Changes at the shop… July 8, 2024
Hello, friend!
I wanted to let you know that we’re back to regular hours this week. Yes, it’s still hot, but a wee bit cooler. I’m praying for a Delta breeze and some relief soon!
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Important changes…
Starting next week, we’ll no longer be open on Tuesday’s. That means we’ll be open Wednesday through Sunday.
As we near our 12th anniversary, we have seen lots of changes. Most of the time, change is good. But, right now, we’re seeing a drop in customer visits and sales. Sadly, we’ve all seen many small businesses in the area close. Yet, the Target parking lot is always full. This is all just the direction of retail and the big challenge for small businesses.
Paint Your Own Piece Workshop, July 22nd. 1-3:30 p.m.
Sign up or learn more, Here!
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When we were an Amy Howard paint retailer, they chose to sell their product through Ace Hardware. Our wonderful Fusion Mineral Paint sells directly to customers through their own web site and on Amazon and our sales have dropped significantly. Annie Sloan, a pioneer of painted furniture, sold through boutiques like Not to Shabby, in Folsom, who educated customers and promoted the line, for years. Now, Annie Sloan has decided to sell their product line, at Lowe’s! Amazon sells more clothing than anyone else in the world. Where will small business be in 5 or 10 years?
The shop has been my “pride and joy” and it is an honor to serve you! We will continue to search for unique, quality products at fair prices, with a staff that is second-to-none! We aren’t going anywhere soon, but I wanted to share a peek into what we and other small business owners are facing. I’m hoping this might influence your buying decisions, just a tiny bit, in the future.
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On to the really good news…
The sisters at Iron Orchid Designs will be introducing their Spring Collection, this Friday morning, at 10 a.m.!
You can watch them on their Facebook page or on You Tube, as they show off their beautiful new designs. We’ll have all of it for you to see, when we open Friday at 10:30.
Join the party, this Saturday, from 10:30-12:30!
See the new collection and create a pretty gift tag, while entering to win a new I,O,D, mould!
If you can join our free make and take workshop, this Saturday, please sign up Here!
Well, there you have it. Life is full of high’s and low’s and the trick is to “bob and weave” at the right moments. Through it all, I’m counting my blessings and that includes you!
XO,
Barbara
Hi Barbara,
Read your email, as always, and I feel your pain. I was there when you first opened and was selling antiques mostly. Purchased several pieces from you too! I know you had to downsize the space to keep costs down, you now sell mostly women’s clothes, and your classes are doing well. I took a couple. I just wanted to say I don’t know the answer, small businesses do struggle with the big box stores. Why would folks want to buy something 100s of other folks will also be buying for their homes? I loved your antiques – wish you could/would bring some of that back. The clothing is beautiful, but I’m short and they don’t really work for me most of the time. I always head over to your shop for gift ideas and usually find something from your eclectic selection. I know you can’t cater to everyone, it’s not feasible, I get it. I think this slump will pass. I’m an artist (photographer & painter) and galleries have been slow the first six months, but people are starting to shop again. The slump will pass, as well as this HEAT! That’s not helping either. So, hang in there! I love reading your blog posts and getting my dose of “good morning gorgeous”!! ; ) Best regards, Maria
I agree so much with the comment from Maria. I also love your shop and always look forward to your weekly newsletter. I am very creative and love to come to your shop for, if nothing else, than to gain inspiration. However, I know my inspiration does not translate to your bottom line. I think since the whole pandemic BS lots of businesses and customers are struggling. It doesn’t help that we live in California where crazy policies do nothing but make things worse. Now with inflation and general unease about the future people are setting, or forced to set, different priorities. I went to Walmart last week, which I do much less than I used to. The reason I hate going to Walmart anymore is that almost every product is locked behind plexiglass cases because of the gigantic increase in retail sales! So, I would rather shop through Amazon and have it delivered directly to my door. Anyways, I do understand your struggle and admire your stamina and your ability to share the good and bad of your life with all of us. That is an unusually unique characteristic in this day and age! I will see you on Friday as I can’t control my desire to see the latest IOD release. I’m not changing that priority of indulgence! Lots of love and luck to you, Lydia
This place is very special to me and the lovely ladies that work there are so incredibly nice and so helpful. I have taken almost all the classes Barbara has had, they are so fun and you go home with something special you made!
Hopefully the future changes a bit for the smaller shops!!
I will always drop in just to get my fix from these wonderful ladies that work there and I always come hope with something very unique. LOVE THE TREASURED HOME and the Lovely Ladies🥰 Carolyn
Hi Barbara,
What is the cost of the furniture painting class on July 22nd? Your classes re so fun.
Dear Barbara ❤️. I have always loved your shop, the shop sisters, Mr Wonderful’s additions, and especially you ! Your creative personality and eclectic style has made it one of the most “ treasured” spots I love visiting. And teaching at over all these years! 🎨 I’ve watched the continuous growth, creative choices, unique items that ‘just keep coming’ and your advertising acumen with “Hello Gorgeous” posts and videos are always a treat in my inbox🥰
You are an amazing business woman‼️. I would love to see your shop to continue and excel over these problems in the shopping industry.it has changed drastically these past few years… inching out small and special places like yours all over. I’m only one of the many cheerleaders who have written comments here, and my heart goes out to you as you continue to provide such a wonderful shopping experience with “fun stuff”— something for everyone!
Take care…my dear…you are loved ♥️💁🏼♀️. Susanne Kish