Business Hour
The Shackleton family tells of ambitious plans for its well-known Ribble Valley company. Photography: Kirsten Platt
It’s 24 years since brothers Paul and David Shackleton bought their garden centre site at Chatburn. Then, it was a greenhouse and a shed on two acres and it employed just four workers. Jump forward almost a quarter of a century and Shackleton’s is a destination home and garden retail experience on a four-acre site. It now employs around 40 and the brothers have ambitious plans for its expansion: “It’s about never resting on our laurels,” David states. “We are always striving for that ever-elusive perfection.”
Paul references their simple hard work as another secret of their success: “Some people expect to see me in a suit and tie,” he says. “But David and I do a lot more than just go to meetings. I was unloading an artic’ at seven this morning. We don’t believe in asking anyone to do anything we wouldn’t do ourselves.”
The brothers clearly love the challenge and variety of the job: “It’s not all about the selling,” Paul explains. “We like meeting the drivers and going into the warehouse. We like learning about the products and being part of the day to day running of the place. David and his gifted team have transformed the interior section into what it is now, making it an all-year-round department store.”
The brothers believe that their independent status is another factor in Shackleton’s success. David explains it clearly: “We’re able to listen to what our customers want and adapt our ever-expanding and evolving product range to suit their needs, unlike the multiples who have to cater for a broader spectrum of the British public.”
Shackleton’s Home and Garden stocks high-end brands such as Tetrad, Alexander & James, Baker, Kettle, Vincent Sheppard and Carlton, to name just a few. Paul and David pride themselves on their quality products at competitive prices. They also strive for outstanding customer service right through selection, purchase, delivery and after care.
“Our customers are more than just customers, we regard them as our friends,” David explains. “So, we try to provide a great shopping experience where there is no pressure to buy. People can browse for inspiration then maybe grab some lunch and have a catch up with friends.”
The brothers speak of their co-workers with admiration: “Our in-house team is great. They’re constantly changing the room settings to show the merchandise off and they’re knowledgeable about all the products we sell. Some team-members have worked here for years – they’ve met their life partners here.” Paul is complimentary about the company’s in-house web development, run by long-term team members, Tom and Nick.
“During lockdown, customers wanted to keep on gardening, so we had to adapt quickly. One way was through the rapid growth of the on-line facility. Being a family business was an advantage then. We could form two family ‘bubbles,’ so if one ‘bubble’ went down, the other could keep Shackleton’s running. We were also able to receive goods into our warehouses when other companies couldn’t.”
Paul’s wife, Mel and David’s partner, Julie are both in managerial roles at Shackleton’s Home and Garden, and their sister, Kirsti has worked alongside her brothers since the very beginning and is now in the role of general manager. Sons, Ben and Alastair are also a key part of the team. “We never stand still,” Paul smiles. “And now we’re building for the next century.”
He is referring to the brothers’ recently-approved plans to extend the store by nearly 2,500 square metres on two additional acres. The new buildings, designed by Clitheroe architects Stanton Andrews, will be clad in natural stone and follow the contours of the hillside – Paul is enthusiastic: “We’ll have a bigger café and a new play area, and we’ll be able to carry more ranges. We’ll also have enough warehousing to run a ‘click and collect’ facility and of course, we’ll be creating employment.”
Shackletons Garden Centre
Clitheroe Road
Chatburn BB7 4JY
shackletonsonline.co.uk
