I popped into one of our clients the other day - Tea and Cake on Wellfield Road and I was again impressed by the business sense of owners Phil and Lucie Smith.
They have a thriving coffee shop, traditional sweet shop and unusual gifts which is a fairly unique combination that works really well.
They re-branded last year from Oblong which just used to sell gifts as they recognised the need to diversify their offering in a slowing market. Thgey were proactive not reactive and were able to adjust on their terms rather than feeling the retail squeeze that many independent retailers have experienced in the last 18 months.
They have proved that they could maintain their gift business but increase footfall of regular customers who come in for tea or coffee and cake. They make some of the more unusual cakes such as gluten free themselves and with a small outside space in the Summer it has become a popular venue - especially on a Sunday.
If you have not visited Tea and Cake you should give it a try when you are next in Wellfield Road in Roath where you are guaranteed a warm and personal welcome.