Swindon’s only lighting shop is celebrating 20 years in business.
Lighting Bug on Swindon’s Westmead Industrial Estate marked the milestone in style, with cakes, balloons and 25 high-quality prizes to give away.
The business has been directed by Joanne Savill for the past seven years after she took over from her mum Brenda, who started the business in 2003.
Since then a lot has changed, but one thing remains the same – the promise of a friendly greeting and quality lighting to suit everyone’s budget.
“My family have been in lighting for many years and we’re the only lighting shop in Swindon,” said Brenda. "I’m the second generation and my daughter is the third. My brother also runs a lighting shop in Milton Keynes.
“When I think back to 20 years ago, I remember that we worked our socks off.
“It took us quite a long time to find somewhere that was suitable as we needed the parking space,” the founder explained.
“We have customers who come from all over the UK even though we’re not the closest, and they come here because they can park for free outside the shop and we will carry it to the car for them.
“A lot of our success has also been about customer service and accessibility. It is about having fittings and lights that will meet everyone’s budget.
"You can come here and find lights for hundreds of pounds, and lights for £9.99," she added.
Lighting Bug’s range of prices has not only been the key to its success, but also helped the company survive the cost-of-living crisis that is still hitting retailers hard.
“People are a lot more aware of what they’re spending, so we have to make sure we’re offering a real range for a range of budgets,” explained Joanne.
“We have gone over to LED so that we’re more efficient and it helps people save money,” she added.
Now Lighting Bug hopes to continue to grow its success and continue to boom as a family business.
“Jo has taken over the showroom and that is why it is now looking absolutely immaculate,” said Brenda in her celebration speech.
“I still do the accounts and pay the bills, whereas Jo focusses on the showroom and buying.
“Long may we continue to do work and business together, and serve the Swindon community.”
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