I have some exciting news! For the next 6 months I am going to be a Studio Ambassador. That means that every month you are going to see a different themed post about some awesome things that Studio has in store. But this month’s post is a general introduction to the brand and future things that we have in store together.
Studio was established in 1963 (56 years ago) as a mail order catalogue company. Studio is based near Manchester and we met at the lovely Stanley House Hotel for presentations, meeting designers and Studio execs, games (where we were guessing merchandise price) and of course, a super tasty lunch. And then after lunch we piled in cars and taxis and headed over to the Studio studio.
It was like entering a massive instagram dream warehouse: football fields worth of space filled with different backdrops, props and accessories. It is where Studio shoots all its ads and pictures. (Over half a million per year!) We even got to see multiple photoshoots in the process which was fascinating! And the models were all so naturally beautiful that the whole group of us just had to laugh! Our visit was the first week of June and to give you some perspective on how long it takes to produce everything: they were shooting the Christmas catalogue.
Studio is one of the biggest online retailers in the UK and their buying process is slightly unique. When you buy a Studio product, you can only buy using Studio credit as a payment method. When you have loaded your cart with goodies and head to check out, you fill in your details and Studio runs a credit check. If you pass then you are issued Studio credit and you have 28 days to pay off your purchase without interest added. (You can always choose to pay off large ticket items over a longer period of time, but interest is added every month past the first.)
The price of the items sold by Studio is so reasonable. And it was fascinating to see how they are all sourced and designed with as much love and care as a more expensive brand. The design team visits destinations around Europe for the trade shows and inspiration and then mock-ups of the items are drawn. Next the sourcing team visits different factories around the world (which we were assured were all ethical factories) to find the best fit to manufacture the garment or item. Then the items are manufactured, sent back to Studio, where they are then integrated into ads and marketing. The turn around time from inspiration to being on the shelf is a minimum of 9 months.
Since we’ve just moved into our new home, and Studio has such an amazing selection of home goods, that’s what I’ve focused on. I ordered a massive rug for our kitchen, and though it hasn’t arrived yet, I got to see it in the studio and it was gorgeous. I actual preferred it to one High Street rival’s rug that I viewed by comparison. I can’t wait for it to be in our house.
Studio plied us with lovely goodie bags and a range of cute clothing and accessories to take home on the day, but my favourite item had to be the personalised dressing gown: it was just so soft and snuggly!
Next month the theme is The Great Outdoors and I can’t wait for it!
