RetailSpeaks IQ: Which vendors deserve a moment in the spotlight?

by Cinda Baxter on September 16, 2009

in RetailSpeaks IQ, Vendors

rs_boxYes, it’s tough out there, and we all know that’s when the crankies get crankier…and the superstars shine brighter.

Last week, you heard me rant about how a certain group of vendors are playing hard ball with retailers, making it virtually impossible to carry their lines (or want to). Today, we’re looking at the other side of the coin, at companies large and small who prefer loyalty and compassion over muscle and veiled threats.

Today’s question for the brick and mortar retailers in the crowd:

Which vendors do you appreciate most during these trying times…and why?

Now…because there’s going to be a MASSIVE temptation on the part of some companies to line up glowing reports about themselves, this particular RetailSpeaks IQ asks that all respondents please sign comments with:

1. Your complete name (first and last)
2. The name of your store
3. The city where you’re located

Hey, it’s always fun to stand in the spotlight when you’re introducing an award winner, right?

(If something comes through looking like a trumped up post, it’s probably not going to see the light of day. Can’t say I didn’t warn you.)

All right folks–start singing their praises!

RetailSpeaks IQ provides a podium from which brick and mortar retailers can speak to their industry. Not a member of RetailSpeaks? Feel free to chime in. If you like the idea of discussing and learning about things that impact your business as an independent retailer, check out RetailSpeaks.com. Your aren’t alone out there.

Mitch September 16, 2009 at 6:33 am

Cinda,
I’m Mitchell Hagler, President of Richard York of Riverhead, Inc d/b/a Richard York Shoes on Main St, Southampton, NY.

It was a tough decision between two of my suppliers for most supportive, but the winner is Merrell Footwear, a division of Wolverine World Wide, Rockford, MI.

Some of the reason I chose Merrell:
-Supportive and responsive field sales rep who REGULARLY calls on my account.
-Vendor’s adoption of retailer friendly technology. They have one of the best B2B sites in the footwear industry. Adopted social media to communicate with the end consumer early on to help drive traffic.
-Clean distribution channels. Not selling to everyone in town or big box discounters.
-Good in-season recovery inventory on key product…sometimes even with promotional discounts available.

Jill Sowder September 16, 2009 at 6:50 am

I am the owner of Westwood Paper Co. in Carmel, Indiana. I want to thank Heather at Real Card Studio for her flexibility, understanding and knowing that all of us have to work together as a team to build our businesses. I appreciate that she does not saturate the market and that Real Card Studio does not sell online. Thanks Heather!

Caroline Brant September 16, 2009 at 11:21 am

Immediately, Smock jumped into my mind. Their staff is EXCELLENT from start to finish. They are incredible designers, well-organized, eco-friendly, support their storefronts, production time is quick, product presentation is fantastic (customers LOVE the boxes their beautiful invitations arrive in) and communication is top notch! I highly recommend them!

Holly Bretschneider September 16, 2009 at 11:57 am

I am Holly Bretschneider, owner of Salutations Fine Stationery in Chapel Hill, NC and Charlotte, NC. My two favorites by a landslide are Smock Paper {http://www.smockpaper.com} and Dauphine Press {http://www.dauphinepress.com}. These companies really walk the walk when it comes to stellar customer service and retailer support. It is so refreshing to work with companies who “get it”, who go the extra mile with small but important details, and who treat us the way that we treat our customers. Two thumbs up, two snaps, AND a circle!!

Samantha September 16, 2009 at 3:34 pm

Samantha Finigan here from Gus & Ruby Letterpress – a paper boutique in Portsmouth, NH. We have to agree with our other stationery pals and give a great big shout-out to Smock! The combination of amazing customer service, stunning design, and enviro-friendly production = super happy customers and super happy store owners!

The other vendor that we love, love, love working with is Give Studio – an amazing husband/wife run letterpress studio out of Holland, Michigan. Anne and Brian never cease to delight us with their personal attention, kind words, and amazing amazing products.

Lucky us, we could go on and on naming vendors that we like working with. Great job, everyone!

Elizabeth Howard September 16, 2009 at 5:12 pm

Hey there! I am Elizabeth Howard, my store name is The Cordial Cricket and it is located in Chester, VA.

One of our favorite vendors is The Paper Menu. Marie Katz is a delight to work with, can always meet our customer’s special requests and does awesome custom work. She goes out of her way to provide above and beyond customer service for us, so that we can continue to exceed our customer’s expectations together as a team, even though she is just a vendor. She treats our customer’s orders just like they were her own personal customers. She is no typical vendor, that’s for sure! We love The Paper Menu and Marie Katz!

Melissa Taylor September 17, 2009 at 7:33 am

Melissa Taylor from Simply Noted, a boutique paper store in Baltimore, Maryland. Our favorite vendor has to be Prentiss Douthit. His designs are great but the customer service is by far the best around! It makes me want to pull his albums before any others because we know he’ll take care of us and our customers.

Jean Betses September 25, 2009 at 12:02 pm

Jean Betses owner of Village Paperie in Kennebunkport, Maine. I have 2 favorite vendors: Notes & Queries and Odd Balls. Both of these companies have been proactive in supporting our businesses in this economy. Both have extended terms and worked with minimums to help us keep stocked with their product, but not have to order what we don’t need in order to make a minimum. Both Kit at Odd Balls and dear Big Al at Notes & Queries send lovely supportive letters and offers that help us to succeed. I will always remember their support in this economy and will not forget them when things get rolling again.

Cinda Baxter September 28, 2009 at 10:31 am

To the cranky Anonymous vendor who posted a snide remark regarding online sales:

Sign your name and company name and I’ll print the post. Otherwise, consider your comment as having fallen on deaf ears (and only two ears, at that). I mean, reeeeeally…..

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