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The weather is finally starting to break here in Michigan — although in one week we had snow and 70-degree temperatures in the same forecast — and I couldn’t be more ready.
One thing I love about the summers here is that the farmers’ market opens up, and Saturday mornings can be spent wandering the rows of local produce picked just hours before. Not only do I get the freshest produce possible, but I also know exactly where it came from, who it came from and where my money is going.
Not so much in the winter. I wish the snowy months didn’t push me to the supermarket for my veggies, but shopping local for everything I need isn’t always an option. However, that doesn’t mean that I can’t still eat at local restaurants, visit local theaters and purchase local goods. If I take just a little extra time to go to the independent bookstore instead of the chain, that makes a difference that can be felt throughout my community. Small step, big change.
Because most of you are specialty retailers, I don’t have to tell you how important that can be. Until now, I think it’s just been a matter of getting the word out there so more people know that there actions do in fact make a difference — enter The 3/50 Project and Cinda Baxter.
With The 3/50 Project, Baxter has presented retailers with an easy way to promote shopping in locally owned businesses while thanking customers for the positive impact that decision has on a local economy. With the tag line “Save your local economy three stores at a time,” the project’s goal is to promote shopping in locally owned businesses while thanking customers for the positive impact that decision has on a local economy.
Because my space is limited, I encourage all of you to visit www.the350project.net and read up on it yourself. If more people went to their local museum, aquarium and specialty shops for that “unique” gift they can’t find just anywhere, it could truly make a difference in the local economy!
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Tonya Scott,
Manager, The Store at Plains Art Museum
What makes your store unique?
What makes our store unique is that our customers are unique. We serve a wide age range of museum visitors — we have a great family base layered with a mix of older sophisticated tastes and young, fun and funky college students. What they all have in common is their love of the Museum and their taste for finding something fun, unique and interesting in our store.
What is your retail background?
I have 14 years experience in the retail industry as a buyer and divisional merchandise manager for a 200-store “junior” clothing retailer.
What is the most popular product you sell?
We sell a lot of handmade glass and ceramics from local artists, local "Fargo stuff" (fargostuff.com) product, unique jewelry, fun cards and stationery products.
What trade shows do you attend?
We are planning to attend the New York International Gift Fair and we also belong to the Museum Store Association.
What is your favorite part about working in this industry?
We have great customers who have a passion for the arts. It is exciting and a pleasure to source-out interesting and fun products with them in mind.
What advice do you have for other retailers?
Don't be afraid to try something new. Newness equals excitement— new product, new displays and new features add excitement around the store and draws guests in.
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How do you find your
store employees?
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DMG World Wide Media Announces Changes in North American Business
MMPI, owner of the L.A. Mart, has announced the acquisition of the California Gift Show from dmg world media, creating a unified and strengthened market experience anchoring the gift and home industry for the West Coast.
Scramble Squares Puzzles Receive Award
b. dazzle, inc. of Redondo Beach, Calif., has announced that four of its Scramble Squares nine-piece educational brain teaser puzzles for all ages have been honored by The Institute for Childhood Resources in San Francisco as among only 29 products selected as "Dr. Toy's Best Classic Toys for 2009."
Aurora's Educational Plush Line "Baby Talk" Wins 2009 National Parenting Center Award
Aurora World Inc., a leading manufacturer of affordable, high-quality toys and gifts, has announced that "My Magical Castle" from its Baby Talk line has received a 2009 National Parenting Center award.
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Gentle Giraffe
The Gentle Giraffe from Cloud B offers soothing sounds that educate and de-stimulate children.
Cloud B
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Dual Jewel
This jeweled amber and sterling frog is just over 1-inch long and not only a pin, but a pendant as well.
Vessel International, Inc.
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ADVERTISE HERE!
Call Gavin Cribbs to find out how you can advertise your product here!
800-825-0900, ext. 109
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TEXT-ONLY ADS ARE AVAILABLE!
Call Gavin Cribbs to find out how you can advertise your product or business in this special text-only ad area! 800-825-0900, ext. 109 |
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