The Star Tree Studio in the Rochdale Online Department Store

Friendship Loom Band Maker from The Star Tree Studio

The Star Tree Studio, a toy shop and craft studio for children based in Littleborough, has branched out and is selling toys online in the Rochdale Online Department Store.

The studio sells educational and creative toys for children of all ages and is increasing its reach via the Store.

Manager Neela Jackson said: “Selling online is never something we really focused on because it was always about selling from the shop and having people coming in but getting involved with the Rochdale Online Department Store seemed like a really good idea to help increase our sales.”

The Star Tree Studio is currently selling a variety of toys including ABC blocks, a friendship loom band maker and construction sets as well as a number of other items.

With the Rochdale Online Department Store, retailers take charge of uploading their products to the site and can upload as many prodcuts as they wish with no up front fees.

“It is really easy to use and is really straight forward. We have already had orders from the store which is great. To get these orders shows that people are looking at us and recognising us as a toy shop as well as a creative studio,” said Neela.

In line with the company ethos of continual development, the Rochdale Online Department Store is the latest major development of the Rochdale Online site. The store aims to help local retailers to leverage the massive Rochdale Online audience to venture into or improve their current ecommerce offer.

Neela added: “We are starting to become well known in Littleborough now so if we can start to become known in Rochdale and other parts of the borough through Rochdale Online then I will be pleased.”

Neela believes being part of the Rochdale Online Department Store is a step in the right direction for independent retailers such as herself.

She said: “I think people should look on Rochdale Online before they go shopping because Rochdale Online is providing an umbrella for unique and creative individuals to sell their products. For us, we tend to offers things that are a little bit different to places like supermarkets and bigger stores so if people want to buy a gift or a toy for their child that is a bit different, then they should have a look at Rochdale Online and support independent retailers.

“Not only will the gift be a bit more unique but that purchase will support the local economy and will put money back into the community.”

http://store.rochdaleonline.co.uk/The-Star-Tree-Studio