About us

The Village Emporium: the story so far

Emporium Essex Limited is an independent publisher of community magazines, with business to consumer advertising. Started by Little Braxted-based Janet Gilbert, over 12 years ago, the business was taken over by Sarah Case and Julie Green in 2020, following Janet’s very sad, untimely death.

Both Sarah and Julie had worked with Janet on the magazine for several years, so the takeover ensured continuity, not only for the 27,000+ readers who enjoy receiving the magazine six times a year, but also for the many advertisers who have booked with the magazine since its inception.

Advertisers with The Village Emporium trust the magazines to reach people in rural areas – many of who do not use social media on a regular basis.

Meet the team

Sarah Case

Originally from Edinburgh, Sarah moved to Essex in 1993 where she continued to work in hotel management and then brand marketing. Following time out to have her children she met Janet Gilbert and started to work on The Village Emporium team. Sarah loves talking to new advertisers and is very proud of the magazines that really do have a local focus. Sarah says one of the best parts of the job is the working lunches she and Julie have, at as many of the magazine’s hospitality advertisers as their waistlines will allow!

sarah@emporiumessex.co.uk

Julie Green

A ‘portfolio’ career that has included graphic design, copywriting and photographic direction, has stood Julie in good stead for putting together the magazines. ‘People tell us they look forward to receiving our magazine as they are attractively put together and, unlike other publications, not completely crammed with ads. We always make sure we include some interesting articles, recipes and features on local people and events. Our competitions are extremely popular – we love it when the entries start flooding in!’ As an aspiring artist herself, Julie is always keen to include local creative people and their work in the magazines.

julie@emporiumessex.co.uk

What our advertisers say

Very impressed with the service and the response that I get from my advert in the Emporium. It has linked me up with a good network of customers.

Chapman’s Carpentry & Joinery

I have been advertising in two issues of the Village Emporium for several years now. The team has always been very helpful and professional when I’ve required help or advice. I have always received a fantastic response to my advert making it one of the most cost effective investments I make as a small business. Many of the clients I have gained through The Village Emporium have become long term customers, who have provided repeated business over the years.

Simon Street Electrician

We have had several phone calls for work from the ad! So all is good.

Clean Heat Boiler Services

Cannot recommend Village Emporium highly enough, have been advertising regularly for 7 years, and support and service is excellent!

Martin Engleman Wills

I have advertised in The Village Emporium for many years, because it works. Sarah and Julie are very supportive and have produced some great artwork and editorial features on Rubino Kitchen.

Rob Horton,
Owner, Rubino Kitchen

I have been advertising in the village emporium for a good few years, and it’s proven that it works! Flexible and well laid out advertising ,which hits the areas I am targeting.

Simon Houlding Upholstery

I started advertising again in The Village Emporium at the start of 2022 and have had some good responses.

Paul's Interiors