LISTENING to customers’ needs and thorough market research have enabled a clothing retailer to fill the gap left by Gabriel’s. When Shoestring owner David Perchard heard the long-established family firm was closing down, he placed adverts in the Guernsey Press asking what islanders would miss.

He said he received an excellent response from the Gabriel’s loyal customer base.

‘The main areas of concern seemed to be underwear, nightwear, slippers, knitwear and large sizes.

‘It was particularly the elderly who were worried that they would not be able to get what they need.

‘We will be stocking a large range of nightwear and slippers throughout the year.

‘Large sizes for men and women were another area of concern, so we have introduced new ranges and will continue to increase the capacity of this area if needs be.’

Mr Perchard founded Shoestring 30 years ago after realising the potential for exporting goods to Guernsey from Hong Kong while working there as a teacher.

He discovered clothing was the most suitable because there were no textile quotas for Guernsey at the time, unlike in the UK and the rest of Europe.

‘I am confident we can offer the same level of customer service that Gabriel’s was well known for,’ he said.

‘We tend to employ middle-aged staff who are very patient and who stay with us. That way customers are guaranteed to get people they know and who know the stock.

‘I have been doing a customer survey and our service is one of the things we are praised for time and time again.’

Mr Perchard said he could remember shopping at Gabriel’s 50 years ago.

‘The shop was very much a part of my life, as it was for so many people in the island,’ he said.

‘Brian Gabriel was a neighbour and is a friend of mine.

‘Being a fellow trader, I know how difficult it is of late and I was very sorry for him and his family that they had to close.’