Archive for December, 2008
Furniture in the Shop?
Monday, December 29th, 2008Given the number of people buying flat screen TVs these days, I’ve been giving some thought to carrying tv stands in my shop. It seems like a lot of people are coming in with concerns about the digital switch, and in addition to new flatscreen TVs, they’re also buying new TV stands since they no longer need enormously strong furniture to hold their TVs.
What do you think? Is it wise for a gift shop to get into small furniture pieces?
Christmas Gifts
Monday, December 29th, 2008I’ve spent so much time helping people find Christmas gifts over the last two months that it was almost a surprise when the time for me to receive gifts actually rolled around. All in all, I’m very pleased with the results of the holidays, including the gifts that were purchased for me. I got several great books, a George Foreman Grill for healthy grilling, and a new coat. It’s not a ton like some people I know, but everything was very special and from the heart.
What did you get for Christmas?
Best Books From the Holidays
Monday, December 29th, 2008As I’m tallying up the results from the holidays, I’ve noticed that a few books did particularly well in my shop. A couple of them were very surprising.
First off, “Will Cook for Sex” was a surprise hit. It talks about how men can create meals to woo their lady friends. I also did very well with the I Can Has Cheezburger book (no surprise there). Finally, I had a display of several sappy Christmas titles and those outsold pretty much everything else.
What did well in your shop this holiday season?
Holiday Headaches
Sunday, December 14th, 2008I feel like I’ve had a non-stop headache for the last three weeks now. Ever since we got close to Thanksgiving, it’s been completely insane. To make up for missing my gym appointments to spend time at the store, I’ve been using diet pills to keep things under control. I’m not sure that they’re working - it’s too soon to tell - but I certainly hope they are. Keeping fresh cookies in the shop for customers has had a majorly negative effect on my diet!
More Ideas for Your Store
Sunday, December 14th, 2008I’ve gotten a couple e-mails asking for more unorthodox items for gift stores. Apparently, one woman picked up some exercise equipment and started selling it in her shop and her customers went nuts. They said they were thrilled that they no longer had to go into huge, manly sporting goods stores. I’m really glad to hear it.
Some more ideas: pet supplements, jewelry, small furniture, karaoke equipment, or high-end beauty products. What do you think? Any other ideas?
How Do You Handle the Holiday Rush?
Friday, December 5th, 2008Things are crazy here at the shop, and I’m actually amazed that I’ve managed to get out for a couple of hours today. The holiday rush is on, and it definitely doesn’t feel like a recession here. Sometimes, I feel bad because I see people putting things back on the shelf and leaving because the line is so long - that’s never something I like to see.
So how do you deal with it? Do you get stressed out, or do you keep yourself sane by visualizing the light at the end - a peaceful holiday with your family, Vegas vacations, or maybe a nice year-end bonus?