There are thousands of resources at this market — get a glimpse of some of the trends to watch for this summer.
31 Look for These Three Trends at Atlanta Market
Expect to see lots of products related to these trends and much more when you head to this summer market.
32 Elevate Employee Management
Shape your work culture by following these tips to model the behaviors and values you want to see in your employees.
36 Business Briefs
Parting: such sweet sorrow; polish up a good finish; change for the better; main street program builds digital skills; minimize your marketing mistakes.
DISPLAY & DESIGN:
40 Fixtures Versus Furniture
Find the resources and tools you need to display the various hard and soft lines in your store.
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT:
44 The Rustic Rose
Rosalyn Housley helped thousands of people decorate their homes before she and her husband, Jim, opened their first store in the mountains of North Carolina. They soon expanded Rustic Rose at home in Florida, where today they have two shops in The Villages.
ON THE COVER: Sawdust City has thousands of signs for every season and reason, but we’re so much more. We specialize in custom work — whether it be signs or product displays — made especially for you and your customers’ needs. Handmade products proudly made in the USA! Visit www.sawdustcitywholesale.com or call 800-528-6008 for more information.
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.
A Spring plAnting pArty
Those who experience the four seasons get excited when the days start becoming warmer and there are more hours of sunlight. I am among them.
I check my perennials and think about the flowers I want to plant. I seek inspiration in the books I have and in the pages I have torn out of magazines.
This spring, I was able to get a jumpstart on my planning — thanks to a planting party at a local greenhouse. It was the second time I participated in such an experience and the first time this greenhouse hosted one.
The event took place on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Groups of five to six people chose a time slot and arrived dressed in layers. It was cold and windy when I got there but warm and cozy inside the greenhouse.
It smelled like spring. The planting party included details about choosing flowers for your planters — think thrillers, fillers, and spillers! The greenhouse provided the potting soil and fertilizer. Plenty of planters were on hand. A few of my friends brought their own from home.
I was excited to find a planter in the exact shape and color I had been looking for to place by the front door of my house. Some people quickly knew what they wanted to plant, while others needed a bit of guidance.
And the staff also used the opportunity to introduce new products they are featuring in the market section of their business this season. My friend, Jeanne, modeled a hat and super-long gloves that protect your skin from the sun.
One member of my group owns a local boutique and is getting ready for her spring fashion show in early June. Christine holds the event off-site in an old barn and limits the guest list. Attendees enjoy cocktails, a catered lunch, the fashion show, and have time to shop.
It takes time to plan events like these. But the payoffs are big. Creating a unique experience results in personal connections with customers and additional sales.
My planter is hanging out in a greenhouse until Memorial Day weekend — part of the planting party deal. That is the time of year it is safe to place flowers outside around here.
When I pick up my planter that weekend, the greenhouse is sure to be full of many items that attract my attention. And I know I will choose a few more flowers to plant before I head home.
Diana Jones President/Publisher, ext. 151 dianaj@jpmediallc.com
My email marketing has been weak, to put it nicely. What are some ways to leverage email to help boost my customer loyalty and store sales?
Email remains one of the most significant drivers of both in-store and online sales, with Hub Spot reporting emails alone helped drive $11 billion in sales annually in 2023 for stores.
This same report also identified 77% of marketers leverage email to connect with their customers, yet only 12% send emails out weekly. Keeping this in mind, consider how these simple yet effective ways to strengthen your email marketing efforts can help you capture more loyalty and sales from your customer base.
Identify Meaningful Reasons To Use Email Marketing
Emails can overwhelm someone’s time if the messages are not relevant to them, so be sure to identify meaningful reasons to connect with your audience. This can include sharing news of recent product deliveries, offering save the date details for upcoming store events, providing resources and actionable insight your customer base can benefit from, as well as enjoy, and leveraging email to alert your audience about loyalty programs, sales, and other promotional incentives.
In addition, you want to be sure your emails are not solely promotional but also beneficial for your customers. For example, if you are a kitchen-based store, you could provide a favorite recipe each month and highlight some of the products in your store that support this recipe.
A baby shop, on the other hand, could offer ideas about how to handle the terrible 2s and then provide some products to help support this. In other words, be meaningful while also being purposeful in your email strategies.
Use Clear Yet Powerful Subject Lines
Creating emails is efficient only if your audience opens them, so identifying effective subject lines is important. Clear and concise are key to strong subject lines, but so are subject lines that are engaging and exciting.
An example may be “Limited Availability on Our Newest Arrivals From (Insert Popular Vendor Name Here)” or “Three Ways To Help You Enjoy Kitchen Cleaning More.” Take the time to also review which emails historically opened more than others and what did not open as well. That data is identified by
your email marketing provider and can help you analyze what is working for you versus what you need to work on.
Other Focused Call-To-Actions
In both your subject lines and the body of your emails, offer clear call-to-actions that allow your customers to easily understand what you are sharing with them. Whether you want them to mark their calendars for an upcoming event, refer a friend for an incentive off a future purchase, or come into your store to explore new arrivals, be clear in your communication.
The goal of email marketing is to connect with your customers. You do not want to lack clarity in this process.
Finally, emails are only worthwhile if you consistently share them with your audience. They do not need to be daily or even weekly — though for some retailers there is value to that — but instead, they simply need to be worth it.
Using the tips above, be sure to consistently send emails so your audience begins to look forward to expecting them. Once a week is a great goal, but every other week is still good if you are creating valuable content your customers will look forward to receiving.
Nicole Leinbach 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, Leinbach welcomes you to connect via Instagram at @RetailMindedWorld and Twitter via @RetailMinded
Maple & Onion Dip Mix
Striking the perfect balance between sweet and savory, this dip is hard to stop eating. It pairs incredibly well with sweet potato fries and chips, as well as pretzels, potato chips, and fresh veggies.
An example of exceptional quality and durability, this towel can actually be used. Made of 100% cotton floursack fabric with a corner hang tag. Bright white, heavy weight, highly absorbent, and washable. 29" x 29".
Perfect for using at the grill or in the kitchen, the oven mitt is made from a heat-resistant material but still has a soft, cotton-like feel. A map of your location is featured on the front, and silver quilting is on the back. There is a loop for hanging.
Daisy Mae Designs faire.com/direct/daisymaedesigns info@daisymaedesigns.net 380-390-5542
Nupouch Anti-theft Commuter Backpack
Versatile, secure, and brimming with modern features, this backpack redefines the standard for everyday functionality and travel readiness. Whether the wearer is navigating the city streets or exploring new destinations, this backpack ensures they’re prepared, protected, and powered up for whatever the day brings.
Calla Products
callaproducts.net
sales@callaproducts.net 925-743-9831
Greeting Cards
Friends and family adorn this all-occasion, award-winning collection. Birthday to blank, sassy to sentimental, each card comes with a message of comfort and cheer. Cards are paired with a kraft envelope and printed on FSC-certified, 100% recycled paper. Made in USA.
Shannon Martin Design shannonmartindesign.com orders@shannonmartindesign.com 877-957-0940
Idea Bulb
This product was inspired by the age-old association between a light bulb and an idea, as well as creativity. The illusory object sits steadily at a gravity-defying angle. Made of translucent solid acrylic, the design adds a bright pop of color. 4" h. x 2.25" dia.
Canetti Design Group, Inc. canettidesigngroup.com info@canettidesigngroup.com 646-791-8242
Vintage Flag Table Runner
Bright and cheery, this bestselling table runner will make patriotic displays pop. Colorfast for indoor or outdoor use. Also available as pillows and flag bunting. Pine Creek shoppinecreek.com shoppinecreek@aol.com 570-558-6291
Fabriché Santa Playing Pickleball
This 10" Santa combines the beloved traditions of Santa Claus with the fun and active sport of pickleball. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this unique figurine celebrates the joy of play and the holiday season. Kurt S. Adler, Inc. kurtadler.com info@kurtadler.com 212-924-0900
Kitty Bento Box
A complete catnip party is packaged in this nifty tin. It’s five toys in one!
Simply B Vermont simplybvermont.com info@simplybvermont.com 802-552-8078
Rainbow Sandstone Wine Rack
Elevate décor with this wine rack, which won Best in Show at NY NOW by IFDA. It is crafted from vibrant sandstone layers, showcasing stunning hues and unique patterns. Ethically crafted in India by skilled artisans, it’s a distinctive addition to any collection.
Be Home wholesale.behome.com info@behome.com 510-848-5060
Illustrated Pet Loss
Grieving Cards
Included are 30 daily practices to help cope with the loss of a pet.
Wolfie’s Wish wolfieswish.com
erica@wolfieswish.com 415-786-9143
Teal Waffle-Weave Pumpkin
This pumpkin (6.5" h. x 8" dia.) features a soft, waffle-weave fabric in dusty teal. It is topped with a natural stick stem and two burlap leaves, and it pairs beautifully with other pumpkins in shades of orange, cream, and brown. Also available in two smaller sizes. Col House Designs colhousedesigns.com custserv@colhousedesigns.com 800-777-1442
Fall & Halloween
Autumn Blessings Wood Hanging Sign
The sign showcases watercolor-style artwork depicting a pumpkin and a vintage watering can. The artwork has a ragged border and is printed on a wood panel with deep scoring for a distressed wood appearance. 14" w. x 20" h. x 0.25" d. The Hearthside Collection thehearthsidecollection.com contact@thehearthsidecollection.com 614-626-8493
Happy Jack Light-Up Wooden Pumpkin
Finally, there is a jack-o’-lantern that can bridge the gap between Halloween and Thanksgiving. With dimensional wood construction and metal leaf trim, this pumpkin lights up with the help of two AA batteries (not included). 15" w. x 18" h. x 3" d. Hanna’s Handiworks, LLC hannashandiworks.com wecare@hannashandiworks.com 800-899-7009
The Boo Crew Toddler Fleece
This adorable fleece collection for toddlers is sure to turn heads and bring smiles to faces. The signature fleece has a wider body for comfort and style. Made of 100% luxury soft cotton. Available in white or gray.
Wildwood Landing wildwoodlanding.com
lori@wildwoodlanding.com 843-771-1001
Smithfield Mustard/Pumpkin/ Black Collection
This table runner adds the perfect amount of texture and color to complete a harvest display. The collection includes table runners, table squares, a throw, and place mats. Pine Creek shoppinecreek.com shoppinecreek@aol.com 570-558-6291
Harvest Pumpkin Oval Rug
Measuring 6' x 2', this braided jute rug has a hand-stenciled pumpkin design and a fall floral border. The organic jute is durable and longlasting, making this rug great for high-traffic areas. It can be easily switched out for seasonal looks. Available in many sizes.
These Noble Gems glass ornaments are a vibrant and culturally rich addition to holiday décor. They celebrate the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Two assorted. Kurt S. Adler, Inc. kurtadler.com info@kurtadler.com 212-924-0900
Stuffed Ghost Doll
This rosy-cheeked ghost wears a ruffled, plaid collar accented with raffia and a tiny pumpkin. There is a bat friend attached to the textured fabric. The bottom is weighted for free-standing display. 6" w. x 12.5" t. x 3.5" d. The Hearthside Collection thehearthsidecollection.com contact@thehearthsidecollection.com 614-626-8493
Moonlight Garden
Experience this enchanting pop-up bouquet, just in time for Halloween. The bewitching arrangement of tulips and begonia leaves dazzles with velvety hues of deep purple and merlot. Displayed in a stunning pewter cauldron, this bouquet comes complete with a mysterious raven and flutter of tiger moths.
FreshCut Paper freshcutpaper.com hello@freshcutpaper.com 833-327-2737
Frances Backpack
An essential travel companion, this backpack has two main openings: the back is for laptop/tablet storage and the front is for everything else. There is also a trolley sleeve for easy carrying.
Jen & Co. jenandcowholesale.com info@jenandcowholesale.com 470-395-4822
Witch on Broomstick Greeting Card
This 6" x 6" quilled card is handcrafted and comes with a blank insert, allowing for a personalized message to be added.
For everything spooky and falloween, indulge in the Basic Witch all-natural soy wax candle. The warm and cozy fragrance is reminiscent of fall on a cool, crisp day, with the scent of lightly roasted coffee, roasted pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple, as well as notes of rich milk and creamy butter. 14 oz.
Cedar Creek Candles cedarcreekcandles.com sales@cedarcreekcandles.com 260-615-0110
Metal Pumpkin
This rustic but elegant pumpkin is crafted from metal and finished with a burnt copper color. Approximately 19" t.
WT Collection Norfolk, Virginia www.wtcollection.com info@wtcollection.com 757-855-0800
A leader in wall art, home décor accents, and resin figurines. Crossroads Original Designs/Blossom Bucket Bucyrus, Ohio www.crossroadsfamily.com sales@crossroadsfamily.com 866-247-0156
The world doesn’t make things the way they used to, but we do. Made in USA
Second Nature By Hand Strongsville, Ohio www.secondnaturebyhand.com info@secondnaturebyhand.com 866-298-0433
New enamel pins with butterfly clasp. Halloween, Christmas & Everyday. Unique Gifts Company, Inc. Lawrence, Pennsylvania www.uniquegiftco.com uniquegiftco@aol.com 724-873-9100
Gourmet foods with beautiful packaging, perfect for any holiday display. Wind & Willow Mt. Vernon, Missouri windandwillow.com customerservice@windandwillow.com 888-427-3235
Fall florals, signs, plush, lights & more add a fresh look for the season.
The BEST dip mixes in the “country!” Country Home Creations Goodrich, Michigan chcdips.com info@chcdips.com 800-457-3477
Pumpkin Crow Rug & Coaster
This braided jute rug (27") and coaster (5") with a hand-stenciled pumpkin and crow design are part of the larger Pumpkin Crow collection that also includes trivets, chair pads, stair treads, and table runners. Made from durable organic jute. Capitol Earth Rugs earthrugs.com sales@earthrugs.com 800-562-1885
Boxed Cards: Encouragement, Modern
Celebrate a special occasion with an inspirational card. Fun and colorful artwork is paired with uplifting sentiments and scripture. Each box contains 12 fullcolor cards and envelopes (three cards each of four designs). 6.625" x 4.75".
Combine this mix with an egg white and raw pecans. When baking, the snack creates the most nostalgic smell. The sweet, crunchy roasted nuts that result remind us of fall festivals, local fairs, and Friday Night Lights. They are the perfect treat for sampling. Wind & Willow windandwillow.com customerservice@windandwillow.com 888-427-3235
Black and Orange Glass Ornaments
With more than 100 colors, nine sizes, and three finishes to choose from, every holiday is covered with this company’s selection of solidcolored glass ornaments. Black and orange are perfect for Halloween and fall décor.
The Whitehurst Company, LLC thewhitehurstcompany.com info@thewhitehurstcompany.com 585-473-4790
Tree of Life Tea Towel
Measuring 20" x 28", this tea towel has an autumn vignette in luscious gold and burgundy colorways. It is made of quality woven cotton jacquard. Made in Portugal. Mierco European Linens mierco.com info@mierco.com 888-277-8838
Plush Candy Corn Sitters
These plush sitters (7" h.) feature sherpa fleece, slightly weighted bodies, stitched facial detailing, and either a bow or hat accent. The two assorted sitters are sold separately.
With a haunted house outlined against an autumn sunset with bats, this print will create the ideal spooky atmosphere. Handcrafted in Indiana, candle sleeves and bases are interchangeable.
Primitive pumpkins, scarecrows, signs & more new items with a Fall theme. The Hearthside Collection Groveport, Ohio www.thehearthsidecollection.com contact@thehearthsidecollection.com 614-626-8493
Sustainable jewelry handcrafted from postconsumer beverage bottles.
Express yourself with stickers! All made in the USA. Stickers Northwest Tacoma, Washington www.stickersnorthwest.com orders@stickersnorthwest.com 253-344-1236
This unique glass stands out from the rest at special events. Each jeweled wine glass comes in its own decorative gift box.
The Queens’ Jewels www.thequeensjewels.net megan@thequeensjewels.net 314-695-2249
Boo Ghost Electric Candle
Boo, the playful ghost, is an adorable addition to Halloween décor. Candle sleeves and bases are interchangeable and skillfully handcrafted in Indiana.
All of the delicious flavors of a s’more are packed into this easy-to-prepare cheesecake mix. Perfect for nights when building a fire and sitting outside are just not in the cards.
Resin scarecrow figurines (three assorted) have fabric legs to dangle over the edge of a shelf or tray. Each scarecrow is 4.5" h. and features a resin hat and raffia hair. Sold individually.
This handmade Pyrex glass decoration can hang or sit. Egyptian Museum egyptianmuseum44.com egyptianmuseum44@msn.com 732-564-0830
This pair of planter stakes features matching left and right legs in orangeand-yellow-striped stockings with black boots. The boots have distinctive curled toes for a witchy feel. They are 8" w. x 12.5" h. x 0.5" d. without the metal dowel.
Col House Designs colhousedesigns.com custserv@colhousedesigns.com 800-777-1442
Handmade Stars from India Best Colors and Designs, Best Pricing, Large selection, Cords Sets in Stock, Quick Ship and Free shipping on promotional orders in the continental USA Lorab International www.lorab.com abby@lorab.com 800-747-0334 Some Restrictions May Apply
This decorative sign offers a raised-panel design with a simple frame. P. Graham Dunn Dalton, Ohio wholesale.PGrahamdunn.com shop@pgrahamdunn.com 800-828-5260
Pumpkin Helmet Football Gnomes
Adorably festive, sporty, and seasonal, these three assorted gnomes are the perfect addition to any fall tabletop display. Made of resin, they measure 4.5" w. x 5" h. x 3.5" d. Hanna’s Handiworks, LLC hannashandiworks.com wecare@hannashandiworks.com 800-899-7009
Where Quality Meets Fragrance Chestnut Hill Candle Chester, West Virginia www.chestnuthillcandle.com info@chestnuthillcandle.com 304-459-3081
Hydrangea & Pine Cone Wreath
The perfect accent for any room, this beautiful fall wreath features dusty-purple foliage, blue and purple hydrangea blooms, purple astilbe buds, and rustic brown pine cones. 6.5" inner diameter and 18" to 20" outer diameter.
This gorgeous, oversized tote is handcrafted from an authentic recycled military tent. It has one interior pocket, is fully lined, and has leather handles.
Made of 100% cotton, this kitchen towel is screen printed by hand. Made in Michigan. ellembee gift ellembeegift.com info@ellembee.com 248-520-7467
Pets & Pet Accessories
1. Baby Blue Dog Treat Jar
Pamper four-legged friends with the help of this treat jar. The durable stoneware has a rubber gasket inside the lid to keep treats fresh. A unique, one-of-a-kind look. Available in blue, green, caramel, and white.
Part of the Noble Gems collection, each of these three assorted ornaments features a different dog breed, expertly crafted from glass.
Kurt S. Adler, Inc. kurtadler.com info@kurtadler.com | 212-924-0900
3. Catnip-Infused Felted Balls With Recharging Tin
Felted balls are infused with B Happy, a proprietary catnip blend that may encourage catnip-indifferent cats to play. The balls come nestled in a metal tin and may be returned to it to recharge when the cat loses interest. Available in pastel or bright colors.
Simply B Vermont simplybvermont.com info@simplybvermont.com | 802-552-8078
4. Hanging Barnwood Heart With Dog Cutout
Mounted to a heart-shaped piece of authentic barnwood is a rusty metal cutout of a heart with a dog. Can also be done to feature a cat.
This toy is filled with premium North American catnip grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals. Made of 100% cotton fabric and polyester fiberfill. Each comes individually packaged in a cellophane bag, tied with a ribbon and tag. Made in USA. 3" x 7".
This braided jute trivet (10") features a hand-stenciled design. The durable, water-repellent fibers are great for protecting surfaces. The trivet can be used under a food or water bowl, plants, and more.
This paw balm is best for extremely dry and rough paw pads. It heals cuts, abrasions, cracks, and sores, in addition to relieving redness and inflammation.
Simply Sage Dog Treats, LLC simplysagedogtreats.com info@simplysagedogtreats.com | 770-256-8892
We have the perfect signs for all the pet lovers out there. Sawdust City LLC Eau Claire, Wisconsin www.sawdustcitywholesale.com sales@sawdustcitywholesale.com 800-528-6008
The wooden sign features a cutout dog silhouette and includes a metal hook for holding leashes. Comes ready for wall display with a sawtooth hanger on the back. 7" w. x 11" h. x 0.25" d.
The Hearthside Collection thehearthsidecollection.com contact@thehearthsidecollection.com | 614-626-8493
9. Cat With Wording Ornaments
These three assorted ornaments are cute, charming, and perfect for cat lovers. The phrases on them express how much a cat means to their owner. Kurt S. Adler, Inc. kurtadler.com info@kurtadler.com | 212-924-0900
Greeting Cards & Packaging
“Shine” Greeting Card
The inside of this 5" x 7" greeting card says, “Well I’m here what are your next two wishes.” The card is folded and pearl coated. A white envelope is included.
Each pin is carefully made with copper, nickel, brass, and beads and comes on a mailable card with an envelope. Handmade by Thai craftspeople who earn a fair, living wage. Pilgrim Imports, Inc. pilgrimimports.com pilgrimimports@aol.com 414-765-1200
Kristin Heldt Notecards
Featuring four designs from top-selling artists, each boxed set includes 12 blank notecards and 12 envelopes. Cards have a velvety feel and measure 6" x 4.75".
This handcrafted 6" x 6" greeting card comes with a blank insert, allowing for a personal message to be added. Cards double as displayable art. Quilling Card, LLC quillingcard.com orders@quillingcard.com 508-405-2888
Morning People Birthday Card
A kraft envelope is included with this sassy birthday card, which is printed on FSC-certified, 100% recycled paper. Made in USA. Inside verse: Happy Birthday, Sunshine. Shannon Martin Design shannonmartindesign.com orders@shannonmartindesign.com 877-957-0940
Starry Night Camping Birthday Card
This card features a watercolor design by acclaimed artist Louise Mulgrew. It is printed in the USA on 100% post-consumer recycled paper and is paired with a kraft envelope.
Biely & Shoaf Co. bielyshoaf.com orders@bielyshoaf.com 877-957-0940
Big Moods Stickers & Greeting Cards are hot sellers in retailers nationwide
Big Moods Warren, Michigan Bigmoods.com/retailer Retailer@bigmoods.com
Peony Paradise
Vivid and dramatic, this luxurious display of blooming peonies comes complete with a decorative indigo and white pot and matching notecard. This arrangement is symbolic of bliss and beauty and will surely wow loved ones. FreshCut Paper freshcutpaper.com hello@freshcutpaper.com 833-327-2737
Cards, boxed notes, magnets, and minicards that say a lot with a little. Cardthartic www.cardthartic.com sales@cardthartic.com 800-814-8145
Bestselling Series
Popular with Parents and Grandparents Shopping for Gifts
National Park Mystery Series
Castle Rock, Colorado https://nationalparkmysteryseries.com aaron@nationalparkmysteryseries.com 719-482-4718
Bed, Bath & Personal Care
1. Clear Cosmetic Case
This clear, split cosmetic case has handbag straps, inner zipper openings, and open pockets.
Jen & Co. jenandcowholesale.com info@jenandcowholesale.com 470-395-4822
2. Organic Petite Wrap
Each cotton batik wrap is filled with organic flaxseed, lavender flowers, and lavender essential oil. It relieves stress, tension, muscle aches and pain, and joint pain and stiffness. It also eases menstrual cramps. Use hot or cold. Wrap it around the lower back, shoulders, neck, knees, feet, or elbows when sitting.
Deep Breath Designs, LLC deepbreathdesigns.com info@deepbreathdesigns.com 520-616-0235
3. Whipped Sugar Scrub
No You Hang Up is a perfect blend of McIntosh and green apple fragrances, whipped into an exfoliating and moisturizing scrub that combines all-natural soap, sugar, shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil for a luxurious experience. 8 oz.
Cedar Creek Candles cedarcreekcandles.com sales@cedarcreekcandles.com 260-615-0110
4. Refreshing Shower Mist
This refreshing minty mist transforms an ordinary shower into a wonderful aromatherapy experience. Simply spray it into a steamy shower. This product is perfect for people looking for convenient aromatherapy options. 4 fl. oz.
Las Vegas Market is the sourcing event of the season, with an unparalleled destination full of unique West Coast resources that cannot be missed.
The state-of-the-art four building campus offers thousands of gift, home décor, and furniture resources, providing retailers and designers with more opportunities to find new product while cultivating new cross-category connections. From trendspotting to resource discovery, there are endless possibilities at Las Vegas Market, July 28 to Aug. 1. Visit LasVegasMarket.com to jumpstart your market experience, register, and learn more.
Daily Self Care
In the hustle and bustle of life, more individuals are incorporating mini self-care rituals into their daily routines. Be on the lookout for journals, affirmation cards, and other giftable wellness products.
Pukka Pads United Kingdom pukkastationery.com info@pukka.pads.co.uk (+44) 01202 339 960
The Expo
Rounded Edges
Round furnishings and décor are on the rise, thanks to consumers who want to maximize space while making a statement. Rounded and scalloped edges soften key pieces, such as sofas, chairs, or even eye-catching wall décor.
Accent Decor Chamblee, GA accentdecor.com support@accentdecor.com 770-346-0707 C124
Rug & Kilim Long Island City, NY rugandkilim.com info@rugandkilim.com 212-829-9995
The Expo
54Celsius Great Barrington, MA 54celsius.com sales@54celsius.com 413-340-5137
The Expo
Global Views Dallas, TX globalviews.com customerservice@globalviews.com 888-956-0030 A153, A154
Desert Hues
Nothing says welcome home like warm tones. The West-Coast-inspired desert hues have captured consumers’ attention thanks to their inviting and uplifting palette. Warm reds, sunset oranges, soothing browns, and enticing yellows and pinks will shine brightly this summer.
Scent-sations
The relaxation and escapism of scent is ever-present in the home, but buyers of all ages are setting their sights on artistic candles that are equal parts beauty and indulgent. Be on the lookout for candle designs that double as statement art.
Bejeweled Accents
Consumers are gravitating toward eye-catching metallics that accent any space. The subtle and sophisticated glam in the form of vases and wall art is ideal for brightening any interior.
Look for These Three Trends at Atlanta Market
Explore 6,000 brands at Atlanta Market, July 16-22, including new vendors, new products, and new trends across gift, lifestyle, seasonal, outdoor, home, and more.
This summer, you will find a streamlined lineup for the Temporaries, showcasing all the merchandise you love in a more cohesive presentation. The Gardens — your destination for garden décor and related gifts — is also getting a refresh, with an easy-toshop layout on Floor 9 in Building 2.
While mushrooms are still having their moment across all things gift, here are a few other trends you can expect to find at Summer Market. Visit AtlantaMarket.com for more information and to register.
Scrumptious Skincare
The demand for personal care products now spans the ages, with even elementary schoolers looking to treat their face and body with care. Look for bright, fresh scents and fun textures.
FarmHouse Fresh McKinney, TX farmhousefreshgoods.com customercare@farmhousefreshgoods.com 888-773-9626 Building 2, 1818
Noble Mick’s Sparks, MD noblemicks.com info@noblemicks.com 443-281-8551 Building 2, 1500
Rigwa Life Charleston, SC rigwalife.com support@rigwalife.com Building 2, 1819
Effortless Mixology
Consumers continue to seek out cocktail and mocktail mixes that take the guesswork out of serving up the perfect drink. Enticing packaging and a small footprint makes these easy add-on purchases for nearly any store. Look for varieties that taste equally delicious with or without alcohol to reach a broader demographic.
Portable Parties
Whether having an outdoor celebration or simply taking a meal on-the-go, consumers are looking for environmentally friendly containers and serveware to keep food fresh and contained.
Employee
Elevate Management
BY NICOLE LEINBACH
As a senior leader, it is important to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your store operations, inventory, and even employees.
Measuring employee behavior helps shape an ideal work culture for your unique store by formalizing the values you want them to demonstrate in daily interactions. Over time, this can illustrate both the positive and room-to-be-improved responsibilities they offer and collectively bring enhanced transparency to your store operations.
In order to measure employees, you need to begin with identifying observable and tangible behaviors that model the values you want them to execute. This should be portrayed from your leadership team — ultimately teaching by example. These values may include some of the following behaviors.
Listen to Your Team
Tips for Modeling the Values You Want To See
Demonstrating strong listening skills shows you expect the same in return. When communicating with your team, be sure to make eye contact, acknowledge concerns, summarize conversations to ensure employees know you listened, and ask questions as needed.
This helps employees feel validated and heard — always an important value to team members — while also strengthening your understanding of these same conversations. Additional attributes to enhance listening include not interrupting others when they speak, avoiding facial expressions that portray judgment, and keeping additional tasks at bay instead of trying to multi-task to get things done. Stay focused so your team also learns to stay focused when having active conversations.
When you set the standards high for conversations, your employees will heighten their standards as well. An added benefit is this behavior is then mimicked through employee and customer conversations — a win that is certainly valued in any store. Lead by example.
Offer Time to Your Employees
Retailers are busy is an understatement. But rushing from one to-do list to the next responsibility without giving time to employees for their needs can take a toll on store health and employee wellbeing.
As each day passes, allocate time and assistance to employees to serve and meet their specific needs. It may be as simple as answering some questions, hearing ideas they have about inventory, or brainstorming about new marketing ideas they have for the store.
Of course, time-off requests, store struggles, colleague complaints, and more can sometimes fill this time. But all of it is important if it is important to your employees.
Challenge yourself to find this time – thinking of it also as a way to get another perspective to which you can relate. And then challenge your employees to share more through their communication and time management as well.
Arrive on Time, Ready To Work
If you want your employees to walk into work ready to go, then you need to do this, too. Depending on your store culture and expectations, it may mean already having your coffee in hand versus preparing one or even walking to a local coffee spot once the clock starts. For others, it may mean being on the store floor versus the backroom when the scheduled time to work begins. Whatever your definition of on-time looks like, set those standards and keep them noticeable. This paints the picture of employee expectations and allows you to reference these values in future employee reviews or meetings — reflecting on behaviors of others.
Another way to share these values is by creating a store-start checklist that is easily seen in your store’s backroom or other area employees frequent. It can be a friendly — but important — reminder checklist that keeps associates on track with store values for not only your start-of-schedule routine, but other daily goals, reminders, motivators, and more.
Demonstrate Inclusiveness
Want the hard truth of not-so-ideal retail leadership? Their own behaviors are not always positive, which can greatly impact the members of their team. Those behaviors include easily identifying who they prefer — and even do not like — on their store teams.
Playing “favorites” among employees or notably having best friends within your team can trickle down and affect other employees negatively. You may also notice some employees have identified their own favorite peers, leaving others to feel less than welcomed. When you stand in the shoes of those who feel this way, how do you think it may impact their store performance? Inclusiveness should be the desired approach to elevate team behavior. And this begins with store leadership ensuring that nothing but inclusivity will be tolerated for them and their entire store team.
Leading by example is key here. Addressing others who are not portraying positive relationships to the team is also essential. These can be tricky situations to fix, but if you avoid them happening entirely, that is the best approach to move ahead in your employee management.
Delegate Store Responsibilities
Georganne Bender, one half of the retail expert duo KIZER & BENDER, believes great leaders use delegation to ease store operator responsibilities and boost employee morale.
“Loosen the reins a little and delegate. Too many independent store owners try and run the store all by themselves, but this leads to exhaustion on their part and frustrates store associates who want to do more,” Bender said.
If you want a store environment that has team-oriented values, then sharing responsibilities should be part of this strategy. Having trust in each person who delivers each respective responsibility is ideal.
However, this also means teaching your team to meet your expectations of tasks at hand. Be sure this is among your standards and then measure the performance of these tasks over time.
In Conclusion
By demonstrating the behaviors highlighted above, store leaders position themselves to start measuring the behaviors of their team. This should include regular one-on-one conversations designated to review store performance and employee contributions, as well as formalized reviews that ideally take place bi-annually but no less than once a year. Some business leaders prefer to do formal reviews quarterly, believing the more performance is measured, the higher the standards become.
Creating a report card like measurement system can be a great starting point for reviews. Being able to reference them again and again as each review passes will also provide clarity about employee growth, mishaps, opportunities, and more.
Remember, employee behavior can be measured. The catch is, unless you measure it, you cannot improve it. So, begin with your standards, then your own behavior, and finally your employee response to both. From there, start measuring your employee contributions to truly begin elevating employee — and store — success.
Nicole Leinbach 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, Leinbach welcomes you to connect via Instagram at @RetailMindedWorld and Twitter via @RetailMinded
WESA TRADE SHOW
YOUR ULTIMATE TRADE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL THINGS HORSE AND RIDER!
Immerse yourself in the latest from over 350 exhibitors unveiling innovative products, newest trends and customer favorites. Mark your calendar for the August WESA Trade Show. Don't miss the opportunity to elevate your retail experience!
FixtureS VerSuS Furniture
Display Tips for Your Hard and Soft Lines
Chances are your store has both official fixtures AND furniture used as fixtures — and that is fine.
The dilemma is determining which tool is best for which job. There are no universal solutions — no one-size-fits-all categories.
But trust me, the tables, cubes, racks, hutches, and shelves you use for your product can make a big difference in the efficiency and
effectiveness of your store layout. Money spent on items that are less than professionally made or unreliable in terms of safety and maintenance is wasted money. And who has money to waste? Nobody.
There are resources for each consumer. Furniture items are sold as either consumer items (everyday use in homes) or contract grade (heavy, continuous wear and tear in places like hotels, restaurants, and retail).
For retail-specific fixtures, there are trade shows and showrooms for business owners. In some cases, there is minimum purchase pricing, which can be cost prohibitive for independent shops.
I recommend visiting websites like vmsd.com for a glimpse at the range of offerings shown in ads. If you are looking to create a fixture plan for your store with coordinated styles and finishes, this is where you should go. If your look is a bit more eclectic, you should be able to mix and match.
Hard Versus Soft Lines
While there are some merchandise overlaps between bed linens and T-shirts on nesting tables, the traditional size and quantities of goods demand different pieces of merchandising or display items. This is what you need for hard lines:
• Tables — nesting and individual, with or without tablecloths or runners.
• Etageres.
• Shelves — freestanding and wall-mounted.
• Hutches.
• Risers/pedestals/plinths.
• Baskets — wicker, wood, and rattan. Be sure there are no snagging risks.
It is unlikely you will need floor standing racks for hanging items, but I have seen them used for table and bed linens. The following are needed for soft lines:
• Clothing racks — usually chrome — T-stands, four ways, and rounders.
• Tables, preferably nesting.
• Wall-mounted shelving, rails, and brackets.
• Tabletop trays and baskets for accessories.
• Glass-topped counters/vitrines for accessories.
• Armoires/wardrobes.
As you see, both hard and soft lines utilize tables and shelves. Shelves are shelves are shelves, right? Wrong! What are you putting on those shelves, and how much weight do they hold?
Weight limits are posted for both commercial and consumer products. Pay attention to that magic number.
An expensive, decorative wall-mounted shelf meant for an apartment or home can do a decent job holding small candles or accent pieces in your shop. But if you overload them with jars of jam, books, or pottery, I guarantee your shelves will bow. The unit might simply pull away from the wall — ruining the product on display.
Before you hit purchase for SHELVES, evaluate the following details:
• What is the weight limit?
• Are you drilling into drywall? Use anchors.
• Are the shelves solid wood or medium density fiberboard that has been painted or laminated? Manufactured lumber keeps costs down but is vulnerable to warping.
• Is it sturdy? Customer safety is paramount.
• If it is a large shelving unit, be prepared to attach it to the wall. Items over 5 feet often become top heavy and risk toppling.
Or perhaps you are looking for TABLES — round, rectangular, nesting, folding, accent, stacking — smaller tables to use near your entrance for trends statements or maybe larger surfaces for tableware and decorative accessories for homes.
As you shop, you will experience the same commercial versus consumer categories. Do not forget that tables can be covered with full tablecloths to the floor, with toppers or runners for an additional color or texture.
Sources for Fixtures
When I am looking for lightweight, low-cost, short-term items that will be more decorative than durable, I inevitably begin at Cost Plus World Market. If you want to dip your toes in the world of official furniture and see what is available, there is always Facebook Marketplace.
Many treasures turn up on that platform. Habitat for Humanity and other resale/recycling outlets help drive sustainability goals, which is long overdue in the visual merchandising industry.
If I need something sturdier, I begin at IKEA. While the traditional selection may lean toward dorm room or first apartment, what is utilitarian and cost-efficient for that market can suit your needs quite easily. I recommend you have a trusted second pair of hands on-site to correctly execute the assembly.
Finally, official fixtures for less? The bad news is many chain and big-box retailers have closed. The good news is that often means there are liquidation sales.
Regional malls are often sitting on quantities of racks, T-stands, and shelves that will go to liquidators for resale. I recommend contacting your closest mall and asking for assistance to track down that information.
Malls are also eager to rid their storage areas of excess items. Again, make a call — it is worth a shot. You will likely find the same manufactured fixtures that are advertised in VM+SD magazine and exhibited at industry trade shows like Retail Innovation (Globalshop).
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.
At a recent trade show, goodMRKT seamlessly blended World Market Items (blue) with more commercial fixtures like T-stands and shelving units (green). AMY MEADOWS PHOTOS
I always find inexpensive, lightweight items at Marshalls. These could be repainted, placed next to guest seating, or stacked atop a bench or table.
Parting: Such Sweet Sorrow?
If you have a staff, it is inevitable: Sooner or later, someone is going to leave. Sometimes it is voluntary; sometimes it is not. How you communicate this departure to the rest of your staff can make a big difference in the transition.
Jason Evanish, CEO of Get Lighthouse, Inc., a management training company, writes on the company’s blog, “if you’ve done a good job as a manager, departures should never be a total surprise.” So, once an employee decides to leave, it is wise to let other employees know soon.
How much should you share about their reasons for leaving? It depends; if it is under positive circumstances, you can certainly share that with others or let the departing employees share. If it is due to poor performance, Evanish notes it may not be a surprise to other staff members, and you might keep your explanation brief and simple.
Just as important is communicating clearly about the next steps — how will this affect other employees’ work? Will they have additional duties? Will you hire someone else?
Also, recognize the departing person may have been friends with other staff members who could be unhappy about the loss of their co-worker and take care to address concerns and questions. “Handling employee departures with care shows what kind of leader you are,” Evanish said. “Building an enduring team culture means valuing relationships above all. That bond doesn’t break when someone departs. Send them off with support to start their next chapter, and avoid any bitterness, even if they are fired.” Read Evanish’s blog post at bit.ly/43mqcKI for additional insights.
Polish Up a Good Finish
We have long been taught first impressions are the most important in our business dealings. But entrepreneur life coach Andrea Beach argues last impressions can be crucial, too.
In an interview with small-business writer Rieva Lesonsky, on allbusiness.com, Beach notes a good final impression is “one that lingers in the minds of individuals and leaves a positive, memorable mark after an interaction…. the lasting emotional residue of the encounter.”
She said people tend to remember the last part of an encounter, and the last impression “often seals the deal and fosters loyalty.” It sounds easy enough, but business owners can take the glow off a good encounter’s finish by being too rushed, neglecting necessary follow-up, or ignoring feedback from customers.
Change for the Better
Change can be scary for small-business owners. You have a lot at stake, have to worry about big- and small-picture issues, and sometimes have just fallen into a comfortable routine. But change is also necessary for growth, and business owner Chris Del Grande, writing on inc.com, encourages business owners to face change head-on.
Del Grande, president and co-founder of Valued Merchant Services, an electronic payment services provider, notes owners need to consistently educate themselves about their industry and technology. This applies to their employees as well. Owners need to “embrace learning as a part of your business’s DNA,” he said. Do not be afraid to reach out to other experts or business owners to share insights and information. Keep your employees informed through clear communication if you are starting something new — and it is wise to start with smaller changes before taking bigger steps.
“Embrace the mess, the uncertainty, the fear. Let it fuel you, not freeze you. You’re not just building a business; you’re building yourself and all the people on your team that you lead. Every setback, every fear overcome, is shaping you into the entrepreneur, the person, you’re meant to be.”
CHAD WILLARDSON, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF PACIFIC CAPITAL, ON ENTREPRENEUR.COM.
Main Street Program
Digital Skills Minimize Your Marketing Mistakes Builds
Main Street America, the national Main Street organization, is expanding the Small Biz Digital Trainers program it launched in 2023. The program is aimed at building small-business owners’ digital skills.
It provides in-person training, individual coaching, and virtual live and on-demand workshops on a variety of topics. MSA developed the program in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The group’s research found smallbusiness owners were eager to learn more about digital tools that could help with marketing and operations. The initiative is led by a team of four expert coaches who host quarterly 90-minute webinars, a series of short learning modules, and a weekly office hour for open dialogue and Q&A.
Topic areas include using SMS for marketing, creating video content for social media, choosing the right e-commerce platform, and integrating artificial intelligence into marketing. Since the program kicked off in spring 2023, more than 115,000 people have participated.
In post-training surveys, 94% of program participants said the partnership’s impact on small-business owners has been either somewhat or extremely positive. Seventy-five percent of the respondents indicated the impact was extremely positive.
Main Street also offers a variety of small-business resources on its website, including a series of free, on-demand video workshops and “Main Street Business Insights,” a podcast featuring interviews with Main Street business owners from across the country. Visit bit.ly/4cl2a6D to learn more about the Small Biz Digital Trainers program.
Marketing your business can sometimes get short shrift over your day-to-day activities. It can also be fraught with missteps and wasted time and money as you look for the best — and most efficient — ways to attract customers to your business. Writing for the Fayetteville, Georgia, Citizen, marketing agency owner Joe Domaleski points out 10 common marketing mistakes made by small-business owners. They include:
Marketing without a plan. Who are your customers? How will you reach them? A plan does not have to be complicated, but it does need to include basics, such as budget, activities, and performance measures.
Neglecting consistent quality in your materials and efforts. This includes using blurry images, poorly written copy, and badly designed print and online materials.
Not following up on website and email analytics. Tracking your online presence is an effective was to measure what is and is not working.
See more of Domaleski’s list at bit.ly/3TfSvWt.
“Having
my own stores allows me to experience the joy of being the buyer. I feel like that is the icing on the cake — to be able to curate the perfect array of home décor and gifts that customers fall in love with.”
The RusTic Rose
Providing Delightful Shopping and Affordable Decorating
Rosalyn Housley fell in love with decorating and sales when she started working for Home Interiors and Gifts in 1981.
“I helped thousands of people decorate their homes over my 25-year career,” she said. Her tenure with the direct sales company was followed by a move from Florida to North Carolina with her husband, Jim.
Jim continued his building business there. They sold vacation cabins that were turnkey decorated, and that started Rosalyn on the path of wholesale buying.
“I quickly noticed the more quantity you purchased of any item, the less expensive the cost (was) per item,” she said. “I am a bargain shopper by nature, so I thought why not open a store and have a place to retail all the items I was purchasing, as well as use my background in home decorating.”
In 2008, Rosalyn and Jim opened the first Rustic Rose in a small town in the mountains of North Carolina. It remained in that location throughout its seven years.
Rosalyn explained how the store’s name was chosen. “Since we started in the mountains, we wanted the store to fit with our location, so the word ‘Rustic’ only seemed right,” she said. “My name is Rosalyn, and The Rustic Rose went up in lights!”
She said, “It was a perfect beginning since we were starting from scratch and searching out what lines of home décor and gifts were a fit for the look we wanted. I worked the store, my husband helped in the backroom, and my good friend helped part time. We steadily grew our business — learning as we went along — and decided to expand back to our home in Florida.”
They opened their second location in Parrish, Florida, and two years later, moved it into a larger space across the road. In 2016, they sold that store to their manager, who continues to own and run it.
Rosalyn and Jim brought The Rustic Rose Home Accents and Gifts to Florida’s The Villages in 2014. Four years later, they moved the fashion part of the store across the square and opened The Rustic Rose Fashion Boutique.
“The Villages is the largest retirement city in the world. People move here from all over to enjoy what this community has to offer,” she said. “We are located on one of the town squares where 365 days a year there is living music, dining, and dancing … and, of course, lots of shopping!”
Challenges, Turning Points
Rosalyn said one of the biggest challenges of having a busy store open 11 hours a day is finding
From left are Rosalyn Housley, Kara Clark, and Nicole Scarpelli. Kara manages the home décor store, and Nicole manages the fashion boutique.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBRA SNYDER
A variety of items are featured in this display at
The Rustic Rose Home Accents and Gifts.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBRA SNYDER
The Rustic Rose specializes in Florida home décor.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RUSTIC ROSE
Framed prints and canvases are found inside the home décor store.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RUSTIC ROSE
Rustic Rose’s home décor store and fashion boutique are on the same square in The Villages, Florida.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEBRA SNYDER
the “work family” to cover the shifts and offer excellent customer service. The warehouse employees keep the merchandise flowing. The managers help with the buying and constant merchandising throughout the store. Kara Clark manages the home décor store, and Nicole Scarpelli manages the fashion boutique. “After 10 years, we have an awesome team that enjoys what we do and has fun while doing it,” Rosalyn said.
Opening Rustic Rose in The Villages was the store’s turning point. “The other locations did well, but The Villages is like the perfect storm of customers who love to shop, and many of them are purchasing new homes,” she said. “Many folks are moving here from other parts of the country, so they are looking for a new style, and we specialize in charming Florida home décor, and the boutique offers Florida fashion.”
The home décor store has such items as framed art and canvases, metal wall décor, lanterns, candleholders, candles, silk florals, greenery, figurines, and vases. The fashion boutique sells ladies tops, pants, dresses, hats, jewelry, and handbags.
What sells well? Rosalyn said they have curated a beautiful line of wall art from local to international vendors, and it produces the top dollars of their inventory. She described tabletop accessories and florals as the “bread and butter of the business.”
On average, they sell 400 items a day out of the 2,000-square-foot home décor store. And since The Villages is a huge golfing and sports community, some of the top sellers at the fashion boutique are shorts and skorts, she said.
“Most of the basics we have carried from the beginning, but every year when we do buying trips, we always look for the next exciting new vendor or product line,” she said. “We keep an eye on what has sat too long on the shelf and what we need to expand.”
Rosalyn shared advice for other store owners. “Develop an eye for what customers are looking for. Don’t be afraid to try something new,” she said. “And ask every new vendor what their specials are and what it takes to get to the next level of buying power.”
She also said, “When it is time to make an exit (for me, that will be retiring), make a plan for keeping your dream alive. I have two amazing young managers who are allowing me to take a step back while teaching them every in and out of running a crazy busy retail store. They will be the future owners of my stores when it is time for me to fully retire, and my dream will become theirs.”
Customer Care
Both stores have the same typical customers. They are retirees who love to shop, are interested in looking fashionable, and want to find unique items for their homes, Rosalyn said.
In-store decorating is offered to customers. This includes everything from designing florals and tablescapes to decorating ideas for entire rooms. At the fashion boutique, they help women find the right style and look for their body shape and size, as well as accessories to complete the outfit.
She said having trained staff who can give customers one-on-one help; displaying merchandise in beautiful, eye-catching vignettes throughout the store; and having prices that make customers smile all set their customer service apart from other stores.
Their tagline is, “Delightful Shopping and Affordable Decorating.” Rosalyn said that from the moment customers walk in the front door, they are wowed with beautiful, well-coordinated
displays set up on unique furniture, with no detail spared.
Customers describe the home décor shop as a place full of ever-changing merchandise for one’s home and lifestyle. They describe the fashion boutique’s clothing selections as trendy and well-priced.
Rustic Rose’s website provides an overview of each store and its products. Rosalyn said they collect email addresses on a little pad at the front of the store and send emails about every 10 days to highlight new arrivals and store specials. Pictures of the stores and their merchandise are shared on Facebook as well.
After being in The Villages for 10 years, Rustic Rose has a strong presence in the community. She said they have numerous regular customers and see many of them on a weekly basis.
For Rosalyn, it is not just a business to make an income but a passion to be enjoyed to the fullest. “Having my own stores allows me to experience the joy of being the buyer. I feel like that is the icing on the cake — to be able to curate the perfect array of home décor and gifts that customers fall in love with,” she said. “I love creating the displays with new and fun vignettes. And I love helping the customer shop and making the sale!”
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Locations: 3646 Kiessel Road, The Villages, FL 32163 (Fashion boutique) 2757 West Torch Lake Drive, The Villages, FL 32163
Website: therusticrose.net
Email: therusticrose3@gmail.com
Phone: 352-399-5407
(Fashion boutique) 352-571-5256
Employees: 17
(Fashion boutique) six
Sizes: 2,400 sq. ft. (Fashion boutique) 1,200 sq. ft.
Trade Shows Attended: Atlanta Market, Dallas Market
Product Categories: Pictures, wall art, metal and wood art, candles, figurines, candleholders, lanterns, pottery, vases, foam flowers, succulents
