Andrea Pinder steps up by selling samples and teaching English to refugee sisters
Greeting cards often reach parts others can’t and indie retailer Andrea Pinder is proving it by selling card samples to raise money for Ukrainian refugees.
The owner of Presentation Cards & Gifts in Barrowford is also helping out by teaching English to two sisters from the war-torn country who are living locally with their family – and explaining how important cards are to Brits.
As a result of participating in the recent GCA Dragons Speed-Dating event, in common with all the other dragons, Andrea went home with a large bag of greeting cards, designs from all 72 publisher attendees. Having had a good look through them all, Andrea decided to put them to very good use, raising funds for Ukrainian refugees.
“I’m selling them for what I think they’re worth. I work on a 2.6 margin and more if I think I can get it. I’m keeping a running total as we use a separate button on the till so I’ll know what’s selling,” says Andrea.
She is also helping on a practical level too as a teacher to two young Ukrainians. “The girls are 23 and 18 and do speak some English but it’s quite basic, so it’s more about the understanding for them.
And, with the girls also learning about retail at the multi-award-winning store that’s become Andrea’s passion since she started it as a hobby back in 2000, she’s taking the opportunity to pass on the UK’s love for greeting cards since it’s a new tradition for many Ukrainians.
“I’ve explained how we in the UK show our feelings to loved ones and friends by the sending and giving of cards also the acknowledgment for different occasions – I hope they take it on board and pass the message on to friends and family,” says Andrea.
Top: Full of goodies – the Dragons’ sample bags and Andrea with her in-store display
