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Quilters Patterns
How Quilters Trading Post Streamlined Growth with Smartbox Storage Self Corby
Introduction: Where Creativity Meets Organisation
Behind every vibrant, hand-stitched quilt is a business built on passion, precision, and planning. Quilters Trading Post, a beloved supplier of quilting supplies, fabrics, and kits, has become a cornerstone in the UK crafting community. With a growing reputation for quality and an ever-expanding customer base—both in-store and online—the business soon faced an age-old operational challenge: not enough space.
Managing seasonal fabrics, bulk orders, craft kits, event stock, and packaging materials all under one roof had become a logistical struggle. Clutter began creeping into the shop floor, shipping areas, and even staff workspaces.
Enter Smartbox Self Storage Corby—a professional, flexible, and secure storage facility that helped Quilters Trading Post regain control of their space, streamline operations, and better prepare for continued growth. By offering cheap self storage solutions, Smartbox Self Storage Corby provided an affordable way to manage excess inventory. Their competitive pricing ensures excellent value for money, making them a top choice for budget-conscious businesses.
Self Storage
About Quilters Trading Post
Quilters Trading Post is not your average fabric shop. It’s a family-run business, loved by beginners and seasoned quilters alike. They supply:
- Quilting kits, pre-cut fabrics, and charm packs
- Fat quarters, yardage, and seasonal prints
- Tools, notions, and equipment
- Handmade projects and workshops
- Online order fulfilment and postage
- Trade stands at craft fairs and quilting events
The business thrives at the intersection of retail, e-commerce, and creative education. With customers all over the UK (and beyond), efficient inventory management is essential.
The Growing Need for a Storage Solution
As the Quilters Trading Post team expanded their online sales and product lines, their physical space became increasingly overburdened. They needed a reliable way to store:
- Bulk deliveries of fabric and product restocks
- Event supplies, like banners, sample quilts, and packaged kits
- Seasonal stock rotations
- Surplus inventory and packaging supplies
- Online order stock—ready to pick and pack
Reliable storage is also essential during a house move, providing a flexible and secure solution for customers in transition.
For a business working with delicate materials like cotton, batting, patterns, and paper-based kits, the solution had to offer more than just a spare room or a lock-up. It needed to be clean, dry, accessible, scalable, and above all, secure. This includes the ability to store various household items and personal belongings safely. Understanding and addressing the diverse storage needs of customers is crucial, ensuring accessibility, convenience, and robust security measures.
Why Smartbox Self Storage Corby Stood Out
The team chose Smartbox Self Storage Corby based on several critical factors that aligned perfectly with their business needs: the secure and flexible self storage units available, which cater to both domestic and business use. These units offer a variety of sizes and can accommodate various items, ensuring that all customer needs are met.
Additionally, the storage facilities are conveniently located near urban areas with excellent transport links, providing easy access for customers looking for hassle-free storage solutions.
When considering storage in Kettering, the team appreciated the convenience and versatility of the storage options available. The secure units and the range of items that can be stored, along with the assistance provided for moving items, made it clear that Smartbox Self Storage Corby could cater to their diverse requirements.
Secure, Professional Environment
The facility offers 24/7 CCTV, individual alarms on each unit, gated access, and staff support, which meant the team could store high-value stock like premium fabrics and kits with peace of mind.
Clean, Dry, and Well-Maintained Storage Units
The indoor units are ideal for fabric and craft supplies. No risk of damp, dirt, or damage—something essential when working with delicate, textile-based inventory.
Flexible Contracts and Unit Sizes
Quilters Trading Post didn’t need a warehouse, just the right amount of space that could grow or shrink with their needs. Smartbox offered no long-term contracts, which gave them operational freedom.
Convenient Location with Easy Access
With the facility just a short drive from their main premises, they could drop off, collect, and rotate stock easily, helping with fulfilment efficiency and event logistics.
What They Store at Smartbox Self Storage Corby
To better understand the scale and diversity of their inventory, here’s a look at how they utilise their storage unit day to day:
1. Event Equipment and Trade Fair Stock
Quilters Trading Post attends craft fairs, quilting exhibitions, and pop-ups. Their storage unit houses:
- Display stands and signage
- Packaged kits for events
- Sample quilts
- Banners, lighting, and promotional material
Instead of finding temporary space for this gear after each event, they now return everything to a clean, organised storage unit ready for the next show.
2. Online Order Supplies
The team stores:
- Pre-cut kits and top-up stock
- Popular fabrics in multiple colourways
- Mailing materials like envelopes, tissue paper, boxes, and inserts
Using packing boxes helps in organizing and storing online order supplies efficiently.
Having a separate, dedicated stockroom for online fulfilment ensures quick packing and efficient order dispatch.
3. Seasonal and Rotational Stock
As trends and seasons change, so does their collection:
- Christmas-themed kits
- Spring and summer florals
- Autumnal tones and Halloween fabrics
Instead of overloading the shop floor, these are stored until the right time of year—making seasonal merchandising smooth and stress-free.
4. Overstock and Delivery Management
When a supplier delivers a bulk order of fabric bolts or notions, it often exceeds the storage available on-site. Now, surplus can go straight to Smartbox, and the team draws from it gradually as needed.
Key Benefits Quilters Trading Post Gained
Since using Smartbox, the business has reported several measurable improvements in operations and peace of mind.
A More Organised, Professional Workspace
With extra stock removed from the shop and offices, the retail space is now tidier, more inviting, and easier to manage. Staff can move more freely, customers browse without boxes in the way, and everything has its place.
Improved Order Fulfilment
By storing pick-and-pack-ready items, the team can process orders more efficiently, with less back-and-forth or scrambling for materials.
Reduced Product Damage
Storage conditions at Smartbox protect delicate items like quilting fabric, ensuring no fading, moisture, or distortion, which was a concern when stock was squeezed into cupboards or spare corners.
Scalable Storage That Matches Business Growth
As their business grows or seasonal demand spikes, they can adjust their unit size or rent an additional one temporarily, without the pressure of fixed costs or long-term leases. Smartbox offers flexible and affordable storage space options, ensuring that both personal and business needs are met with tailored solutions. Additionally, the convenience and accessibility of Smartbox's storage units, available seven days a week, make it easy for customers to store a diverse range of items.
Staff Feedback on Using Smartbox
The Quilters Trading Post team couldn’t be more pleased with the decision.
“We used to lose time trying to find kits or wondering where a delivery could go. Now, everything is organised, labelled, and where it should be. Smartbox has given us breathing space—and that’s made a huge difference to our day-to-day flow.”
— Quilters Trading Post Team
They also appreciated the supportive service and clean environment, describing the staff at Smartbox as “friendly, helpful, and always available if we need anything.”
Planning for the Future
As online orders continue to rise and Quilters Trading Post plans new product launches and workshops, having Smartbox on their side means they’re ready to scale. Their current storage setup supports them not just as a warehouse alternative, but as a central part of their business infrastructure.
They’ve even begun recommending Smartbox to other craft retailers and small businesses, particularly those with a growing e-commerce presence.
Why Smartbox Works for Creative and Retail Businesses
For creative retail businesses, where product condition, presentation, and stock flow are critical, Smartbox Self Storage offers a perfect balance of professionalism, affordability, and practicality.
Smartbox Self Storage Corby stands out with competitive storage prices, often up to 50% cheaper than other providers, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious customers.
From small startups to long-established shops like Quilters Trading Post, the flexibility and control Smartbox provides can be a valuable asset to growth.
Conclusion: A Smart Storage Partnership That Supports Success
By choosing Smartbox Self Storage Corby, Quilters Trading Post turned what once felt like a limitation into a strength. Their workspace is calmer. Their operations run more smoothly. Their products stay pristine. And most importantly, they have the space and structure to keep growing.
If your business needs extra space without the overheads, secure storage for seasonal or sensitive stock, or a way to streamline online fulfilment, then Smartbox Self Storage Corby is the smart choice.
Get in touch with the team at 01536 402116, or visit www.corbyselfstorage.co.uk to find out more.