Local shop sets up virtual tours to combat lockdown restrictions

Lockdown restrictions have made it almost impossible to visit local businesses – but one shop has found a way for you to view their goods without leaving your sofa.

BullJam Gallery on Queen's Road is offering virtual tours of the gallery and shop, where customers can text the store to receive a Facetime and view what they have in stock.

Through their virtual Facetime tours, BullJam Gallery will take their customers through the various products on offer, from hoodies and Dryrobes, to original artwork and prints.

If customers want to purchase an item, they can do so by sending the money through PayPal or a bank transfer. BullJam will then deliver the items for free locally or post products within the UK.

"I've been thinking about doing a virtual 'face to face' or should I say, 'screen to screen' shopping experience for a while now," said Dave Marchant, artist and owner of BullJam Gallery.

"People have been texting me for goods and sending texts and pictures back and forth can be time consuming and impersonal, so I thought why not Facetime someone – my wife – to see if this idea would work.

"The experience was a lot more personal and she was able to see the products with colour and sizes and alternative items much easier. From the artwork perspective, I was able to explain the concepts behind the paintings and the onlooker had a much better view of the product."

Mr Marchant told Nub News that throughout the different lockdowns, business has been unpredictable and that he has had to think outside the box to make a living.

He hopes that virtual shopping will provide a fun and quirky experience for people during difficult times, as well as being able to engage with customers by providing a personal shopping experience.

"Being able to reach a wider audience by offering alternative means of shopping will hopefully help us to survive," Mr Marchant continued.

"Some people who are unable to go out in general might find this experience a refreshing way to shop. It will be a fun quirky shopping experience with interacting personalities.

"We would like people to realise the quality and thought process behind the products before purchasing, as most products in BullJam are unique to us.

"People will be able to put a face to BullJam Gallery's name, showing that it's a small, independent, family business with a core love for our own unique products."

Mr Marchant said that having to close at Christmas when the current lockdown came into place came as a shock to the business.

"We need that week to take us through the following months. As an artist, people need to view original paintings physically, so I have, on request, been changing my shop window for people to view the work and products," he said.

"The community spirit and support of Mumbles and the surrounding area is outstanding. My customers are the nicest people you can imagine. They are very thoughtful and always try to support me in any way."

After Mr Marchant uploaded a video to Facebook advertising the virtual tours, he said it garnered over 1,900 views overnight after community members shared it across the platform.

"I am very thankful for my customers and that Mumbles and the surrounding area has such a supportive community. If it wasn't for these people, then I wouldn't still be here," he said.

BullJam has been selling their own clothing brand by mail order, as well as Dryrobes, which can be used after swimming.

To book a virtual tour of the shop, text 07811 265738, or click here to visit BullJam Gallery's website.