If you own a brick and mortar store, you might keep hearing that you should provide your customers with “an experience” in your store. I don’t believe brick and mortar retail is “dead” or “dying,” but I do believe in-store experiences make you unique and gives you a competitive edge over online retailers. Creating experiences is a way to draw your ideal customer into your store while providing … [Read more...] about Why and How to Run a Make and Take in Your Shop
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Independent Business Spotlight: Home for the Holidays
Home for the Holidays is a pop-up boutique store located in Lakewood, Ohio. The shop is exclusively open leading up to Christmas so you can buy unique handmade gifts during the holiday season! The store offers a carefully curated collection of handmade and small batch goods from makers in and around the Cleveland area. With many carefully selected local brands and businesses helping to supply the … [Read more...] about Independent Business Spotlight: Home for the Holidays
Small Business Guide For Holiday Planning
If you’re approaching your first holiday season as a brick and mortar store owner or you need a little help preparing for the busy season, consider this your mini small business guide for holiday planning! I know, I know it’s Summer. Why are we talking about the holidays? For seasoned retailers, working way ahead of the seasons is probably the norm. But for new retailers, I often hear … [Read more...] about Small Business Guide For Holiday Planning
Independent Business Spotlight: The Salvaged Boutique
The Salvaged Boutique makes home decor accessible with handcrafted finds, friendly service and DIY workshops. Kathy Cruz and her sister, Karen Studd, are co-owners of The Salvaged Boutique, a home decor retailer and creative studio in Lakewood, Ohio. We caught up with Kathy to find out what makes the successful shop tick. What inspired you to start your business? Karen and I grew up really poor, … [Read more...] about Independent Business Spotlight: The Salvaged Boutique
Selling to Retailers: Are you Prepared?
Are you a maker who’s ready to grow and scale their business? Have you set up an efficient system to make your products quickly? Have you sourced your materials at discounted prices, or in bulk, so you can sell at wholesale prices and still profit? If you answered yes to these questions, then you might be ready to approach retailers and sell your products at wholesale or consignment pricing. … [Read more...] about Selling to Retailers: Are you Prepared?
Meet Small Business Blogger – Kathy Cruz!
We all learn from each other, so why not share the ins and outs of everything it takes to start, run and grow your own business. Whether you’re an established brick and mortar, or someone who’s in the process of creating their own business, our new, monthly small business blog feature will focus on connecting entrepreneurial spirits, like you, with expert insight from small business owner, Kathy … [Read more...] about Meet Small Business Blogger – Kathy Cruz!
