.
7. We have had collaborations with global gift wrapping guru Jane Means, visits from Country Homes Editor Susie Smith, had make up lessons from Glamour Magazine Beauty Editor Philippa Pearne and hosted a neon poodle lampshade made by Zoe Pocock of TV fame in The Weekend Workshop
8. We’ve hosted 10 menopower cafes and 10 soul cafes which bought in expert speakers from author Ruth Devlin to Founder of MPowder Rebekah Brown and had some wonderful feedback on the positive impact of those on our customers lives.
9. As part of supporting the wider retail community, I’ve been President of the British Independent Retailers Association and spoken at various platforms from the UK’s largest retail trade show Spring Fair to BBC 2 news and Radio 4’s Today programme.
10. And finally (not that I ever talk about it 😂😉), when I went to Buckingham Palace and met the King just over a year ago I cheekily suggested that if Camilla needed a nice new dress she could always pop into Two Ducks. Fortunately he laughed but she’s never visited!

So Looking forward, who knows what the future of the retail landscape holds but know that the choices you make every day will create that new space and let’s hope what emerges is a creative, beautiful, community.

I know one thing for sure, I would not have been here and enjoyed many wonderful experiences for 10 years if it wasn’t for our customers and many of the people in this room.

Thank-you from the bottom of my heart for your friendship, your support, your love and your many many purchases that have enabled us to create what many customers have named their ‘happy place’. It has been a privilege to watch you and your loved ones change and grow and to know that so many of you still enjoy two ducks gifts, homeware and fashion in your homes to this day.

A special last thank-you to Amber, my loyal Deputy who has been a constant and uber efficient support, Jo & Fil, my incredibly supportive landlords and friends - I really hope you can find a fantastic new tenant for you and the village and Nige my hubby, thank-you for supporting me through the huge roller coaster of a journey that this shop has been. There is no question, I couldn’t have done this without you and I couldn’t ask for a better partner in life.

So that’s goodbye for now and hope to see you this coming week! 😘

Claire xx

12/04/2024

SAD ANNOUNCEMENT - Two Ducks is CLOSING

Hi Everyone,

It is with great sadness that I need to announce Two Ducks will be closing in 5 weeks time (Saturday 18th May).

Since announcing my intent to sell the business back in February we’ve had quite a bit of interest but unfortunately haven’t been able to secure a buyer. And with the cost of living crisis continuing to impact on sales we’ve concluded that it makes sense to close now rather than carry on any longer.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continuous support of our little business over the last 11 years and hope you will treasure your favourite memories of the shop and the goodies that you’ve bought.

I personally have so many special memories: running the Menopower and Soul Cafe workshops, working with many local charities and schools, hosting special events with make up and styling experts, and celebrating anniversaries with a catwalk on the Lye! I will truly miss the wonderful, vibrant community of St. Johns and our lovely customers from all the surrounds.

It’s also been a pleasure to work with many great staff from the local community over the years, including Laura Taylor and Deb Jones among many others.
I especially wanted to thank my Deputy Manager Amber, who has been a loyal and constant support over the past 6 years, keeping the day to day operations of the business going so brilliantly and knowing so many customers names off by heart!

For a number of reasons we won’t be doing a big discount closing down sale but we hope you take this final opportunity to stock up on your favourites and the quality design-led gifts and beautiful fashion we have tried so hard to stock over the years. This time, once it’s gone - it really is gone.

We will also be selling off the furnishings and fittings so do look out for any display or workplace items that might work well in your home or business! We have added these to our website but please note they are for collection only.

We hope you will be able to visit soon. I will be in-store regularly, typically towards the end of the week. I will be in this Saturday afternoon.

I have included some photos of memories of the shop and window displays we’ve had over the years. We would love to hear your special memories and what you’ll miss about the shop 😢 (sorry, got a bit carried away with the photos 🙈 - soooo many memories!)

Wishing you all my love and hugs,

Claire xx

04/03/2024

Hey lovelies,

I realise this may come as a shock to some of you and maybe not so much for others but I have made the tough decision to sell Two Ducks. I have been running the business for 11 years this summer and of course it has had some amazing ups and some difficult downs, but it is now time for a change for me.

I just want to say it has been an absolute honour to serve this community and you have bought myself and the (wonderful, dedicated) team many years of joy and friendship. Your support has been incredible and I hope you will continue to support the business in this next stage.

I would love to see the store stay at the heart of the community and pass it on to someone who loves it and will explore new and exciting projects.

Could you be the next owner?

If it's not for you, perhaps you know someone, a friend, a relative, a colleague, or a business contact this might be perfect for. Maybe they're looking for something fresh, a change, a chance to be their own boss, or an opportunity to expand an existing business?

This is a chance to connect with a thriving, picturesque village and share with them your own personal selection of the best gifts, homeware and fashion on offer.

Whether you are interested for you or someone else, please find the main sales particulars here https://two-ducks.co.uk/pages/two-ducks-for-sale , and of course feel free to send me more specific enquiries at [email protected]. Hopefully, with your help, we can ensure the future of Two Ducks in the village! Love Claire xx

12/02/2024

Bye bye Laura ❤️👋🏻
Our lovely Laura who has worked with us every Monday and Saturday for the past 3 years is moving on to pastures new 😥 We wish her all the success in the world and know she’ll be brilliant at her next job 👏💪🏻❤️. She always brought a huge beautiful smile to work, tons of ideas for the shop, great organisational skills and an awesome skill in visual merchandising. She will be hugely missed by myself, and I’m sure tons of our customers. Good luck Laura 👏😘 Claire xx

26/01/2024

WIN A RARE 25TH ANNIVERSARY BASHFUL BUNNY FROM JELLYCAT ❤️👏

Like us, I’m sure many of you are Jellycat fans/collectors 🥰.

Well, this is a BIG year for Jellycats, it is their 25th Anniversary and to celebrate, they have brought out some special edition squidgy toys.

One toy is the actual cat that forms the jellycat logo (he hasn’t arrived yet!), the other is a special addition BASHFUL bunny worth £33. He is made with their gorgeous lux fabric in a beautiful azure blue and multicolour specs throughout.

We only had 3 given to us and 2 of them sold immediately so we decided to keep the third and give you all a chance to win this RARE collectors item.

So here’s what you have to do;

1. Watch the video of Claire’s room and count how many jellycats she has in her collection. Remember to watch carefully, there may be a red herring or two.
2. Put your guess below. We will put all correct first answers into a draw. Only your first answer counts!
3. If you want an extra chance to get into the prize draw, message us privately with as many of the names of the jellies in the room that you recognise. (This doesn’t have to be the exact name, just ‘lemon’ etc)
4. Follow us on instagram if you don’t already

The competition is open from today, Friday 26th January until Friday 2nd February when we will choose a winner live on instagram at 12pm.

We can’t wait to hear from you!!! Claire xx

21/01/2024

We would love you to be part of our Valentines window display 🥰

We want to feature pictures of the things you love in life that make you smile, for example;

- a favourite holiday destination
- a favourite keepsake/ornament
- your pet
- your best friend
- a partner
- a piece of clothing/jewellery

We will then print them out and add a selection to our Valentines window in the first week of Feb - so please put your favs below here - submissions are open until Friday 26th 👏.

�Here are my fav 5 things❤️(in no particular order 😂) -

1. Me & my hubby
2. Besties walking in the frost
3. Kiddy bundle
4. dressing up and going 'out out'
5. Buying beautiful bits for the store

We can't wait to see your piccies!! Claire xx

30/12/2023

Help me pick.. my NYE outfit ❤️👏
1. Sequin luxe - roll neck and sequin skirt (Two Ducks) combo 🥰 with super sparkly heels
2. Velvet & berries - velvet wide leg trousers & bright knit with Mary Jane’s
3. Short & sparkly ✨ - satin vest top, black shorts, tights, knee high boots and sequin long line coatigan 🥳
Which is your fav? I’m spending new year with my bestie and friends at her house but I still like to dress up for NYE 💃❤️ Would love to know what you’re up to…Claire xx

22/12/2023

🎄🎁Our Christmas opening hours🎁🎄

We’re here for you with our usual shopping hours today and tomorrow then we will be open on Sunday 24th Christmas Eve for all of your last minute needs!!
Some even say there might be a glass of fizz or two available over the weekend🥂❤️

If you are now off on leave or off to relatives, it just leaves us to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas and peaceful new year and a HUGE thank-you from all the team at Two Ducks for your amazing, continued support 🥰 We’ll see you again when we re-open on Friday 5th January 👋🏻

Love Claire, Amber & Laura
xx

20/12/2023

You are possibly sick of hearing about my 50th birthday 😂🥳. Well, I actually turned 50 today so there’s no more posts to come - but, I wanted to write today and say how thankful I am for those around me. Truly grateful. Like, properly restored by you lot.

It has not been an easy year for many reasons which have no place in this FB post but this birthday has reminded me what amazing people I have around me - family, friends, team and wonderful customers too 🥰 and what love there is out there ❤️.

Here a few highlight pics from this past month of celebrations and I am truly thankful to you for them. Whether you were there or you supported my shop which enabled me to enjoy the time off I had. I wish all you Christmas babies a Happy Birthday too 🎄🥳🥂 Claire ###

13/12/2023

Here’s our gorgeous customer who popped in today during her lunch break to find a Christmas Day dress. How gorgeous does she look!! 🥰❤️👏🥂. Which one do you think she picked? Claire xx

07/12/2023

We had our annual Christmas shopping night at the store last night and it was a dream event for me. From the moment people arrived they were in good spirits. Everyone had dressed up and made an effort (and there were prizes for the best dressed in Two Ducks). We had live music from Evie and Liv who I met whilst volunteering at (Winston Churchill School) drama department. These girls are a dream to work with and such amazing ambassadors for their school. They sang an array of jazz, pop and rock Christmas classics and just added that something special to the night.

There seemed to be a frenzy of shopping and within 45 minutes we had a massive queue at the till. Normally shopping is a little more chilled but these ladies knew what they wanted and did it in style! It was so busy we only got a tiny number of photos of this amazing crowd!

The traditional fizz and mince pies went down very well as did the free artisan chocolates customers received with a spend over £50. But it wasn’t the spend that mattered to me last night (although I am super grateful for it!), it was the truly wonderful atmosphere of loyal, lovely customers who have supported us for many years really enjoying themselves in the shop.

And the night only made possible with my super star staff and who make everything run smoothly and efficiently. Thanks to all our wonderful customers this festive period, its been a difficult time for everyone and we appreciate your support more than ever. Claire xx 🥰🥳🥂🎅🏻❤️

28/11/2023

🌟 Gifting inspiration 🎁

If, like me, you found the insanity of Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping all a bit much then this week might be time for an alternative experience.

We won’t be sending you a thousand discount emails or pushing you to buy old product we can’t shift, instead, we provide a super friendly and helpful personal service.

There is free parking, a coffee shop next door, you can bring your pooch and you have a relaxing browse amongst hundreds of artisan gifts from all over the UK and Europe.

If you love local and want to keep truly unique shopping experiences in your community, why not pop in and see us at 🦆🦆

This week we are focusing on those tricky main presents and have curated a selection of ideas for the men, women and kids in your life. For instance, if you have a partner or teenager always loosing their keys/wallet/phone, try out our brilliant Chipolo trackers for the perfect gadget. If you have younger kids, they’re going to love our naked marshmallow festive toasting set complete with mini portable burner 👏. And if it’s for you, check out our gorgeous new scarves, sparkly handbags, gloves and hats. Or wait for the arrival of new winter Pilgrim jewellery next week from our popular Danish brand ✨

Do come and visit for a browse in the warm, dry, sparkly store and see our gorgeous new Christmas window display!

We can’t wait to see you soon ❤️

Hugs,
Love Claire x

26/11/2023

I turn 50 in December. I had the first of several celebrations this weekend with some gorgeous hoomans . I got my first card with ’50’ on the front. It was a bit of a shock. I don’t know why 😂 I’ve known it’s coming for well, at least 40 years 😂. But this is the first birthday where I’ve felt like I’m on ‘the other side’ of my life. A different journey. A journey where my kids don’t need me so much (at least not physically, more mentally), my health is my priority because I am so conscious in perimenopause, if I don’t look after myself now, I will struggle so much in the next half of my life. My relationship with my husband is more key than ever because we will be exploring life increasingly without the children and I want to maintain the adventure of earlier times 🥳.
I have watched my face and body change and I am mentally adapting to that - I’ve not found the weight struggle nor the ageing process easy but I do feel now is the time to shine, revel in what you’ve learnt throughout life and plan some new adventures. Are. you 50? If not, how long before you turn 50? How did/does it make you feel?

02/11/2023

Soul II Soul

Last night saw the last session (for the foreseeable) at the store. I had organised , local published author as the speaker for the night. She spoke about her book title ‘how to work without loosing your mind’ and apparently it was a really successful evening. I say apparently as sadly I couldn’t be there as I have recently caught the dreaded covid 🙄 🦠 it seems to be doing the rounds again!

Luckily I had my trusty friends and colleagues Rhian and to lead the evening and introduce Cate.
I feel sad to have to close these not-for-profit sessions for now which have looked at many aspects of women’s wellbeing including cognition and mood, movement tips & techniques, stress, dwelling on negative thoughts, anxiety and insomnia, facing your fears, menopause and relaxtion techniques.
But we all have to look after our own wellbeing and what with the challenges facing us retailers (and many small businesses), I have had to make the business my primary focus for now.
As a team, myself, Rhian and Emma truly hope that those who came along to the sessions not only enjoyed them but also got something out of them for their own wellbeing and we look forward to remaining part of our customers wellbeing journey going forward 🥰❤️🙏🏻

Our thanks to previous speakers .from.with.in .forlife .moo ❤️ and to our lovely for always prepping the store so beautifully 👏❤️

31/10/2023

Exciting news!

I have been waiting quite a while to let you know some news. I think some of you know I have been on the Board of (for nearly 3 years now). Being asked to join felt like an honour.
I was also to be the first full time female which was both exciting and slightly daunting as although I have worked in male dominated industries for over 20 years (pre-retail), being one amongst ten men can have you lose your nerve and conviction. But I felt confident I knew retail and my market and wanted to work hard to get retail issues heard at a national level.
As a board we’ve tackled lots of issues and become closer and since I’ve joined there have been a further 2 female board members elected (.and.rose.uk )
I am also very excited (and a little bit proud) that Bira have asked me to become their next Vice President. I was officially appointed last week. Watch this space. Bring it on 💪🏻🙏🏻❤️

This doesn’t mean I’m stepping away from Two Ducks in any way, shape or form. I love our little shop even more through my involvement with Bira! ❤️

(This funny sketch above was done at our strategy day when I suggested we should have 50% female representation on the board within next 3 years 😁) Claire xx

06/09/2023

Just want to wish my gorgeous Hubbie Nigel Leigh a very happy 15th Wedding Anniversary.
You’ve been my calming influence in every storm, my best cheerleader, my supporter in the tough times and drinking buddie in the good 🥰🥳👏 Love you and can’t wait for the next 15 plus 😘😘

Thanks to all you lovely lot who’ve supported us and our business all these years!
Who else has celebrated an anniversary this Summer? ### piccies pls…….

21/06/2023

🧘🏼‍♀️International Day of Yoga 🧘🏼‍♀️

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.

Our July Soul Cafe lead by Rhian and Charlie will teach you breathing and easy relaxation techniques you can put into action daily as well as invaluable information from their years in the fields of pilates and yoga.

Take some deep breaths
relax your shoulders
unclench your jaw..
❤️

Book through the tagged product or the link in our bio xx

11/06/2023

Wow, I can’t quite believe Two Ducks is 10 years old this Summer! 😱🙏🏻❤️ I am pretty proud of our little business (and quite likely looking 20 years older since I started it 🤪😂). I am also very much looking forward to serving our wonderful community for the next 10!

We really feel pretty honoured to be part of the village in St.Johns and have the wonderful customers we have.
I know many of you have supported us right from the beginning when we occupied just the little space at the back and we have enjoyed watching your families grow, hearing your news, becoming friends, surviving covid and dealing with a cost of living crisis together and you have supported us through all of it.

Myself, and are really grateful to be able to look after you and I am also very grateful that they look after me so well with their loyalty, skills and support so much of which happens behind the scenes 🥰.

Thanks to our family, friends and customers who popped in this Saturday to help us celebrate and enjoy some free coffee, cake & bubbles and I look forward to seeing you all over the summer to enjoy more bubbles (we’ve still got some bottles left in the fridge!) 😂🥂
Love you guys, Claire ###

06/06/2023

Was very exciting for myself and Rhian to do a radio interview with Joanne McGowan for about the concept. It airs today at 1pm and again on Thursday at 8pm. We chat about all things midlife, how the soul cafe is aimed at helping all the challenges we face in this phase and also a little bit about our businesses and what let us to form the cafe. We really hope you can join us - link in the biog 👏😁❤️

26/05/2023

☀️❤️Come say hi over the sunny Bank Holiday weekend! We’re open on Bank Holiday Monday ❤️☀️

Sat 27th 9:30-17:00
Sun 28th Closed as normal
Mon 29th 9:30-17:00

Claire and Laura will be here for you tomorrow and Monday for all of your gifting needs, or just if you need a natter and a browse 🥰

Remember we’re still serving the cheapest coffee in Woking to takeaway at just £2! Treat yourself to something special xx

08/05/2023

Help us pick our Coronation hamper winner 🙏🏻👏❤️

We have 3 couples in our final to win a red, white and blue hamper of £60 worth of 🦆🦆 goodies 🥳🇬🇧👑

Please pick couple 1,2 or 3 by 8pm this evening and we’ll announce the most popular as the winner 👏



1. Mel & Dan
2. Ali and her friend
3. Emma & Dueyna

Claire xx

05/05/2023

This is Penny ❤️
Penny has been a customer for over 8 years 👏🙏🏻. She says what she loves about coming to 🦆🦆 is that she always feels welcomed, appreciated and valued - like she’s seeing friends when she comes in 🥰. Her favourite things we sell are the fashion and homeware 🏡👗 and she is very aptly modelling her jumper, .boutique scarf and earrings today 🥰. Thank you so much Penny for your continuous support, I really can’t explain how much we do appreciate you (and Alfie 🐶)😘.