One of the things we are trying to add another revenue stream is setting up an online store. We have a pretty extensive web site now but it is almost as much work as running a store. Every item has to be photographed properly and a description needs to be written that is brief, concise and appealing to a shopper. This week we decided to feature "flower" jewelry which got a big write up in Lucky magazine. My wife had ordered all of this stuff a while ago as she is on all of the trends so when something is hot we already have it in the store. For example summer scarves are really in this year and we found a great source for really inexpensive quality scarves. Girls come in all the time to shop our accessories and complain that we don't carry their size. Of course their size is between 2 and 10 and we start at size 10. They just love my wife's taste and sensibility. But one thing you can't do is try to be all things to all people. So they can only shop these accessories.
But they can get some nice rings.
4 comments:
Your accessories, while lovely, do not hold a candle to the personal care you give your customers.
Thanks Penny.
It has to be incredibly difficult to stock a boutique. You have to appeal to either everyone or select a clientele that you hope will be loyal. Stocking for everyone is too expensive....stocking for a niche market is chancy.
I just got back today from buying the Mother of the Bride gown. What a nightmare!
One wedding shop was all about the young bridesmaid type clothing. Halter tops and wild bright colors. Too young and inappropriate for me. Full of young shop clerks who really didn't have the time for me.
Another was matronly, heavy brocade, overly laced, pearled and fussy. Looked like they took Grandmas couch cover and made frumpy dresses that would make Raquel Welch look bad. I felt that the funeral home was right around the back corner of the shop.
Finally found a great boutique owned by a woman of about 75 who knew her business and helped me find a great dress. She knows her stuff and took the time for each person in her shop to make them all feel special.
I would go back to her shop because of the service and the care she has in her business. Unfortunately, she is going to retire and sell her business.
Long story short and to repeat Penny....personal care rules.
That's how it is in our shop. We had about twelve customers but had a very good day. Because everyone got personal service and found stuff they could use.
Oh and we are having a sale for the change of season. Anna Scholz in paticular is a good bargin. Check out the website and you might find some bargins.
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