Sales of extra-long, super-snuggly hot water bottles have helped a luxury kids products business approach annual sales of £1.5 million.
Twelve months ago Potwells launched what it believed to be the world’s longest, cuddliest hot water bottles for children.
The company’s founders said its success was overwhelming – selling out by lunchtime on its launch day.
Designed in Leicestershire and made in China, the hot water bottles had an equally enthusiastic response when they were back in stock a month later, with hundreds snapped up for Christmas presents, making them the firm’s best-selling product of 2018.
Potwells was launched in April 2015 by ex-Office Depot product manager Nicola Barnett and best friend, former primary school teacher, Julie Ann Mclean.
They sell their luxury children’s items on the Potwells website, through a partner operation KidCentral and through other retailers. A new space range is stocked by the National Space Centre in Leicester.
The water bottles, shaped like zebras, unicorns and dinosaurs, retail for £39.95, while storage boxes with animal designs start from £21.95.
More recently the business has started developing four new, extra cuddly characters, which it hopes to launch in time for Christmas 2020.
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Potwells is also exploring a move to more environmentally-friendly and organic products.
Julie Ann said: “We have listened to our most important customers, our seven children, and taken their feedback on board.
“We are expanding our product range to include softer, cuddly characters including a cat, dog, bear and penguin.
“The new characters are super soft and we think children – and big kids – will love to snuggle up to them.
“The new characters will be the perfect friends for our existing unicorn, zebra and dragon extra-long hot water bottles.”
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Last year Potwells teamed up with Canadian distribution business KidCentral in a deal which is expected to see Potwells’ annual turnover grow from £400,000 to £1.5 million.
Through KidCentral, Potwells products have been sent to America, Canada and directly to France, while it continues to support independent 海角视频 retailers, both on the high street and online.
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Since January its storage range has also been stocked by boutique mother and baby brand JoJo Mama Bebe.
In March, Potwells moved into new premises on the former Palitoy site in Coalville, in north west Leicestershire, where Action Man toys were once made.
The move has allowed it to expand its office and warehouse space to 75,000 sq ft and create a European hub for KidCentral, with Brexit uncertainty failing to dampen their ambitions.
Nicola said: “Having grown up in the area, it was incredibly exciting to breathe life back to the old Palitoy site.
“Knowing we are designing and distributing children’s products as they did is not only inspiring, but we believe it’s a good omen for our growing business.
“Obviously, we are concerned at the possibility of a ‘no deal’ and coming out of the EU, however we won’t let that stop us – we will continue to strive to grow a successful business, facing whatever challenges come our way.
“At the moment our pricing reflects current shipping and duty costs and if these changes then our prices will have to go up. But for now, it’s onwards and upwards for us.
“We’ve had an exciting year so far and we’re gearing ourselves up for a successful Christmas period.
“We’re busy talking to magazine gift guides and influencers, getting our marketing in place ready for the festive push.
“We held our Christmas photo shoot in July, playing Christmas songs on one of the hottest days of the years to get the crew in the mood – it was bonkers but great fun.”