I promised that whoever was responsible for the most registered supporters on The 3/50 Project website by midnight April 15th would be thanked by a moment in the spotlight here on the blog. Well folks, meet John Ranes, independent retailer (The Frame Workshop in Appleton, Wisconsin), who single-handedly brought in no fewer than twenty-five businesses…that we know of. Given the plethora of frame shops that came in around the same time, not referring to a specific person by name, something tells me twenty-five is shooting low.
What I didn’t expect was that the person who attained Rock Star Status would also be someone with so much business savvy and sage advice to lend other retailers of all types. The following interview shows incredible insight and brings wise reminders that are a pleasure to share. Given the amount of great material, today’s installment will be part one of two, focused primarily on The 3/50 Project. [click here to continue…]
The fast rapid meteoric holy-cow-what-just-happened growth of The 3/50 Project has had a couple of pretty big impacts on my life. The first and most obvious is that it’s reshuffled every single priority on my desk (which was a tad bit crowded to begin with). The second isn’t quite as obvious; it’s the constant tape running in the back of mind asking “What comes next? Where are you going to take this thing?”
Admittedly, I hit the pause button a lot on that tape while navigating a constant stream of emails (half of which contain ASAP requests), juggling two phones, and working long distance with Gregg on the database. Every so often though, someone pops up and asks “Cinda, what comes next?“ which gets those back brain wheels spinning again. [click here to continue…]
Well, it’s done. William Arthur, arguably one of the three largest personalized paper lines, launched their online store last week, selling direct to consumers.
Unlike the Crane’s site, the current iteration focuses soley on selling their branded items. Don’t get too excited, though; there online buyers were trolling the aisles at NYIGF this winter in search of product to add to their online store.
The entire line appears to be available (having not gone item by item by item through several hundred pages to verify each and every one)…including Vera Wang, that required retailers to invest in a high buy-in to get the line, including a hefty selection of pricey boxed goods. [click here to continue…]
Well, can’t say you aren’t doing your part to spread the news.
Thanks to a whole lot of folks who believe in independent businesses and local communities, The 3/50 Project went into high gear yesterday, starting with the Gifts and Dec e-newsletter that so graciously included a piece about us (without me asking, bless their hearts). Next, I learned that Home Accents Today blogger, Mike Landfair, ran a piece too.
Suddenly, things lit up. Thanks to a plethora of bloggers, Twitter users, and a very steady stream of new supporters landing in my inbox, The 3/50 Project has grown legs and is running like a marathon pro. [click here to continue…]
I knew people would like The 3/50 Project, but holy cow….you guys are spreading the word even faster than I thought. Verrrry cool, folks.
As a thank you, I have a couple of treats in the pipeline, just for you. [click here to continue…]
Yesterday, I had a heart to heart with retailers about late invoices, asking them to take a deep breath and call you. Today, it’s our turn to visit. Want to make sure there isn’t a disconnect on your end of the line.
Before you jump to the conclusion my heart rests solely with retailers, please hear me out. Like you, I have had late paying customers. I understand the impact that can have on one’s life. The bills still need to be paid, after all.
But I also understand the level of humility that comes with picking up the phone to make that call. Most retailers are, by nature, Type A-—over-achievers, head strong, determined…and proud. Admitting a shortcoming of any kind is like peeling their skin off. Admitting financial difficulty feels like the ultimate failure…even though it’s not. [click here to continue…]
Retailers, there’s something we need to talk about. Doesn’t matter if you’re big or small…independent or franchise…storefront, internet, or home studio (yes, you).… If you’re late on even one invoice right now, we need to have a chat.
Now, before every nerve in your body tenses and every muscle jumps into “fight or flight” mode, please hear me out. I’m not going to yell at you. I’m not going to lecture you. And I’m not going to pretend that in my previous life as a retailer I was never late on an invoice. It happens to everyone. [click here to continue…]
At first glance, this post is going to look like it’s geared solely to stationers. Gift and home accessory retailers, stick with me here…this applies to you too, albeit in a slightly different way.
The world knows my opinion regarding home studios (definition: individuals who purchase the same wholesale lines offered through retail stores then sell them out of their house)-—the bane of every brick and mortar’s existence. This isn’t the only “under the radar” competition you need to consider, though. How up to speed are you regarding Etsy? [click here to continue…]
