Handing Over

By the time you're reading this, Kim Dixon, with her children, Mia (11) and Max (9), will have taken over the Boat of Garten Shop & Post Office.  Having owned the shop for 23 years, Beth & David Woolsey are now having a well earnt rest before thinking about their next adventures.

So let's get to know our new Post Mistress and Shop Keeper a bit better. We asked Kim what her plans are for the future.

Kim, tell us a bit about yourself -

I moved to Aviemore from New Zealand in 2009, and then to Boat of Garten in 2013.  I managed Aviemore Practice for 11 years, before working for Parkland Care Homes as HR Manager.  While waiting for the shop sale to go through, I decided it would be handy to learn how to make barista style coffees, so have been working at Nethy House Cafe.

What made you want to buy the post office?

I've built up a lot of business experience over the years, and decided I'd like to use that knowledge to be my own boss.  I really enjoy being involved in the Boat of Garten community, and saw the shop as a great opportunity to own a well established business, that is at the heart of our community.

Are you planning any changes?

Yes, the first thing I will be doing is getting rid of the sausage rolls.  Only kidding, can you imagine the outrage?!  I'd be run out of the village!

Customers will hopefully notice very little change to the fantastic range of products David & Beth have built up.  Where else can you buy 5 different types of sauerkraut!  

The main thing people will notice is a new till scanning system, which will make ordering stock a bit easier.  Unfortunately, I don't have David's 23 years of experience to be able to know what needs ordering at a mere glance around the shelves.

What about the fantastic range of products available?

I love the quality and variety in the shop. Everytime I go in I see something new. If anything, I just want to promote what we have.  How often have we heard customers say they've looked all over the valley for something, and they can't believe they found it in our shop.

I would also like to explore things like using the products we already have, to offer local holiday let owners starter packs and meal hampers for their guests.  It's always good to find ways to support other local businesses, and to help make visits memorable for the people who choose to stay in our area. 

What is your team going to look like?

I'm delighted that all of the existing staff, Julie, Callum, Julia and Carol will be staying on. Lorna has decided to semi retire but we can look forward to seeing her back to cover holidays.  We will also be joined by Andy, and Shona, who are looking forward to serving our fantastic community.

Final words?

I'd just like to say thank you to David and Beth, who couldn't have been more supportive and accommodating during the business transfer.  I hope I can continue to follow in their footsteps.