They seem to be primarily balloon focussed. Not sure whether this isn't a niche too far for SGR, but I suppose if we can manage 2 wig shops, 3 pizzerias and close to a dozen kebab/chip shops, who knows what we can manage.
<http://www.topballoon.co.uk/Testimonials.html>
I've never seen such a positive set of balloon related testimonials.
Had I balloon needs, Top Balloon would be my first and only stop.
Regrettably, I have nearly no Balloon needs at all. Ever.
@Andy. They have obviously chosen their name wisely. They could have gone "average balloon" then felt like right chumps when the plaudits rushed in.
I'm going to go in and replay that bit from the Wedding Crashers and ask if they can do a bicycle then start stomping my foot if they refuse.
@andy I can't believe you have no need for a balloon sculpture. Especially the third one from the end.
[Sometimes I wish I wasn't so puerile and should probably grow up](http://www.topballoon.co.uk/Sculptures.html)
Just saw the shop. Now believe me I will spend a large proportion of my income in there as I have a baby daughter. I might ask if they do a loyalty card scheme. I think it is a nice thing to have on the street, and am definitely pro.
However, the biggest sign in their window is for "Seat Cover Rental". Is this a big market? Presumably it is insurance against messy kids...
The market for seat cover rental is up to four times larger than the market for emine's slightly phallic balloon sculptures. If they also do teapot repair, they'll have an unstoppable triple threat of a business model .
I think the predictability of income from the seat cover rental market can be used to smooth out the volatile ups and downs that you find in the balloon sculpture market. Fortunes are made and lost in a day in balloons. That's why it's so cutthroat.
The seat covers will be the cream canvas ones that cover plain chairs at weddings etc. They usually have a big bow on the back in the chosen 'theme' colour. I would draw the line at those (and I love a bit of tat), it's a bit Gypsy Wedding.
I'm a bit scared of balloons - or balloons popping. It's the tension, you know it's going to happen but <i>you don't know when</i>. An extra layer of menace comes to Stroud Green Road.
I walked to a friend's house in Stoke Newington yesterday and as I reached the end of Lordship Park at the point at which it becomes Manor Road I saw [Balloon Lagoon](http://www.balloonlagoonoflondon.co.uk/). Turns out it's a fierce and thriving market.
Is this place still going? I have a kids party for my nephews next week and balloons might beva good thing to take if the are a but creative (or not the Clinton Cards ones!) Chang
Comments
They seem to be primarily balloon focussed. Not sure whether this isn't a niche too far for SGR, but I suppose if we can manage 2 wig shops, 3 pizzerias and close to a dozen kebab/chip shops, who knows what we can manage.
I'm a bit scared of balloons - or balloons popping. It's the tension, you know it's going to happen but <i>you don't know when</i>. An extra layer of menace comes to Stroud Green Road.