Calendar Club celebrates 15 years on Exeter high street

In 1998 Calendar Club opened its very first store in Exeter, one of 12 short term retail stores in the UK during that year. In 2012 they celebrate their 15th anniversary opening more than 300 stores in shopping centres across the UK and Ireland between September to January.

Exeter's Calendar Club store for this year is situated on the edge of the Guildhall high street entrance, in what was previously the Nickleby's menswear premises. The store stocks roughly 1,500 products that include calendars, diaries, annuals as well as an extended range including posters and animal giftware, making it the perfect one stop solution for Christmas gifts.

Exeter high street's recent retail boom has resulted in few vacant, centrally located retail units up for grabs in the run up to Christmas, but after years of opening a short term shop on their home patch, it would be inconceivable not to have a presence in the city. 'Exeter is buzzing following the John Lewis opening and an increase in footfall, so it is an exciting year to be a city centre retailer', commented Store Operator Helen Reaves, who is looking forward to a busy season.

In July 2011, Calendar Club, together with the Otter House Group of companies, moved into the 150,000 sq. ft. distribution centre, Exe Box, housing the main warehouse and offices on Matford Park Road. The majority of the 55 full-time staff members work from the Exeter HQ, with Property Director Bill Nettelfield, National Sales Manager Steve Jones and a further 9 Territory Managers, out on the road, ready to provide help with store builds, health and safety issues and the general day-to-day administration of the business throughout the season.

Every year the pressing question at Calendar Club is always 'what will be this year's bestselling calendar?'. Historical smash hits New Moon (2010) and One Direction (2012) have sold over 100,000 units in their biggest years, but local Devon lad Tom Daley has been selling well so far and in his current position at number 4 is making his way up the chart. The boys from 1D and the Twilight crew best watch their backs or they could lose out to the young Olympian.