This has been a year filled with many ups and downs for me and my business. In the beginning of 2013 I was celebrating major growth and was laying out plans to purchase my location in 2014. Then 2013 ended with closing my store location and transferring to an online business. Things seemed to start out really good and people were starting to become regular shoppers. I was laying out changes and making improvements at a rapid speed. During the middle of the year we had some growth in the valley and 2 new stores opened and one was on the horizon to be completed by the end of 2013. I guess you have to change with the flow if you are a survivor and since they had some influence on my growth and sales, I decided to close. It has been very emotional especially the last 3 months while I have been closing down and saying goodbye. It's very challenging, as you watch everything you have worked for going out the door for half price and not sure exactly which direction you are heading to, I have never felt so lost. We joked that we should have held a regular 50% off sale just raise the prices and reduce to half price because people do not always think about what they buy. They see a bargain and just buy, I saw many people who never shopped in my store before. I realize that is only a gimmick and only lasts for a short period before you would be discovered as a regular 50% off sale, plus I am not that type of business person. My best personal traits are compassion, honesty, and customer service and that is a big draw for my business. My online store has not taken off as I planned mostly because I have not gotten organized yet. I thought I knew how much stuff I had in that building but I quickly realized I had much more than I realized and moving locations can be crazy. I am still closing out some loose ends from closing a larger location but I am looking forward to things slowing down after the holidays and spending the much needed time to lay out my business for 2014. I am sure it will be great and give me more flexibly at home. Something I am looking forward to, is getting out and seeing those friendly faces I have missed in the coming months. I have really changed how I am thinking and what kind of products I plan to carry since it is not practical to deliver a 25 cent item. This has been a challenge for me and I know that I'm going to make some mistakes as I try to adjust. I look forward to setting up several categories on my online fronts so that I can set up times to do pick ups and drop offs as well as look for other new items to carry. I want to thank everyone who has helped support my business in 2013 and look forward to serving you again in 2014. Wishing you all a safe and blessed New Year!
"Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius and power and magic in it."
~Goethe~
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Changing Directions
I know my latest news has shocked many people. The personal messages and people that have stopped by to say goodbye have been overwhelming. It is great to know you have been so well excepted and loved. Please know I feel the same way in return and will miss you all too. At every place I have worked and moved on, my customers are the ones I miss the most. It is awesome to see them out and about and catch up. I look forward to seeing everyone in the future.
In my last blog I expressed that I was not giving up on my dream only makes many changes. I am proud to say the transition has already started and is falling into place nicely. My new contact information is updated and I will be able to take my website with me. Only changes are phone number and address which I have set up but are not live until November 10th.
I have already updated my Ebay Store and my store on Facebook and I will post items on Craigslist. After I am done building these sites, I plan to build my Esty site and Pintrest pages as well.
For those that are regular shoppers at my store, I plan to operate my Facebook site as a yard sale site by posting photos of items for sale much like I carried at the store. If you post under the photo that you are interested and send me a personal message to set up a meet location and time. Items will be first contact first serve. I will gather items from week to week and give you a total. Sorry no layaway or payment plans. Cash and carry only or I can accept card cards via Pay Pal on site or send and invoice with receipt. Larger items may have to be a pick up appointment only at my home. My current meet times and locations are: Tuesdays 9:15am to 9:30am at Giant in Shippensburg; Tuesdays 11am to 11:15am at the former Lumber Barn location in Spring Run; Thursdays 9:30am to 9:45am at Chambersburg Mall; Thursdays 11am to 11:15am at South Gate Mall in Chambersburg. Additional appointments can be made by request on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
As for my Ebay store I am obliged to the rules and regulations of Ebay but can offer the items listed with a meet place instead of shipping if you purchase or have the winning bid. Items are listed at a higher rate as I compete with competitors and the items listed are usually a higher quality.
I also plan to set up at a few local events like flea markets and craft shows during the year. If you would like to be on my mailing list to get my schedule please email me or sign up at the store this week before I close. I have much to do before the holidays this year so I will not set before 2014 but plan to have an active year ahead. I will also post updates on my sites throughout the year.
In my last blog I expressed that I was not giving up on my dream only makes many changes. I am proud to say the transition has already started and is falling into place nicely. My new contact information is updated and I will be able to take my website with me. Only changes are phone number and address which I have set up but are not live until November 10th.
I have already updated my Ebay Store and my store on Facebook and I will post items on Craigslist. After I am done building these sites, I plan to build my Esty site and Pintrest pages as well.
For those that are regular shoppers at my store, I plan to operate my Facebook site as a yard sale site by posting photos of items for sale much like I carried at the store. If you post under the photo that you are interested and send me a personal message to set up a meet location and time. Items will be first contact first serve. I will gather items from week to week and give you a total. Sorry no layaway or payment plans. Cash and carry only or I can accept card cards via Pay Pal on site or send and invoice with receipt. Larger items may have to be a pick up appointment only at my home. My current meet times and locations are: Tuesdays 9:15am to 9:30am at Giant in Shippensburg; Tuesdays 11am to 11:15am at the former Lumber Barn location in Spring Run; Thursdays 9:30am to 9:45am at Chambersburg Mall; Thursdays 11am to 11:15am at South Gate Mall in Chambersburg. Additional appointments can be made by request on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
As for my Ebay store I am obliged to the rules and regulations of Ebay but can offer the items listed with a meet place instead of shipping if you purchase or have the winning bid. Items are listed at a higher rate as I compete with competitors and the items listed are usually a higher quality.
I also plan to set up at a few local events like flea markets and craft shows during the year. If you would like to be on my mailing list to get my schedule please email me or sign up at the store this week before I close. I have much to do before the holidays this year so I will not set before 2014 but plan to have an active year ahead. I will also post updates on my sites throughout the year.
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