As we were about to embark on our holiday to the east coast, we decided to take a detour and visit Canny Clever in Whitley Bay (www.cannyclever.co.uk). Ken, the proprietor, had kindly invited us, and we couldn't resist the opportunity to see his store first-hand.
Ken generously booked us a sea-front hotel in Whitley Bay that welcomed Bond, our nine-month-old Black Labrador. Upon arrival at Canny Clever, we were warmly greeted by Ken and his senior Black Labrador, Prince. The front door was permanently open, offering a welcoming atmosphere, and even featured a bucket of water for passing dogs
Inside, we were invited to relax in the reception area, where tea and coffee were available. This space serves as an ideal spot for customers to discuss their needs for new PC builds or simply wait while their devices are serviced. The ambiance was comfortable and inviting, encouraging open dialogue.
We toured the store and were impressed by how neatly everything was arranged. Ken has truly mastered his branding, with the Canny Clever logo prominently displayed on everything inside and outside the store—even the bollards featured his branding. The exterior showcased two large, clutter-free windows: one dedicated to the new Logix Gaming brand, and the other featuring Prevo and Strong products. Ken mentioned that these displays are updated regularly to reflect different seasons and festivities.
Recently, Ken had redecorated and renovated the main shop floor, enhancing an already impressive space. He shared that most of the items used in the refurbishment were sourced from big-brand stores closing down. This savvy approach allowed him to outfit his entire store at a fraction of the cost, and everything looked as if it were brand new.
The interior was well-organized, with distinct sections for different brands and product types. The store had the polished feel of a chain retailer rather than the average computer shop, a testament to Ken's attention to detail.
We sat down with Ken to discuss the challenges he's facing and his ambitious plans for the future. It's hard to imagine where he'll find the time for all these initiatives, but if anyone can pull it off, it's Ken. His passion and dedication were evident throughout our conversation.
At the end of the day, we headed back to the hotel, and Ken generously treated us to a meal. We continued our discussions about what the future holds, both for Canny Clever and the broader tech community.
The next morning, Bond had the chance to visit his first beach—a delightful experience that capped off a memorable trip. Our visit to Canny Clever was not just a detour but a highlight of our journey, leaving us inspired and looking forward to what's next.
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