Published: 30th Aug 2024
Considered a stalwart of the Billinge community, the Windy Arbour Farm Shop was founded in the summer of 1974 by the Turner family in answer to a particularly successful potato crop.
Initially providing just spuds and eggs (in their freshest form) from their farmhouse door, this mini venture was soon relocated to an adjacent building to accommodate rising demand. Its ever-changing history comprises a move into wholesale (and school) provision in the ‘80s, a rough patch in the 1990s when supermarkets flourished and, most recently, a growth spurt fuelled by a new focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Now celebrating its 50th year, this once micro business is currently a thriving retail outlet that has garnered the trust of local consumers for its commitment to freshness and quality. In fact, many of its offerings are picked up and displayed within two hours of being harvested. And, with a range of vegetables, meat from a county butcher, Lancashire cheeses, cakes, pasta, jams, essential cooking ingredients and even craft beers, it’s become a place where you can source a variety of just about everything.
Surviving and outlasting competition from other farmshops that have come and gone over the years, Windy Arbour is now a recognised (and much-loved) name in the Wigans and St Helens circles.
Why WBC ticked Windy Arbour’s bag-design box
Part of the business’ marketing strategy has included a range of merchandise from kiddies’ pin badges to sustainable branded fabric bags, all sporting the distinctive farm logo. So, to mark five decades of success, it seemed apt to create a special edition that would satisfy the fans.
Having sourced everything from display supplies to gift boxes from WBC over the past few years, partner/owner Geoff Rigby felt that continuing the partnership was an obvious choice.
“What I know with WBC is that all their bags are quality. You can search Amazon for similar stuff, but you can’t trust what’s going to arrive. I knew from my first experience that the service would be prompt, and the quotation and design stage seamless. Sure enough, they’re great”!
One of this award-winning shop’s non-negotiables is ensuring that all its offerings are superior, mirroring the brand’s ethos in both its service and its supplies.
“We’re great value for what we sell”, explains Geoff “but we don’t get involved in trying to be cheap or racing to the bottom with budget supermarkets. Yes, we wanted a selection of bags to mark our 50th anniversary but we still needed each option to be top-notch, with a premium item leading the range”.
To promote the occasion and specially created logo, the family were looking for a bag that would deliver against their values and sell as fast as previous editions. With that in mind, our talented WBC in-house designer, Noah, got started immediately, nailing the brief with his usual flair.
The bottom line
Now on display for all to see, the latest Windy Arbour Farm Shop bags are steadily making sales while enhancing the benefits of a really good shopping experience. Although it’s too early for an impact analysis, WBC has successfully supported the Windy Arbour marketing strategy. And they certainly look fantastic!
You can visit the Windy Arbour Farm Shop website here, or follow them on Instagram to stay up to date with their latest offerings!
How WBC can help enhance your brand
If you’re a retailer, then a beautifully branded bag is a must-have, encouraging your customers to do a little extra buying - and getting your name on the streets wherever they go. The good news is that, at WBC, you can choose to have them personalised or go the extra mile and get a bespoke design made just for you.
We also supply elite, sustainable food display, packaging and gifting products as well as a modular display system called BRIX, which can be conveniently configured any way you want it.
Aside from that, our business recently won the 2024 Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award – a sure sign that you’re guaranteed to get dedicated support and one-on-one advice from every member of our team.
For more information, get in touch with us today or make an appointment to visit our showroom for a hands-on tour.