WISE Owl Toys, the educational toy shop in Charles Street, Worcester, is flying high after receiving a perfect 100 per cent score following a visit by an independent secret shopper sent by STABILO, one of Europe’s leading pen manufacturers. STABILO manufactures a range of writing instruments especially developed for children with products for both left and right handers and Wise Owl has a specialist left-handed section called LeftnWrite.

Mark Stewart, who runs the shop with his wife Heather, explained: "We specialise in helping all children with their handwriting, particularly left-handers. We really like the STABILO range of pencils and pens as they have both right and left-handed versions which encourage the correct grip, and a good grip is the basis for good handwriting. We were delighted to receive 100 per cent and such great comments when the secret shopper called. We take pride in our customer service but it is really rewarding to have it noticed and recognised by an independent organisation and one of our major suppliers.”

Chris Reynolds from STABILO said: “It is important to us our retail partners have knowledge of the issues and are able and willing to advise and help parents, that is why we have another company visit stores secretly so that we can pinpoint areas where we can further support our retailers. We were knocked out by the comments of the secret shopper when they came back from Wise Owl Toys, which scored perfect scores in all areas."

The secret shopper reported: "Everything about the shop was excellent, extremely clean and tidy, very well presented without being massively high tech and off putting. A really nice traditional shop with innovative products and outstanding expertise from the owner/salesman. I didn’t feel there was any improvement needed. I almost wish I had a child with writing difficulties so that I could go back to the shop as it was such a nice experience with a real personal touch which is often lost with large stores."