Back In The Saddle Again, Redoux

Hi, there, friends, we're finally back to keeping this blog up, after moving and getting things set up in our new store!  In case you haven't heard, we found a sweet little storefront on Fair Oaks Avenue that we just love.  We've also taken advantage of the move to re-brand the store, so we're now called "Hoopla! An Emporium Of Good Things".  Although our name has changed, our core mission has not, and this move has only intensified our endeavors to highlight the many local artists, makers, and entrepreneurs our area has to offer!

That said, as I was perusing Facebook a bit earlier, I ran across this post from our friend, Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doctor, and felt it was something important enough for me to copy whole and post here.  This is a subject that I'm pretty sure you know is very intregal to our core mission, and I couldn't be happier that someone else thinks the same way!  I love that Bob says to commit to step it up (instead of leaning in), I love that he stresses communication, and I just adore that he asks that we build a better world.  We can do that, you know. 

Mob Rule

Back in the 5th century, Greek historian Herodotus said, "There is nothing more foolish, nothing more given to outrage than a useless mob."  Normally, we would agree with that, seeing all the damage done throughout history by mobs.  The word "mob" itself holds all these negative connotations and is used, like in Herodotus' quote, in a disparaging way. 


What if we could take that word and turn its meaning into something different?  Make it something not so sinister and menacing, but happier - joyous, even!  Reaching across centuries of abhorrent use, people are now using it for an altruistic purpose.  The news stories have been buzzing lately about groups of people organizing what they term a "cash mob" in order to bring much needed trade to flagging local businesses.  The story here in the International Business Times gives the basic story, and there's even a blog here about how to organize one.

We were the grateful recipients of a cash mob today.  Organized by some wonderful friends, old and new, here in Altadena, they came in starting a bit after noon.  When the day was over, we had Sunday totals that hadn't been seen since the holidays!  We are touched deeply by being "mobbed" and we'd like to make sure that everyone who participated, and all of those people who weren't part of it but got in the spirit with everyone, know how very thankful we are.  Not just for the sales, although that's a wonderful thing, but for the good will and the thought behind the "mobbing"!  I can't say it enough - thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!

Have a great week, friends!  It's Girl Scout Cookie time - we've made a donation to our local Girl Scout troop (crew member Megan's little sister Kiera, who looked adorable in her Daisy Scout smock!) and are serving your favorites along with our fresh coffee and tea (or lemonade, depending on the weather), so come on by and see us soon!  There's a shipment of new toys in store, some fabulous new fashion accessories, a new shipment of home office essentials (multi-color pen sets, binder & paper clips in an array of colors, envelopes (still available by the each!) and some very nice report covers and portfolios in stock now.  Hope to see you at WFS!

Lori & Scott



 

A Prosperous Water Dragon Year!

 

 

 

 

Long Nian Da Ji

Tomorrow begins the Chinese New Year, The Year Of The Dragon.  The Chinese zodiac is made up of 12 signs, similar to the Western system, but their signs are comprised of animals.  The Dragon is the major symbol of good fortune in Chinese Astrology.  The Dragon constellation, for example, is accorded the honor of being the guardian of the Eastern sky.  According to tradition, the Dragon brings in the Four Blessings of the East: wealth, virtue, harmony and longevity.

This year is also considered a water element year, and so is thought doubly prosperous in matters of financial success, family and romance.  While I was researching Chinese astrology, I found it interesting that ever since 1996, the year element has been in a destructive relationship with the fixed element of the animal sign. That is the longest unfavorable period in the 60 year cycle of Chinese Astrology, and that means a scarcity of good luck. The year 2012 is thus blessed not only by the lucky Dragon but also the end of that destructive cycle.  All signs are pointing to 2012 being a better and luckier year for everyone, especially for our country's beleaguered small businesses.

I ran across an article by Robert Safian in Fast Company called This Is Generation Flux: Meet The Pioneers Of The New (And Chaotic) Frontier Of Business.  It's a fascinating piece that details the emerging young pioneers that have challenged today's economy by recognizing that "the future of business is pure chaos" and how they, and we, can survive and even thrive in these fast changing times.  The author asserts that "We are under constant pressure to learn new things. It can be daunting. It can be exhilarating."

Exhilarating, indeed!  I have to admit that even as worrisome business has become in the past few years, particularly for independent retailers, it's been quite a wild ride.  I'm excited by so many innovations and possibilities this new frontier offers and how they relate to our store.  Says Mashable's 26-year old founder, Pete Cashmore, "All these industries are being revolutionized.  It's come to technology first, but it will reach every industry. You're going to have businesses rise and fall faster than ever." 

Of course, it's the evolution of business as we know it, and it's happening at lightening-speed, or so it seems.  Beth Comstock, the chief marketing officer of GE, says, "Business-model innovation is constant in this economy.  You start with a vision of a platform. For a while, you think there's a line of sight, and then it's gone. There's suddenly a new angle."  I'm painfully aware of those angles, aren't you?  The great thing about this type of atmosphere is the opportunity it affords to learn.  We learn, we adapt, and we keep ourselves moving forward. 

One thing Mr. Safian says resonated with me.  It's something I've been saying since we took over our store.  He says, "If ambiguity is high and adaptability is required, then you simply can't afford to be sentimental about the past. Future-focus is a signature trait of Generation Flux. It is also an imperative for businesses: trying to replicate what worked yesterday only leaves you vulnerable."  GE's Peters says, "Some people question changing our (business) definitions.  When they do, I ask: How many of you use the same cell phone from five years ago? The world isn't the same, so we need new parameters."  I agree with Ms. Peters.  The world isn't the same, our towns aren't the same and we can't sit and mourn the fact.  We need to deal with the changing world on its terms, not ours - adapt, realign and move forward!

Wishing you the best this new year has to offer, my friends - may it be good to you and yours!

Lori & Scott

An Open Letter To Our Crew Members

This was originally written by Cinda Baxter, the founder of The 3/50 Project, but she took the words right out of my mouth.  I wished I had written this, but nevertheless, it's a beautiful letter and one that I distributed this evening to our crew members during our quarterly meeting.  I think it says so much - and since I'm a store owner that believes in transparency, I'm sharing it with you.  Perhaps, if you're an employer, you can use it or parts of it to give to your own employees.  Perhaps you don't have any employees.  In that case, give it a read anyway - I think you'll find that the underlying notes of thankfulness and praise uplifting:

                           AN OPEN LETTER TO OUR CREW MEMBERS

 

Dear Crew Members,

Let’s face it – the past three years have been rough (more accurately, they’ve been like a blind-folded ride on an out-of-control roller coaster with questionable brakes and really screechy music).  You’ve probably seen my moods careen up and down a bit too, between customers, vendors, reps and inventory concerns (not to mention the nasty in-laws).  Sorry about that.  Some days, as the owner of a retail store, it’s hard not to blur a few lines.

This stuff is personal to me....which is why I want to share a few thoughts with you here.  When the store first opened, things were more predictable.  Sales had a natural ebb and flow at precise times of year, certain lines were practically bulletproof for us and customers enjoyed shopping.  I slept six hours each night, and paid invoices without holding my breath (most of the time, anyway).

But things changed when the market crashed.  Sale figures now ricochet like ping pong balls, vendors compete against us online and customers split hairs over 15 cents price differences.  Sleep is a far away dream; I practically turn blue when balancing the checkbook.

So yes, I've also changed with the times, examining every decision like it's the biggest one on earth, watching every penny like it's the last one on earth and relying on you like you're the last employees on earth.

Because to me, you are. You're the people I entrust my customers to, who are so near and dear to me.  And you're the reason we continue to paddle forward in these strange, unpredictable waters.  Which is why I appreciate you so much, even though sometimes, my focus on the bottom line masks that.

•  I appreciate that you don't ask for an extra week of vacation afte rhaving taken two weeks this summer, aware that our customers need you.
• I appreciate that you're honest and trustworthy, not putting friends' purchases on your employee discount.
• I appreciate that when I occasionally flip out, you step back and give me space, confident that with a little time, the steam will stop billowing from my ears.

• And I appreciate the fact that through all the insanity known as "life in retail", you remain upbeat and positive, making our customers feel at home.   

Sometimes, the necessary nuts and bolts feel a bit cold - signing off on the employee handbook, remembering to write down your hours - but that's what keeps the train on the tracks.  Each time you fulfill one of those boring handbook guidelines, it prevents stress on the business and everyone associated with it.


I know that on occasion, I harp about keeping things tidy, displays dusted, and holes filled....which might not be reflected by the catastrophe on my desk at any given time.


Housekeeping isn't exciting or fun, but customers notice.  If they pick up an item dulled by dust, they assume it's bad merchandise that nobody wants.  If there's a gaping hole on the shelf, it looks like we don't care, don't notice, or worse - can't afford to fill it.  If things get cluttered, we look like a bargain bin, which definitely isn't our goal.


And yes, sometimes, my methods might seem perplexing.  Why, for instance, does the list of four bodies scheduled for the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend have to include yours?  Why not someone else?  Simple.  Each of you lovely souls has a unique personality and skill set.  When I piece together schedules, those gifts are taken into consideration so the store has the balance it needs.  Given all the big box and Internet competition around the holidays, it's more important than ever that we provide the perfect combination of people so customers get the best experience possible.


In the end, my quirks and requests point in the same direction:  Keeping us upright, pleasant and profitable.  If one of those elements wobbles, everything does....and customers find somewhere else to shop.  Heaven knows, we don't want that, since it hurts everyone whose paycheck has our store name at the top.


Thanks for being the wonderful people I recognized during your interviews.  Thanks for remembering that I, too, am only human.  And thanks for your heartfelt desire to see the store thrive. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Your Employer


Have a great week ahead, friends, we'll talk next week!

Lori and Scott