Follow these tips from a retail expert to keep your shoppers happy and increase customer loyalty.
36 Business Briefs
Bookstores enjoy a renaissance; new social media platform features are meant to boost engagement; tips for conducting an effective stay interview; handwriting can be good for business; AI is still proving itself to small businesses.
DISPLAY & DESIGN: 40 Feeling Stuck?
Discover your next great display idea by remaining open to inspiration wherever you go.
Farmer’s Daughter
In the heart of the Black Hills, Lorena and Rick Freis believe in treating every customer who visits their gift shop like a friend. They are the owners of The Farmer’s Daughter in Hill City, South Dakota. Located just 13 miles from Mt. Rushmore, the gift shop carries yard art, home décor, gifts, fabric, and notions. Their unique items make people laugh.
ON THE COVER: Second Nature by Hand creates quality, one-of-a-kind products. Our products contain a story, a soul, a moment of history. Working with reclaimed materials on selected pieces allows us to offer our customers a fleeting treasure that is only available for as long as our limited supply of raw materials lasts. View our home décor, soft goods, and gifts at www.secondnaturebyhand.com Smart Retailer readers get 10% off!
Smart Retailer (USPS 011-498) (ISSN 1076-7282) is published eight times a year (Jan, Feb, Apr, June, July, Sept, Nov, Dec) by JP Media LLC, N7528 Aanstad Road, Iola, WI. Periodicals Postage Paid at Iola, WI 54945 and at additional mailing offices. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Free to qualified U.S. retailers only; all other U.S. subscriptions, $19.95 for eight issues; in Canada, $42.95 for eight issues; other foreign subscriptions, $54.95 for eight issues, prepaid in U.S. funds. For subscription inquiries, address changes, or adjustments, write to Smart Retailer at P.O. Box 8551, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9766 or call (855)367-4819. When moving, send your old address as well as your new address and zip code. Allow six weeks for changes. When inquiring about your subscription, please include your address label.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Smart Retailer, P.O. Box 8551, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9766. Printed in the U.S.A.
Be Attentive
Back when I was in high school, a cheer at sporting events was about being aggressive. The cheerleaders led the student section by yelling, “Be aggressive,” and then spelling out those two words.
Being a bit aggressive is a good thing for athletes but not so much so in the retail world. Instead, you need to remember to be attentive.
This was on my mind during the final days of production on the issue you are starting to read. I was just off a girlfriend’s weekend that included visits to numerous gift shops. Two of the stops we made on our final day together were different experiences when it came to customer service.
The first one was a children’s boutique one of my friends wanted to visit. Her grandson’s baptism was approaching. He would be wearing a family baptismal gown for the service, and she was looking for a white outfit he could wear after it.
The boutique was open until 3 p.m. When we arrived there by 2:30 p.m., it looked dark inside the store. As we walked to the front door, a woman unlocked it from the inside and said she had just closed and turned off the air conditioning.
She welcomed us into the store and then went behind the counter and appeared to be scrolling on her cellphone. Two of my other friends are also grandmothers, and the employee did not ask if anyone was looking for a particular item.
As we wandered through the store, my friend found a white outfit that would work for her grandson’s baptism day and continued shopping. It was only at the end of her visit that the employee recognized what she was looking for and pulled out the baptismal outfits from elsewhere. My friend bought one of them.
Three of us had left by that time to check out other shops. At one of them, the employee greeted us with a smile and was attentive to us, two additional customers, and eventually my other two friends who joined us.
She moved from one customer to another, answering a question about what a U.S. shoe size converted to in a European brand, helping the couple in the store, and checking the size of a jacket hanging on a wall for my friend.
It was a pleasant experience. The employee was not pushy, and we did not feel rushed. Instead, we felt cared for and would return — thanks to how attentive she was throughout our time in the women’s boutique.
Diana Jones President/Publisher, ext. 151 dianaj@jpmediallc.com
I have been approached by local students for internships on more than one occasion. Yet, I have never formally introduced such a program to my store. It has me wondering — should I? Any tips to help me do this successfully would be appreciated.
Internships are a valuable addition for large and small businesses. But make no mistake — it takes work to bring an effective internship to life and more so, to manage the program effectively.
To create an experience that benefits your store and students — aka interns — consider the following tips.
Be Particular About Who You Hire
Here is the hard truth … just because someone wants a job does not mean they are the most qualified for it. And this holds true for interns as well.
When considering who to hire, make sure you have a clear internship description in place, so both you and your candidates can effectively communicate if they align with your goals. For example, if you want merchandising to be a core part of your internship, be sure to identify that.
If social media support, administrative work, market travel, or other responsibilities are among your preferred intern responsibilities, highlight those details as well. The fewer surprises for you and your intern, the better. This also helps eliminate students who may not align with what you can offer in the role.
Have a Formal Program in Place
Even as a small, independent business, it is ideal to have a clear outline of what your internship will deliver. From day-to-day responsibilities expected by your intern to the management of your internship program to how you plan to support your intern’s work, this formality is important to set in place.
It is also important to identify which member of your team will oversee it. The added responsibility may affect the employee’s current workload.
When building your program, do not overlook a formal review process for your intern as well. Depending on the length of the internship, offering no less than a mid and exit review is important for the student’s professional growth, which is one of the goals of any internship.
Daily and weekly support should also be provided to support your intern and goals for your store. Your main takeaway is to set clear learning objectives and define success for the internship, so the experience is worth everyone’s time.
Define Compensation and Hours Up Front
Job descriptions and formal programs will help you get things moving forward in a positive, organized fashion. However, interns will also want clarity about how many hours they will work per week and whether they will be paid.
Some internships are unpaid, but that does not always generate the same quality of candidates, so it is something to keep in mind. You need to be honest with your budget and intern candidates about what it looks like, so there are no misunderstandings along the way.
Finally, by following these tips, you are on your way to creating a successful internship program that benefits your store, interns, and you. Keep in mind that having a meaningful program is the goal, and being organized is the way to make this happen.
Nicole Leinbach Hoffman is the founder of RetailMinded.com, a well-respected retail industry resource that has been recognized worldwide for its leading business insight since 2007. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, the UK’s Telegraph, CNN, the Today show, and countless other industry resources. Additionally, she has supported American Express’s Small Business Saturday as a spokesperson and is the author of the book Retail 101: The Guide to Managing and Marketing Your Retail Business, published by McGraw-Hill. With a core concentration on small businesses and independent retailers, she welcomes you to connect via Instagram at @RetailMindedWorld and Twitter via @RetailMinded.
Narelle Waterproof Multi Stretch Bracelet Set
Featuring three unique strands of 18K gold-plated ball chains and cute textured bar detailing, the bracelet set is perfect for every day. Hypoallergenic and tarnish resistant with a lifetime color guarantee. Howard’s, Inc.
howardsinc.com
customercare@howardsinc.com 952-474-1400
Homemade Fudge
Delicious fudge made in-house is sold in clear packaging or 6-pound slabs to cut and sample in-store. Available in a variety of classic and custom flavors.
The Bugling Bull thebuglingbull22@gmail.com 814-787-6035
Pressed Orchid on Oil
Captured in stunning museum-quality giclée, this collaborative piece features an orchid plant pressed onto an original oil painting. Different frame and size options available.
Homegrown Art Co. homegrownartco.com michelle@homegrownartco.com 678-938-0134
Snowflake Infinity Lights
Infinity snowflakes feature a row of reflective LEDs, creating a stunning 3D effect. Each light comes with a white weighted stand and a hole for easy hanging. The 10' clear cord includes a US plug, offering flexibility for placement. The Will’s Company, Inc. willsco.net tracy@willsco.net 507-835-2670
Slant-Top Case in Hard Maple
The handmade 48" slant-top display case in maple with a satin finish includes LED lighting and locked doors.
North Cove Design northcovedesign.com info@northcovedesign.com 207-749-7057
Mind My Own Business Birthday Card
Vintage photos in rich copper and sepia tones serve as reminders of friendships, celebrations, and adventures. The collection delivers heart, humor, and a touch of sass. Made in USA.
Shannon Martin Design shannonmartindesign.com info@shannonmartindesign.com 877-957-0940
Corner Cross Earrings and Pendant
Silver 16 mm earrings for pierced ears feature an original design in shades of teal, ecru, and noir behind beveled crystal. Presented on an eco-friendly earring card. Matching 25 mm pendant with 18" silver chain available. Pendant and earrings sold separately.
The Mahj collection includes a T-shirt, notepad, and trucker hat. Any of these would be a fun addition to a Mahj game night. Southern Fried Design Barn shop.southernfrieddesign.com info@southernfrieddesign.com 615-547-8818
Boxwood Wreath Notecard Set & Notepad
The watercolor-illustrated notecard set is 4.24" x 5.5".
Printed on heavyweight premium card stock, it contains six blank notecards and envelopes. Pair with the matching notepad, which has 50 sheets of ultrasmooth heavyweight paper.
CJ’s Cottage
Cjscottage.com Cjs@cjscottage.com 800-888-1716
Cat-Tea-Zer
Made from 100% cotton fabric and filled with premium catnip grown in North America without the use of pesticides or chemicals, each toy comes individually packaged in a cellophane bag with header. 4" x 4.5".
This 2.6" glass ornament mimics a frosty iced coffee, complete with realistic liquid that sloshes around. Expertly painted, it adds playful charm to décor.
Kurt S. Adler, Inc. kurtadler.com info@kurtadler.com 212-924-0900
Hope Is Here
Made from recycled bottles, this elastic bracelet has a built-in NFC chip in the tag. With each tap to a smartphone, the wearer is prompted to open up a website for a new positive affirmation.
ZOX, LLC zox.co sales@zox.la 512-765-5148
DM Bear Claw
Back Scrubber
Claw size is 0.5" w. x 1.75" h. x 1.64" l. With its 22" l. extender, it reaches both the lower and upper back. Comfortable cushion-grip handle, antimicrobial silicone, and gentle bristles.
DNA Sales dnasales.com info@dnasales.com 800-879-8588
Customizable 3D Wooden Maps
Provide more than just namedropped products for your customers! 3D wooden maps can feature your state, county, local river, mountain, lake, or ocean. Standard maps are 6 x 8. Available with blue epoxy for water features.
Maple Landmark maplelandmark.com thefolks@maplelandmark.com 802-388-0627
Buzz the Bee 3D Backpack Hoodie
This hoodie combines cozy comfort with the hands-free convenience of a built-in backpack — perfect for storing snacks, treasures, or tiny essentials. Designed for children 18M to 5T, it’s fun, functional, and adventure-ready.
The 32" x 32" mobile is made from anodized aluminum.
Q3 Art, Inc.
q3art.com info@q3art.com 773-499-4236
William Morris Classic Candle Collection
A new candle collection as timeless as the novels themselves features six different William Morrisinspired designs. 100% soy wax is poured by hand in Michigan. Also available with custom name-drop label options.
Fly Paper Products flypaperproducts.com flypaperproducts@yahoo.com 989-493-1804
Candles & Scents
Vanilla Cake Pop Candle
This new exclusive candle has notes of coconut and lemon that lift a heart of rich, buttery sugar on top of a luscious vanilla base. Made from 100% soy wax. Use password “RNCCpartners!” to sign in.
Right NOW Candle Co. rightnowcandleco.com/wholesale rightnowcandleco@gmail.com 815-757-3701
Spiced Mug Mats
Filled with real spices for a long-lasting scent, simply place a warm mug on the mat to release the aroma. Also protects tabletops. 5" x 5".
Illuminate the farmhouse year-round with this set of two 10" h. tapers. The wax candle pair features a spiral design and a white, glossy finish. Flame-shaped lights are attached to black stems.
Col House Designs colhousedesigns.com custserv@colhousedesigns.com 800-777-1442
Fruit Jar Candles
Fruit jar candles add to kitchen décor, and they have great scents and a longlasting burn time. There are a variety of fruits to choose from. Made in USA.
Bayberry candles date back to colonial America. Settlers discovered boiling the berries of the bayberry shrub yielded a small amount of wax, which they used to make candles for the holiday season. 10" tapers come as a boxed pair.
Users enjoy the high quality of this company’s long-lasting melts. Pumpkin Caramel Crunch is a strongly scented bestseller. Made from 100% soy wax.
Right NOW Candle Co. rightnowcandleco.com/wholesale rightnowcandleco@gmail.com 815-757-3701
Fall Harvest Jar Candle
This candle smells like a pumpkin pecan cinnamon roll and is made using hand-poured soy and coconut wax. A variety of sizes are available, along with tarts and sprays.
Natural soy candles are vegan, cruelty-free, and handmade in the USA. The 12 oz. jars are customizable. Set of six. DNA Sales dnasales.com info@dnasales.com 800-879-8588
Country Cottage Holiday Candles
Ring in the winter season with the Holiday Country Cottage collection. Each two-wick wrapped jar is filled with one of the company’s most popular holiday scents and features festive watercolor artwork.
Crossroads Original Designs crossroadsfamily.com sales@crossroadsfamily.com 866-247-0156
Raggedy Junction
Hand dipped primitive moving flame pillars, tapers and electric bulbs.
Stylish packaging for candles and gifts. In stock, ships fast, made in USA. Nashville Wraps Hendersonville, Tennessee www.nashvillewraps.com info@nashvillewraps.com 800-547-9727
Perfume Rollers
Portable, convenient, and stylish, these chic fragrance rollers are designed for those who want to carry their favorite scents wherever they go. Sleek and easy to fit in a purse, pocket, or travel bag.
Old Town Soap Co. oldtownsoapco.com wholesale@oldtownsoapco.com 704-859-1233
Mangiacotti Harvest Collection
Scented candles, room spray, and hand soap warm up the senses with a cozy blend of harvest spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanilla, and cedarwood. Natural plantbased products made in USA. Boston International bostoninternational.com orders@bostoninternational.com 812-906-9601
Solar Moving Wick Candles
Elevate outdoor spaces with stunning solar lights. Crafted from durable acrylic, candles feature a solar panel, a flickering flame effect, and a rechargeable battery for effortless, eco-friendly lighting.
The Will’s Company, Inc.
willsco.net tracy@willsco.net 507-835-2670
Scented Wax Vessel - Cucumber Mint
The 7" scented vessel has been meticulously designed to subtly and gently release a delightful fragrance. Unlike traditional candles, these vessels do not require burning.
The Vanilla Berry fragrance creates a delightful sensory experience, blending sweet red berries with rich, creamy vanilla beans. This harmonious combination delivers lingering warmth and comfort. 14 oz. soy blend.
Acadian Candle Company acadiancandles.com sales@acadiancandles.com 952-888-6464
Holiday Cheer Collection
Celebrate the season with the Holiday Cheer candle collection, featuring festive scents and joyful designs: Holly Jolly, Let It Snow, Merry & Bright, and Jingle Bells. Poured by hand in the USA with a 100% soy wax blend. Hillhouse Naturals hillhousenaturals.com customerservice@hillhousenaturals.com 270-335-3585
15L LED Triple Candle Clip-On Light Set
Add warm, flickering charm to holiday décor with this 4’ clip-on light set. Features ivory candles with amber bulbs and secure green clips for easy decorating on trees, mantels, or windows.
Kurt S. Adler, Inc. kurtadler.com info@kurtadler.com 212-924-0900
Country Cottage Autumn Candles
The Autumn Country Cottage collection is the perfect way to warm the home on chilly days. Each two-wick jar contains a popular fall scent and features charming watercolor artwork. Crossroads Original Designs crossroadsfamily.com sales@crossroadsfamily.com 866-247-0156
Sloth Incense Burner
Meet the ultimate relaxation buddy. This incense burner helps users unwind with its calming scents and gentle, slow-moving style.
Gift Republic giftrepublic.com alicianolley@giftrepublic.com 888-542-9926
Distressed White Wooden Beaded Athens Vase
The wooden vase (4.75" t. x 4" dia.) brings a simple but unique beauty to farmhouse décor. It features ribbed white wood with a soft distressed finish for a vintage-inspired look. Col House Designs colhousedesigns.com custserv@colhousedesigns.com 800-777-1442
Home Décor
Amber Vase
Mouth blown and striking, Flora Glass features a series of vases fused together to allow for a single stem or a small arrangement. Color palettes combine for a sophisticated ombre effect.
VIETRI vietri.com sales@vietri.com 919-732-5933
Pistachio Vase
Dogwood
Showcasing the iconic dogwood, this giclée print was created from a real botanical pressing. A timeless piece, it’s available in multiple sizes and frames.
Homegrown Art Co. homegrownartco.com michelle@homegrownartco.com 678-938-0134
This new vase adds an element of elegance to home décor.
Made by professional glassblowers, the Pyrex glass dish is decorated with clear etching. Egyptian Museum egyptianmuseum44.com egyptianmuseum44@msn.com 732-476-4203
Fuzzy Plush Trapper Hat LED Snowman
With a fleecy white fabric finish, the snowman wears a tan trapper hat and scarf. Has black bead eyes and an orange felt carrot nose. Posable arms are adorned with LED lights. Requires two AA batteries (not included). 8" h.
CWI Gifts
shopcwi.com sales@shopcwi.com 800-666-5858
Fun Signs for Pet Lovers
Solid wood signs add a touch of handmade charm to any home. Thousands of designs are available in many colors. Small signs make great gifts that fit anywhere.
Sawdust City, LLC
sawdustcitywholesale.com
sales@sawdustcitywholesale.com 800-528-6008
Home, reimagined—where style meets comfort and every detail tells a story. Fieldstone Home Norfolk, Virginia www.fieldstonehome.com info@fieldstonehome.com 757-855-0800
Grown and Crafted in Carlisle, PA Meadowbrooke Gourds Carlisle, Pennsylvania wholesale.mbgourds.com sales@mbgourds.com 717-776-3770
Cheery Resin Snowmen
Bring some winter cheer into the home with these two snowmen. Dressed in cute woven sweaters in traditional Christmas colors, this delightful duo will become a family favorite. Sold separately. Crossroads Original Designs / Blossom Bucket crossroadsfamily.com sales@crossroadsfamily.com 866-247-0156
Christmas Sisal Owl and Mushroom Sitter
A cute sisal owl seeks shelter under a green-velvet-topped mushroom. A sprinkling of glitter adds some festiveness. Accented with faux greenery, a pine cone, and berries on the base. 7.25" w. x 10.5" h.
A leader in wall art, home décor accents, and resin figurines. Crossroads Original Designs Bucyrus, Ohio www.crossroadsfamily.com sales@crossroadsfamily.com 866-247-0156
Snowman Gourd
The hand-painted snowman gourd makes the perfect addition to winter displays. Made in USA.
Available in king-, queen-, and twin-size bedding, this pattern is also offered for table runners, squares, pillows, and curtains. The classic colonial pattern is a bestseller.
Pine Creek shoppinecreek.com shoppinecreek@aol.com 570-558-6291
Cardinal Snow Globe With Holly and Pine Cone Base
A symbol of good luck and a connection to loved ones, this sweet cardinal snow globe measures 5.5" and features a beautiful pine tree and traditional holiday embellishments.
Crossroads Original Designs / Blossom Bucket crossroadsfamily.com sales@crossroadsfamily.com 866-247-0156
Silver Tinsel & Holiday Bulbs Wreath
Silver tinsel branches are adorned with festive faux light bulbs. Bulbs have a red, green, or silver finish. Hang it on a wall or use it as a candle ring. 24" dia. Bright Ideas brightideaswholesale.com support@ brightideaswholesale.com 614-916-3840
Kiln Mango Carved Mini Vases
The set of three combines artisanal craftsmanship with the natural beauty of mango wood. Each vase is handcrafted in Thailand from sustainably sourced raw mango wood and features intricate carved details that highlight the wood’s unique grain and texture.
Be Home wholesale.behome.com info@behome.com 510-848-5060
Recycled Metal Nutcracker With Drum
Crafted using vintage metal from recycled oil drums and paint cans, it features a patchwork look in primarily shades of green, black, red, and white. Visible seams and a distressed finish offer a rustic effect. 4" w. x 15.5" h.
Brass wheat taper holders make a statement on any table or mantel. Each gorgeous holder in this set of three is a different height: 18.75", 13", and 9.75”. Boston International bostoninternational.com orders@bostoninternational.com 812-906-9601
Flour Sack Towel
Includes one 24" x 38" unpackaged towel. Soft, lint-free, highly absorbent, quick-drying, and machine-washable.
This rustic wooden crow is perfect for adding a touch of fall charm to any room or porch. Handmade and painted. Made in USA. Keystone Wholesale Cash & Carry LancasterWholesaleMall.com info@lancasterwholesalemall.com 717-295-2570
Cooking & Kitchen
Handcrafted Bamboo Bowls
Bowls are 100% food-safe and made to be used with food. Made without harsh chemicals or additives like melamine, formaldehyde, or bleach.
Available in 15 sizes and 24 colors.
albert L. (punkt), Inc.
albertl.us sales@albertl.us 360-990-0053
Frozen Cocktails
With no blenders needed, frozen cocktails don’t get easier than this. Simply add spirit and water, shake or stir, and throw it in the freezer. Each bag makes eight servings. Made from 100% all-natural ingredients.
Add a touch of vintage charm to the kitchen with this canister crafted from durable borosilicate glass. It features a sleek silhouette shaped from molten material, combining functionality and timeless design.
Be Home wholesale.behome.com info@behome.com 510-848-5060
FICO Dinnerware
These hand-sponged designs by maestro artisan Gianluca Fabbro convey beauty through lifelike details; generous, pleasing shapes; and warm, inviting colors.
VIETRI vietri.com sales@vietri.com 919-732-5933
Red Fruit Towel
This beautiful new linen features perfect coordinating designs. Quality woven jacquard tea towels are 100% cotton and made in Portugal.
Mierco European Linens mierco.com
info@mierco.com 888-277-8838
Indochine Tray
Elegant lacquerware trays represent a new product category for this company’s home goods brand.
Beatriz Ball beatrizball.com
customerservice@beatrizball.com 888-265-1069
Noble Gems Glass Pancakes Ornament
Celebrate sweetness with this hand-painted glass ornament that captures a stack of golden pancakes, dripping butter, and maple syrup, finished with glitter highlights and shimmering detail.
Kurt S. Adler, Inc. kurtadler.com info@kurtadler.com 212-924-0900
Cocktail Napkins
New cocktail napkin designs add some fun to social events. Made from 100% cotton.
Halladay’s Soup Mixes create a quick and delicious meal in minutes!
Halladay’s Harvest Barn Bellows Falls, Vermont www.halladays.com sales@halladays.com 802-463-3471
Flour Sack Towels - Set of 2 Alice’s Cottage Hagerstown, Maryland www.alicescottage.com info@alicescottage.com 800-288-7977
Our Handmade Flatware Is Jewelry for the Table
Fig Orange Black Pepper Fruit Spread
Rich figs are blended with bright orange zest and juice and a whisper of black pepper, offering a sweet-citrus-spice trifecta that’s both approachable and gourmet. Gluten-free, vegan, and free from preservatives.
This cozy caramel cocoa mix is sure to elevate any hot chocolate bar! Wind & Willow Mt. Vernon, Missouri windandwillow.com customerservice@windandwillow.com 888-427-3235
Garlic Shredders make the perfect stocking stuffer for any “foodie”!
This stunning and versatile piece effortlessly transitions from a beautiful cake stand to a stylish chip and dip bowl. Crafted from high-quality, hand-blown glass, its reversible design offers both functionality and elegance.
A pack of four 2 oz. mini jars is perfect for tasting or gifting. Flavors include Blueberry Lemon, Peach Habanero, Peach Vanilla Bean, and Strawberry Blueberry Jalapeño.
The all-purpose kitchen towel features a witty quote and a handillustrated pattern inspired by gardening tools. Southern Fried Design Barn shop.southernfrieddesign.com info@southernfrieddesign.com 615-547-8818
Single-Serve Mocktails
Everyone deserves a fun drink! Introducing a new line of single-serve mocktails that are delicious and easy to make. Just add water and the packet mix into a glass and enjoy.
This melamine tray with watercolor illustrations of backyard birds is a delight. Use as a serving tray for sweets and snacks, a writing tray, or a personal plate. 8.425" w. x 11.73" l.
Boards combine rustic charm with modern design. Featuring white enamel handles and a sleek stand for storage and display, this compact set is both practical and elegant.
Chop and slice greens without browning. This knife features graduated slots and holes to strip herbs and greens from stems. It also chops leafy greens, baked goods, and soft fruit. Has a textured handle for a secure grip.
HIC - Harold Import Co. HICKitchen.com info@haroldimport.com 800-526-2163
Cast-Iron Cooking
Create delicious meals that bring people together. These 130 recipes are perfect for skillets, Dutch ovens, and other cast-iron cookware. AdventureKEEN adventurewithkeen.com jody@adventurewithkeen.com 320-703-9363
Brie Bakers
These handmade brie bakers are functional works of art. Twice Baked Pottery, LLC twicebakedpottery.com twicebakedpottery@yahoo.com 920-605-2112
Garden & Outdoor Living
Birch Buddies Outdoor Canvas Art
New for spring 2026, this outdoor canvas art is UV-protected and waterproof. Can be placed in any outdoor location with direct exposure to the elements.
West of the Wind, LLC outdoorartcanvas.com westofthewind@sbcglobal.net 800-399-0412
Copper Desert Stakes
Natural copper garden stakes are perfect for porch pots and gardens. Beautiful alone but better with an assortment. Will acquire a lovely patina over time. Weather resistant. Made in Michigan.
Enhance the poolside/beach experience with absorbent, quickdry microfiber towels (3.5' x 6').
Engineered to repel and shake off sand. Beautiful designs on both sides. Each towel is made from 28 recycled bottles. Wildwood Landing wildwoodlanding.com lori@wildwoodlanding.com 843-771-1001
Recycled Metal Garden Cart
The details on this piece are great, and the possibilities of what to put in it are endless. Looks fabulous in the garden or as a piece of tabletop décor. 8.25" w. x 7.5" h. x 4.5" d. Pine Creek shoppinecreek.com shoppinecreek@aol.com 570-558-6291
Reusable Bottles
Made of stainless steel and ceramic, bottles come in 20 oz. and 34 oz. sizes. Mix and match the colors.
frank green us.frankgreen.com wholesale@frankgreen.com 609-602-6402
Acrylic Bird Stakes
New handmade bird stake sun catchers use unique, naturally glowing fluorescent acrylic. The birds have 3D details and connect to their stakes by extremely strong magnets.
The Colored Petal TheColoredPetal.com Troy@thecoloredpetal.com 253-670-0496
Daisy Flower Plant Stake
This 6" daisy flower is made of fused glass that is cut by hand, fused, and then slumped over a mold. Its stem is 8" long and made of copper tubing. Can be easily dismantled. Other colors available.
Infuse a space with the natural beauty of this unique piece. It is a lovely blend of subtle and striking, with a pointed cap made from woven seagrass in a basket weave pattern with rich, warm tones. 10.5" h.
Col House Designs colhousedesigns.com custserv@colhousedesigns.com 800-777-1442
Large Totes
Pollinators & Native Plants for Kids
Learn about the importance of pollinators in this children’s book that also includes an introduction to botany and a plant identification guide.
AdventureKEEN
adventurewithkeen.com
jody@adventurewithkeen.com 320-703-9363
Each 15" x 17" tote has ample room for carrying practically anything. Made from heavy-duty canvas duck, they’re completely machine-washable.
Cheerful stoneware gnomes are handmade and hand-glazed in Ohio. Each one is unique, with colors and patterns at random. Ranging from 7" to 10" tall, they’re perfect for indoors or outdoors.
White Squirrel Clayworks, LLC wscwholesale.com info@whitesquirrelclayworks.com 440-207-0535
Stickers
Help customers express what they’re into with these original stickers that can be used to personalize laptops, notebooks, water bottles, and more.
Featuring vibrant colors and whimsical details, this ornament showcases a cheerful design that inspires a love for all things green.
Kurt S. Adler, Inc. kurtadler.com info@kurtadler.com 212-924-0900
Hummingbird Feeder
The durable feeder is made from handmade Pyrex swirl glass.
Egyptian Museum egyptianmuseum44.com egyptianmuseum44@msn.com 732-476-4203
Capybara Chia Planter
Bring this chill capybara to life, watching as its hair grows into a quirky green mane. It adds laughter, charm, and a touch of nature to any space.
Gift Republic giftrepublic.com
alicianolley@giftrepublic.com 888-542-9926
Ways Stores Five Lose
Customers
Advice To Keep Shoppers Happy and Loyal
BY NICOLE LEINBACH HOFFMAN
The customer journey is an interesting one. As consumers ourselves, we relate to being loyal to brands and stores, as well as to letting go of them for assorted reasons.
Think about why you have decided to part ways with a store or brand. Do you think some of your customers may have done this with your business for similar reasons?
Reflection is not always easy but is an important consideration as you aim to positively reinforce customer relationships to avoid losing them in the future. Providing exceptional customer care, prioritizing consumer communication, and collecting feedback from customers are ways to look ahead and strengthen customer connectivity.
Loyalty rewards, seamless customer journeys, and strong employees support this even more. Avoid losing customers on your unique retail journey by following the five tips below.
Avoid Unauthentic Customer Service
You know how you can spot a phony person? Well, your customers also can.
One of the top ways customers judge — yes, judge — a store is based on the employees who represent it. This means you need to invest in your staff and train them to always prioritize customer care — without any exceptions.
From greeting customers to supporting consumers in their product discovery to navigating the transaction process and exiting customers from your store, it is essential to set standards for your business so there are no misunderstandings from your team. This also helps ensure customers are cared for equally no matter who is working for your store on any given day. The last thing you want is to lose a customer based on the lack of support from someone representing your business — plain and simple.
Leverage VIP Perks for Loyalty
Loyalty programs are one of the best ways to generate repeat customers and sales. Offering exclusive benefits and early access to new arrivals or unique events can further enhance your store’s VIP offers.
Do not overlook the value of recognizing customers for milestone celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, and other special
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How to Increase Customer Loyalty
When it comes to customers, you can never be too certain and should always aim to improve customer care. Use the 10 tips below to strengthen your overall communication skills — specifically keeping customer care in mind.
1. Actively listen.
2. Respond promptly.
3. Show empathy.
4. Personalize interactions.
5. Collect feedback.
6. React to feedback.
7. Nurture relationships.
8. Analyze reactions.
9. Anticipate customer needs.
10. Be proactive.
events with customized offerings that make them feel supported and appreciated. To further enhance this, make your loyalty program an easy-to-opt-in experience that is available during checkout.
It does not hurt to also highlight the benefits of your loyalty program through in-store signage, social media, and email marketing. Once you have active customers in this program, nurture it routinely, with customer communication and incentives alike.
Ease Customer Dispute Scenarios Quickly
No matter how great your customer care is, there will still be moments that demand handling customer dispute scenarios. From return policy frustrations to lack of inventory availability to damaged items, your goal is to do your best to effectively ease the situation.
When a customer is upset, disappointed, frustrated, or mad, remain patient, keep a gentle tone, and deliver a resolution that is fair. Keeping customers aware of why you are making the decisions also helps them understand the pending resolution, even if they do not always agree with it. The real takeaway, though, is to provide a solution that is as fair as possible and to do this in a timely, professional fashion.
Have User-Friendly Digital Experiences
Here is the reality of how today’s modern customers shop. They often begin their journey online before ever discovering where they may want to go physically.
And often, repeat customers explore digital touchpoints of their favorite stores and brands via social media and websites. Knowing this also means nurturing this, so be sure your customers do not have friction-filled experiences when interacting with your store’s touchpoints online.
From direct messages they may send you to navigating your website, be sure to monitor your online presence. Doing so helps you support your consumers — existing and potential ones — and avoid losing them due to frustrations as simple as no replies to their direct messages.
Provide Opportunities for Anonymous Comments
From a massive compliment to a major blow, customers appreciate having avenues to provide their feedback. Expressing their thoughts gives them a sense of appreciation, whether it is good or bad news they are sharing.
Bring this to your store with a comment collection box that welcomes customer feedback of any kind. Position it near your cash wrap, dressing rooms, or by your front/exit door.
Further support this by providing an organized template that collects customer feedback and can either ask yes or no questions, has room for open-ended comments, and provides the option to share their name or not. Go the extra mile by having these comment cards printed on nice cardstock versus thin paper and then provide a secure, discreet place for submitting them when completed.
Finally, be consistent in each of these efforts to optimize your goal of keeping customers loyal and happy. From every team member to every hello and goodbye in your store to managing challenging scenarios to welcoming feedback, every detail matters. Once you accept this as part of your retail reality, you are on your way to capturing loyal customers and more positive team members as well.
Nicole Leinbach Hoffman is the founder of RetailMinded.com, a well-respected retail industry resource that has been recognized worldwide for its leading business insight since 2007. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, the UK’s Telegraph, CNN, the Today show, and countless other industry resources. Additionally, she has supported American Express’s Small Business Saturday as a spokesperson and is the author of the book Retail 101: The Guide to Managing and Marketing Your Retail Business, published by McGraw-Hill. With a core concentration on small businesses and independent retailers, she welcomes you to connect via Instagram at @RetailMindedWorld and Twitter via @RetailMinded.
The Perfect Gifts
Bookstores Enjoy a Renaissance
Book lovers will be thrilled to learn brick-and-mortar bookstores are making something of a comeback. A recent article in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s online magazine CO says bookstores never went away completely, but owners are being more strategic. Many are partnering with other local businesses to offer in-store incentives and mini-events like wine bars, pet adoption events, and musical performances. Independent booksellers are particularly skilled at creating a strong sense of community by embracing all things local, whether stocking works by local authors on their shelves to selling prints and pieces by local artists to inviting local musicians to perform and sell their accompanying merchandise. Whether you are strictly a bookseller or operate a combination book/gift store or book/coffee shop, get creative in planning new ways to entice customers through your doors. Read the full article at uschamber.com/co/good-company/launch-pad/ modern-bookstore-revival.
New Social Media Platform Features Are Meant To Boost Engagement
User interaction is the driving force behind social media. A recent article in PR Daily lists many of the new features several platforms are rolling out, with the intention of boosting engagement even more.
To name just a few, Instagram is offering lockable Reels users will need a code to access. Businesses can offer users or subscribers exclusive content through this channel.
X has updated its like tools to thumbs-up and thumbs-down emojis, in addition to the current heart emoji available. Businesses can write profile bios and descriptions with Reddit’s new tool.
Meta’s new feature for advertisers uses AI-based recommendations to track how well an ad is doing, and whether they want to make improvements to the ad based on those algorithms. TikTok users doing live streams will now be able to receive direct messages from viewers in real time.
Visit prdaily.com/new-social-media-featuresand-updates-to-know-this-week-70/ to read the full article.
“Finding your niche as a brand helps you stand out among competitors and the Knowingmarketplace.general your niche help define who you are and differentiateswhatyou.”
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Tips for Conducting an Effective Stay Interview
Exit interviews are conducted by HR departments when an employee leaves a company for another job. Though valuable, stay interviews with current employees are even more beneficial to learn what is working and what is not at a business through honest conversation.
Empowered employees can help boost retention. A post on the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) website cites the book The Power of Stay Interviews for Engagement and Retention by Richard P. Finnegan as a great resource. In the book, Finnegan suggests asking five key questions during a stay interview and why to ask them:
· What do you look forward to each day when you commute to work? It is often the small aspects of a job that cause an employee to be happy or not — the tasks they complete and the relationships they have with co-workers. Allow employees to be honest in their responses.
· What are you learning here, and what do you want to learn? Not all employees want to move up. Some are content in their current roles. Where does the employee want to go professionally, and how can you help them get there?
· Why do you stay here? A simple but important question that gets right to the heart of why the employee remains with the business. Follow up with prompts like, “Tell me more about why [this reason] is so important to you,” or “How can we make that [reason] even better for you?”
· When is the last time you thought about leaving us, and what prompted it? Even the most loyal employee has thought about finding another job. Have an honest conversation about what has prompted those thoughts and what changed their mind.
· What can I do to make your job better for you? Hear the employee out and do not get defensive. The employee’s response might take them from good to great, so listen carefully. Maybe they are content with how things are, but if they have an issue, it might be an easy fix.
Read the full story at shrm.org/topics-tools/ news/employee-relations/how-to-conduct-stayinterviews-5-key-questions.
To do
Handwriting Can Be Good for Business
With so many of us relying on our devices for everything, handwriting has fallen by the wayside. We are missing out.
A post by Ros Jones on The Business Wellbeing Club outlines a few ways handwriting can benefit us both personally and professionally. Here are some of them:
· Handwriting is a slower process, which allows us more time to gather our thoughts and process information.
· Forming letters by hand activates the right side of our brain. This is the side that triggers our creativity and helps brainstorm new ideas for our business. Jones suggests writing or doodling with a pen and paper to keep the ideas fresh and flowing.
· Many fiction and nonfiction authors are fans of writing by hand. They can then go through their draft to edit, refine, and polish their work. Typing on a keyboard tempts us to edit as we go. This can interrupt the natural flow of our thinking and ideas.
· Jotting something down by hand helps jog our memories and increases the likelihood of finishing that to do list.
Read the full article at businesswellbeing.club/blog/ 8-ways-handwriting-can-be-good-for-business/.
AI Is Still Proving Itself To Small Businesses
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is making a lot of business owners nervous. The results of a recent survey conducted by American Express can put those fears to rest.
In a recent Retail Dive article, the survey of 1,000plus small-business decision makers found AI is not meeting their expectations. Approximately 56% of the responders currently use AI; two-thirds of those say it impacted their business as much as they anticipated. Roughly one in two admitted they are still getting used to the technology and its various capabilities.
Some of the adopters have seen positive results, however. Nearly half have seen greater operational efficiencies, boosts in employee productivity, and increases in sales, among other benefits. Read the full article at retaildive.com/news/small-business-AIstrategy-hype-challenges/749479/.
Feeling Stuck?
Be Open To Discovering Display Ideas Everywhere
We frequently hear about professional artists and writers struggling with creative block. Trust me — there is not a single visual merchandiser (or independent retailer, for that matter) who has not hit the wall, trying to produce ideas for eye-catching, sales-driving installations or themes.
I can no longer count the number of wedding or swimwear windows I scraped together, trying desperately to avoid what might be considered tropes: bouquets, netting, and gift boxes for bridal
and beach balls, umbrellas, palm trees, and cabanas for swimwear. Ugh — not those tired old things again!
Yes, you know they will be OK. But the goal is always to surpass OK. Where can you turn to for inspiration? For resources? For assistance? Before the internet and social media (gasp!), our studio walls were covered with tear sheets from magazines, stacks of catalogs, and opportunities for travel to industry markets to spot innovative developments in mannequins, prop fabrication, and trending themes.
Happily, the world now comes to you by way of Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook — while still providing access to industry events, suppliers, and market trends. Some of those key trends include eco-friendly mannequins, forms, and fixtures, as well as 3D printing and fair-trade propping.
At Fishs Eddy, the puns and irreverent humor begin at the sidewalk and continue throughout the eclectic, often wacky assortments. AMY MEADOWS PHOTO
I can always count on ABC Carpet and Home to create mouthwatering, inspiring visuals. Antique bed springs as a fixture? Yes, please!
Do not forget local museums and botanical gardens!
Newfield’s annual Art in Bloom in Indianapolis invites area artists and floral designers to create botanical interpretations of paintings and sculptures in the permanent collection. The results are consistently intriguing.
Remember — inspiration is everywhere. Remain open to discoveries, and I guarantee that in addition to the straightforward and accessible tools and resources listed below, you will find your ideal paint color while dining out. You might spot the perfect solution to a crowded cash wrap at the beauty salon or stumble upon a clever riser idea at the farm market. Before you know it, you will be back at it with a few new ideas up your proverbial sleeves!
Retailers Worth Watching
While you do not necessarily want to borrow another store’s visuals, it is always a good idea to benchmark other retailers, whether they are competitors or not. While each of these retailers has robust online accounts with tons of images, there is nothing quite like a visit to New York City and the chance to experience these stores firsthand. I am talking about floorplan comparisons, lighting quality, what you like (or dislike) about the signage, merchandising, and overall vibe.
Anthropologie
While the food at this Oaxacan restaurant was delicious, it was the tablescape in the foyer that stayed with me . . . those melted candles!
Hooray for flagging tape! It works well for marking utilities AND creating festive backdrops and wall coverings. All this budget-friendly, festive, flagging tape fringe at The Stutz for pennies!
Trade shows are not necessarily known for creative presentations, but keep your eyes open for signage, color usage, and fixtures.
Can I move in? I find these stores to be the perfect blend of skilled layout and shoppability while consistently demonstrating eclectic charm. Vignettes, tablescapes, and window displays effortlessly combine old and new, rugged, and refined. I always leave with ideas.
ABC Carpet and Home
While there are plenty of photos and reels online, it is difficult to accurately convey the scale of this store. The windows draw you in, and you quickly fall under the spell of exquisite bedding, rugs, furniture, and home décor at every turn. Wow!
Fishs Eddy
Quirky. Charming. Clever. Who knew a store specializing in vintage plates and restaurant supply overruns could utilize antique photos, hand-drawn signs, and clever puns to such great effect? Always crowded, always fun, impossible to leave empty-handed.
Social Media
Pinterest
What began as a site that ran heavily on casserole recipes and bridesmaid dresses has become an essential research tool for retailers, designers, and other creative professionals. I currently have several boards under my business name, Windows Matter, and I encourage you to check them out.
My collections focus on prop, fixture, and design ideas that are well-suited to the needs of independent retailers — achievable, accessible, affordable. If I were working with you as a consultant for your store(s), I would typically create a private board where we could exchange images and concepts that work (or perhaps those ideas do not work, and here is what we would like to avoid).
It is a terrific platform for the exchange of ideas when a picture is worth more than one thousand words.
Instagram
This is another extremely worthwhile platform but for slightly varied reasons. The stories and posts are nice, bite-sized amounts of info and imagery. If you are a scroller or a skimmer, you will be able to take in a great deal of information quickly and react/comment on what appeals to you. The algorithms will do the rest of the work, making sure you receive a steady flow of similar content.
Some of my favorite accounts are:
• @retaildetails
• @frontdoorbackretail
• @mcdesigncollaboration
• @wolfson15a (Amanda Wolfson)
• @northriversideparkmall
• @allkinds_studio
• @retailmavens
• @popdecorative
• @meghan_curran (a day in the life of an Anthropologie display artist)
There is also a myriad of accounts for area business districts, theaters, and libraries. And libraries are a secret weapon, with their classes, exhibits, and visiting artists.
Special Events
I would often assign my visual merchandising students to conduct research in auxiliary fields. If you enjoy creating displays but want to do more, where might you take your skills?
Quite frankly if you can sew, stage, paint, and build, the world is your oyster. SO many companies — nationwide — build scenery for TV shows, fashion runways, botanical gardens, amusement parks, and even escape rooms! While these are almost certainly all union shops (IATSE, AFL-CIO) operating at a corporate level, do not discount the creative content they produce!
• MNK Studio Art (www.mnkstudioart.com) — this amazing duo is multi-disciplinary, taking on projects ranging from space activation to photo-styling.
• Vim + Venture (www.vimandventure.com) — I first discovered this team when their innovative wedding setups for place cards/table seatings popped up on Instagram, featuring everything from lovely fresh florals to retro LPs and HiFi speakers.
• David Beahm Experiences (www.davidbeahm.com) — so much more than the bridal focus they began with. Not coincidentally, David Beahm’s background in theater helped launch his vision for over-the-top weddings, parties, and black-tie galas.
• Creative Arts Unlimited, Inc. (www.creativeartsinc. com) — fun, creative, and educational. Also, given the work they have done for children’s hospitals, I would add healing.
• Spaeth Design (www.spaethdesign.com) — I am sure you are familiar with their work in animated windows for Macy’s and Saks and their window displays for Tiffany’s and other prominent retailers. Based in New York City, they can pull from some of Broadway’s finest designers and fabricators while creating shopping mall attractions and event décor.
• David Stark Design (www.davidstarkdesign.com) — ceilings draped with Benjamin Moore paint color cards; candle holders made from loaves of French bread. I have always loved the ways they often utilize prosaic items for elegant and eye-catching decorations.
Have an interesting display to share? Or a question about visual merchandising strategies for your business or your district? Visit www.windowsmatter.com for more information.ilMindedWorld and Twitter via @RetailMinded
MNK Studio Art does it all! I am especially fond of this space activation for The Orchard in Westminster, Colorado, which screams fun for visitors and residents alike. While this makes quite the splash at this scale, I can imagine this color story — perhaps this wave formation — in a window or feature wall. PHOTO
The Farmer’s Daughter
A Shop in the Heart of the Black Hills
Lorena and Rick Freis spent 35 years running other people’s businesses. When the couple had the opportunity to own a gift shop, they were more than ready for it.
They became the owners of The Farmer’s Daughter in Hill City, South Dakota, on Oct. 1, 2011. “Our plan? Clean up the store, organize the merchandise, brighten up the lighting, get an online presence going, and treat every customer like a friend,” she said.
The two of them hit the ground running and in their first year doubled the sales of the previous owner’s best year. “Over the next few years, we kept building on that and saw at least a 15% increase in sales every year,” Lorena said. “Then came the pandemic, and with South Dakota being open and free, it felt like everyone came to town. We ended up having our best years ever!”
The gift shop has been open for more than 20 years. Lorena said it got its start in late 2004 when two friends had enough of the corporate world.
“They combined their love for crafts and antiques and opened the shop together,” Lorena said. “Not long after, one of them moved out of the area, and the other kept things going solo for another six years.”
After Rick and Lorena moved to the Black Hills, Lorena ended up serving on the local Chamber of Commerce board with the shop’s
owner. Over time, the owner’s family needed her to be more present in their lives, and that is when Lorena and Rick stepped in.
“The original owners were both farmer’s daughters, so that’s how the name came about. As for me? I’m actually the milkman’s kid,” Lorena said. “But, let’s be honest, there are way too many corny jokes about milkmen’s kids. So, I figured the farmer and the milkman were close enough and just kept the name.”
Hill City is in the heart of the Black Hills — about 13 miles from Mt. Rushmore. “It’s actually the oldest town in Pennington County, and it all started back during the gold rush of 1876,” she said. “When gold was found an hour north in Deadwood, Hill City was pretty much deserted until 1883, when tin was discovered.”
As mining picked up, the town grew to about 1,000 people and earned the nickname “the town with a church on each end and a mile
“We’re just regular folks doing our thing — trying to make a living and make a little difference in the world while we’re at it.”
Lorena Freis peeks from behind one of her yard art pieces.
of Hell in between.” At one point, there were 15 saloons on Main Street, including where The Farmer’s Daughter is located.
In 1939, the basketball team, along with some teachers and administrators, helped put out a fire about 10 miles outside Hill City. The U.S. Forest Service let the school district adopt Smokey Bear as its mascot. The team became the Hill City Rangers. “Fun fact: we’re the only school in the U.S. allowed to use Smokey Bear as a mascot, and we’re also the only district that holds its high school graduation at Mt. Rushmore,” Lorena said.
Inside The Farmer’s Daughter
Lorena said the store’s leased space has stayed the same for the past 20 years. “Of course, we give it a fresh coat of paint and tweak
the displays every now and then to keep things looking updated,” she said.
Their biggest challenge is choosing merchandise customers will love. “We’re careful about margins and try to have a good range of prices to suit everyone,” Lorena said. “We also focus on finding items that not only we love, but that come from U.S. manufacturers. When we can share the story behind a product and really show our passion for it, it’s so much easier for our customers to fall in love with it, too.”
The product categories at The Farmer’s Daughter include yard art, gifts, home décor, fabric, and notions. “When we purchased the business, we offered antiques, yard art, gifts, and home décor … that was the offerings of the former owner,” she said.
Home décor and gift items are found throughout the store.
Yard art is a strong product at the gift shop.
This bar once stood where The Farmer’s Daughter is today.
Lorena explained how the COVID-19 pandemic changed what is inside the store. Many people cleaned out their closets during the pandemic, and furniture and home décor were unavailable from overseas for a while, she said.
Those who usually shopped online started “popping into our store and snatching up all our antique furniture. But since everyone was decluttering, finding new antiques to bring in was tough,” Lorena said.
By that time, Rick and Lorena had owned the store for 12 years. They were ready to take things up a notch.
“Shortly after we bought the store, we picked up 13 vintage quilts from an estate sale, and one of our customers left a review on Google saying, ‘We loved the quilts!’” Lorena said. “Ever since then,
Google has kind of labeled us as a fabric store. So when we were brainstorming ways to expand, we thought, ‘Well, Google already thinks we’re a fabric store — why not go for it?’ That’s when we made the decision to stop offering antiques and dive into the fabric and notions side of the business.”
Their decision paid off. In addition to yard art, fabric and notions are among the store’s current star products. Most of the shop’s items are available on their website, and they ship merchandise almost daily.
The typical customers at The Farmer’s Daughter are women aged 35-72, quilters, and sewers. And there are dedicated events for some of those customers. A Beginning Quilting class is offered
Colorfullly blended display arrangements draw interest to the store’s items.
in February and October, with the Advanced Technique Quilting classes offered in January.
Customers say they love the store and describe it as a cute shop. Lorena said everyone who walks through the door gets a warm welcome from the team and, just as importantly, a genuine thankyou when they leave — whether they buy something or not.
“Let’s be real — things are kind of a mess out there right now. But inside our shop, it’s all about good vibes,” she said. “We treat everyone like a friend, and our stuff is here to make you laugh or at least crack a smile. If we can brighten just one person’s day with a little humor, we call that a win. We might not be able to fix the whole world, but we can definitely make our little part of it a bit better.”
What makes this store different from others in its area? Lorena said they make it a point to stand out. “We keep things fresh with unique items that’ll make you laugh, and we switch up our inventory every couple of years to keep it interesting,” she said.
Marketing and Connections
Lorena shows off the store’s products in weekly videos on Facebook. She said this effective marketing strategy is also a fun way to let their personality shine.
Connecting with the community is important, and they love being part of the local Chamber of Commerce mixers. She sees it as a terrific way to connect with businesses and welcome new ones to town. “Whenever a new shop pops up, we make a point to say hi and get to know the owners,” Lorena said.
They are involved in another organization as well. “Back when we were just starting out, another business owner and I decided to grab coffee once a month to bounce around ideas and figure out how to help our shops thrive. We realized pretty quickly that the Chamber can’t do it all on their own — maybe it’s up to us, as business owners, to help bring people into our stores.
“That’s how the Hill City Merchant’s Group was born. We still meet every month to brainstorm and plan fun events that draw folks into town and encourage them to check out as many local spots as possible,” Lorena said. “From Girlfriends’ Weekend in November to a chili cook-off in January, a chocolate tour in February, and a Christmas tree festival — we’re all about making Hill City a fun, welcoming place all year long.”
Of The Farmer’s Daughter, she said, “We’re just regular folks doing our thing — trying to make a living and make a little difference in the world while we’re at it.” She has advice for those who have recently opened a shop and feel overwhelmed with decisions. “My best advice? Just make the best call you can with what you know at the time,” she said. “If things change later, it’s totally fine to adjust. Then just keep moving forward!”
For those who have yet to cross Mt. Rushmore off their bucket list, Lorena says it is time to do this. “And while you’re exploring the Black Hills, swing by and say hi — we’d love to see you!” she said.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Business Name: The Farmer’s Daughter
Location: 164 Main St., Hill City, SD 57745
Website: thefarmersdaughtersd.com
Email: hillcityfd@gmail.com
Phone: 605-574-9095
Employees: Four Size: 1,421 sq. ft.
Trade Shows Attended: Dallas Market, Houston Quilt Market, Las Vegas Market, Rocky Mountain Gift Show
Product Categories: Gifts, home décor, yard art, fabric, and notions
Social Media: facebook.com/TheFarmersDaughterSD/ POS System: Rain
Patriotic products fill up this wall.
Fabric is one of the star products at The Farmer’s Daughter.
TRADE SHOW CALENDAR
Smart Retailer assumes no liability for changes in show schedules or show cancellations. Please contact the show promoter directly to confirm dates, times, and locations before making travel plans.
AUGUST 2025
BILOXI, MS
Biloxi Mississippi Gift Show.................................................................................
wmigiftshows.com
NEW YORK, NY
NY NOW Summer Show .......................................................................................
LIVONIA-DETROIT, MI Michigan Women’s Wear Market......................................................................
silverliningshows.com
BOXBOROUGH, MA
New England Made Autumn Show ...............................................................
nemadeshows.com
PHILADELPHIA, PA
Mid-Atlantic Mart September Showcase
midatlanticmart.com
BILLINGS, MT Billings Market Association
LAS VEGAS, NV
lvsouvenirshow.com
expostandzone.com/trade-shows/asia-america-show
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL Panama City Beach Gift Show ......................................................................
OCTOBER 2025
GREENSBORO, NC
MINNETONKA, MN
MinneapolisMART Gift, Home & Accessory Show .................................... 5-7 mplsmart.com
SEATTLE, WA
Seattle Market Week - Fall Buying Event ....................................................... 6-7 seattlemart.com
ORLANDO, FL
The Gathering 14-17 thegatheringevent.com
ATLANTA, GA
October Atlanta Apparel 14-17 americasmart.com
DALLAS, TX
Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market
dallasmarketcenter.com
DALLAS, TX
Dallas KidsWorld
dallasmarketcenter.com
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL
Panama City Beach Gift Show .......................................................................22-24 pinnacle-shows.com
HIGH POINT, NC
High Point Fall Market ...................................................................................... 25-29 highpointmarket.org
HIGH POINT, NC Shoppe Object .................................................................................................... 25-29 shoppeobject.com
WILMINGTON, OH
Heritage Markets Cash & Carry Wholesale Show 29 heritagemarkets.com
NOVEMBER 2025
SEVIERVILLE, TN
IGES Souvenir Gift Show ...................................................................................... 4-6 iges.us
GATLINBURG, TN
Smoky Mountain Gift Show ............................................................................... 5-8 smokymtngiftshow.com
PIGEON FORGE, TN
IGES Souvenir Gift Show ......................................................................................
iges.us
LIVONIA-DETROIT, MI
Metro-Michigan Women’s Wear Market
silverliningshows.com
ATLANTA, GA
Atlanta Fall Cash & Carry 10-12 americasmart.com
PHILADELPHIA, PA
Mid-Atlantic Mart November Showcase 12-13 midatlanticmart.com
GATLINBURG, TN The Norton Winter Show 14-16 nortonshows.com
OCEAN CITY, MD Ocean City Resort Gift Expo ........................................................................... 16-18 oceancitygiftshow.com
DECEMBER
gtshows.com
grandstrandgiftshow.com
JANUARY 2026
ORLANDO, FL
Surf Expo Winter
Surfexpo.com
DALLAS, TX
Nearshoring America Expo: Home & Gift .....................................................
nearshoringamerica.com/events
DALLAS, TX
Dallas Total Home
specialtyfood.com LAS VEGAS, NV Halloween & Party Expo
halloweenpartyexpo.com ATLANTA, GA January Atlanta Market.....................................................................................
