Wednesday, December 28, 2011

things people like

I'm back in Massachusetts after our lovely long weekend in the Catskills and a couple of days in Manhattan. Thinking about the store... and what people like.

A nice story: A couple of weeks ago a woman put down a deposit on this cottage dresser--she was buying it as a surprise for her daughter. Saturday she came in the store with said daughter (who looks to be in her late teens/early twenties) and the daughter went straight to the dresser. She loved it! And she had no idea that her mother bought it for her. When she found out, she was very excited. Which made me and her mother very happy.

Little things: When cleaning out the storage room I came upon a bunch of these tiny figures, many of them on ice skates. I cut out some cardboard, glued sparkly paper on top and arranged little scenes. I guess people liked them, because several sold right away.

This sign has gotten plenty of laughs and comments. It's not for everyone, but somebody will fall in love with it and take it home.

Postcards, magnets, vintage banners, birds. Does it look appealing or junky? I sell a lot of them, so I guess people like them. I spent all day yesterday, walking through Manhattan, looking at stores. I found four that were very inspiring and gave me much to think about. I'll be writing about them here, but not today. Today I have post-holiday, home from a trip, fatigue. So I'm drinking tea, and doing this and that. I'll tell you this: I'm glad I didn't close the store. And you know what else? In December I sold 48 of those kooky potholders. Someone I know bought 10 for his friends and he told me that one woman liked hers so much she was going to take it to bed with her.

13 comments:

  1. Hi Jen, just read your comment at Small But Charming about losing your dog last Feb. Thinking of getting another? or is it too soon? We lost Daisy in May and I've been feeling ready, but can't look for one until after knee surgery. I guess I'll always have a dog. But they need to be smaller now!

    I love the little figures you arranged on the cardboard!

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  2. I would have fought both the mother and daughter for that dresser and then your story wouldn't have been so sweet:)

    I have a faux bois cottage dresser, have had it through 2 marriages and 1 long term relationship.

    My longest relationship: my dresser.

    Your taste is totally up my alley. I'm so glad you kept the store. What pleasure you're bringing to people.

    xo jane

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  3. Love your mom and daughter story! I just got back from NYC too! Barely scratched the surface, but what a mind blow. I closed my shop in Albuquerque this fall, and it was the right thing for me to do. I loved it, but the last two years were very hard. I've enjoyed traveling all through December to visit family. I hope your New Year is wonderful!

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  4. Sounds like you had a pretty busy holiday. That's an adorable dresser!

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  5. just goes to show ya...we humans are pretty darn kooky.
    I like that dresser too...lucky gal

    - KAT -

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  6. Like your store and would love to pay a visit! Too far away though! However, I am grateful that I could have a look through your camera's lens and I am certainly looking forward to more! Like those kooky potholders!

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  7. Your stories make me happy, Jen. I feel your enthusiasm not only for your store but for your life style, and it's stimulating.
    Thank you for this lovely post.

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  8. Hello Jen
    Thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. You are so welcome.

    I am your new follower and delighted to find you.

    That is a great story about the mother buying the perfect gift for her daughter

    Helen xx

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  9. What a great, happy post! That dresser story is delightful. I think (knock on wood) that next year is going to be even better for the shop as you put your growing inspirations and knowledge into effect!

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  10. There's this place, can't call it a store because it is never open if that is indeed what it is, on our wanna be main street by the one traffic light in town. Anyway, stopped at the red light today, I looked in the window and off to the side saw a dresser much like this one only without the folk art or stenciling. In this town, this could be their own private storage or I don't know, who knows what the heck it is. You would simply have to see this town to understand. Regardless, I'm going to have to find out what the heck it is so I can see about that dresser.

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  11. Hi....nice to meet you and thank you for visiting! Your store looks great and I think the sign is fun!!

    Happy New Year!

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  12. Love your shop! and your blog too. Hugs and Happy New Year! P.S> please stop by Katherines Corner and add your lovely blog to my blog list page :-)

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  13. Hello Jen, sorry I haven't been in a while, computer problems! I hope you had a lovely Christmas, and I wish you a happy, healthy and productive New Year. I am glad you decided to keep the store. I don't know if you might drive yourself mad trying to think what people will like, I think you should just buy what you like, and create your own style and then people will want to buy into that.Much love to you, and much success in your business. I am looking forward to seeing what inspired you in Manhattan. Love Linda x

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