Yesterday was what every business owner dreads but knows in inevitable at times. No sales for Zoe yesterday. Wednesdays (with the exception of the first day we opened) have been very quiet and yesterday was no exception. I enjoyed visiting with the people who came into the store but our visits did not translate to purchases.
I've known this would happen and had mentally prepared myself for it. Today (Thursday) is the first day I've done any significant advertising (in advance of the Grand Opening tomorrow). Janice is coming in later today to help me change over the mannequins in the display window to give it an extra pop for the Grand Opening.
Other Grand Opening activities include hanging the banner later today, receiving the flower arrangement (given to me by my mother/brother) from The Enchanted Florist tomorrow morning, preparing the free gift for distribution, and preparing the items for the discount drawing!
When I was involved in fundraising for W&M, one thing we used to say is that we had to develop Friends of the College (one of my fellow board members referred to it as "friendraising") before we could ask people for money. The more people I have the opportunity to connect with and visit the store, the more likely those contacts turn into sales.
While the ultimate goal of any business is to make money, I will say that I love the opportunity to be part of this community. Yesterday while walking to CVS before opening, a man asked me where to find the Alexandria Circuit Court. Since it was on my way, I offered to walk him there (and also warned him about the parking requirements!) We had a great chat about transportation practices in Europe as I walked him to the Courthouse. Hopefully, he will leave Alexandria with a good feeling in mind.
Another day, as I was walking to my car after closing the store, a man stopped me (he was in his car) and asked where the Bike Shop was. Well, there are 3 bike shops close by (Union Street also functions as the Mt. Vernon Bike Trail through Old Town and many people rent bikes from the shops)! I asked him which one it was and he didn't know! I gave him directions to all three!
Also as I was leaving earlier this week, I saw a couple dressed in their wedding attire getting pictures made in the middle of the cobblestone section of Prince Street. There are photo shoots regularly on that block of Prince because it is such a gorgeous setting.
Looking forward to what today will bring!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
My Steamer
Oh, how I love my Jiffy Steamer! On Monday, I received the Summer shipment of Velvet. Of course, they package it so that they can ship as much as possible in the smallest box possible. I unpacked everything on Tuesday and hung it up to shake the wrinkles out. This morning, I steamed the pieces. The wrinkles just fall right out! Now they are ready to price and put out on the floor.
Some days I get more people trying to sell me things than I get regular customers! Sometimes it goes very well and sometimes, um, not so well. Two examples:
A Sales Visit Goes Well:
A young man walked into my store last week from a company called Lighting Resources Inc. They are based close by (between here and Mount Vernon). He gave me a price on the compact fluorescent bulbs that I have in the store and told me to contact them if I needed anything. Later that day, I noticed that I had a burned out spotlight (they are halogen bulbs) and a burned out CFL. I emailed him and asked for pricing on the halogen bulbs. He got back to me by the end of the day and I ordered replacement bulbs from him.
He delivered the bulbs the next day at the time he committed to do so and asked if I had a ladder. He then proceeded to install them for me (I was going to have Jim come to the store to do it the next morning). I told him he was excellent with his customer service! I'm a very happy customer and I will do repeat business with them.
A Sales Visit Does Not Go Well:
Another young man walked into my store yesterday. He was carrying a Verizon clipboard. (Anyone have that sense of foreboding yet?) He asked me if I was happy with their service. I then explained to him (in an amazingly calm voice, believe it or not) that I was not a Verizon customer. He asked what happened and I told him. A friend who I shared this with was shocked that I didn't throw him out of the store. I explained that time heals all wounds. At the end, he freely admitted that if all of that had happened to him, he would have canceled his order too!
Hard to believe the Grand Opening is 2 days away!
Some days I get more people trying to sell me things than I get regular customers! Sometimes it goes very well and sometimes, um, not so well. Two examples:
A Sales Visit Goes Well:
A young man walked into my store last week from a company called Lighting Resources Inc. They are based close by (between here and Mount Vernon). He gave me a price on the compact fluorescent bulbs that I have in the store and told me to contact them if I needed anything. Later that day, I noticed that I had a burned out spotlight (they are halogen bulbs) and a burned out CFL. I emailed him and asked for pricing on the halogen bulbs. He got back to me by the end of the day and I ordered replacement bulbs from him.
He delivered the bulbs the next day at the time he committed to do so and asked if I had a ladder. He then proceeded to install them for me (I was going to have Jim come to the store to do it the next morning). I told him he was excellent with his customer service! I'm a very happy customer and I will do repeat business with them.
A Sales Visit Does Not Go Well:
Another young man walked into my store yesterday. He was carrying a Verizon clipboard. (Anyone have that sense of foreboding yet?) He asked me if I was happy with their service. I then explained to him (in an amazingly calm voice, believe it or not) that I was not a Verizon customer. He asked what happened and I told him. A friend who I shared this with was shocked that I didn't throw him out of the store. I explained that time heals all wounds. At the end, he freely admitted that if all of that had happened to him, he would have canceled his order too!
Hard to believe the Grand Opening is 2 days away!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Who's The Boss
Sometimes, I need to be reminded of this! And what better way than for a blog posting from Sheila Walsh to show up in my email inbox just in time. In her post today, she quotes from one of my favorite Psalms:
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands—O prosper the work of our hands!—Psalm 90:17 NRSV
I used to keep a copy of this Psalm pinned to my wall at my previous job. But I'm ashamed to say that I had forgotten to bring it to Zoe. Sheila's point in her blog posting is that we should thank God for the gifts we've been given and ask Him for opportunities that day to use them for His glory! I normally start each morning at Zoe with a prayer but this is a good reminder to make this request front and center!
Things have been busy with the store! Friday was a hideously cold and rainy day. But a previous customer brought a friend shopping in the afternoon and they had a great time! That's what I love about the job - the opportunity to share in and provide a place for people to enjoy themselves.
Saturday was also busy with lots of out of town visitors. I'm meeting people from all over the US, with a significant concentration visiting from the Northeastern states for the day or a weekend. I get asked LOTS of questions, from where to find a good vegan meal in Old Town to where the "Spite House" is located!
One exciting event on Saturday was a customer coming into the store telling me that she had seen one of my bags (carried by another customer still shopping in Old Town) and it prompted her to come to shop at Zoe! Love that!
I was closed on Easter Sunday as were several of the stores in Old Town, including the Christmas Attic across the street from Zoe. While I missed Zoe, it was wonderful to observe the holiday fully and spend quiet time with Jim. On my day off today (Monday), I couldn't help but go in to check on her!
I'm getting geared up for this weekend's Grand Opening! So excited to formally introduce Zoe to the world!
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands—O prosper the work of our hands!—Psalm 90:17 NRSV
I used to keep a copy of this Psalm pinned to my wall at my previous job. But I'm ashamed to say that I had forgotten to bring it to Zoe. Sheila's point in her blog posting is that we should thank God for the gifts we've been given and ask Him for opportunities that day to use them for His glory! I normally start each morning at Zoe with a prayer but this is a good reminder to make this request front and center!
Things have been busy with the store! Friday was a hideously cold and rainy day. But a previous customer brought a friend shopping in the afternoon and they had a great time! That's what I love about the job - the opportunity to share in and provide a place for people to enjoy themselves.
Saturday was also busy with lots of out of town visitors. I'm meeting people from all over the US, with a significant concentration visiting from the Northeastern states for the day or a weekend. I get asked LOTS of questions, from where to find a good vegan meal in Old Town to where the "Spite House" is located!
One exciting event on Saturday was a customer coming into the store telling me that she had seen one of my bags (carried by another customer still shopping in Old Town) and it prompted her to come to shop at Zoe! Love that!
I was closed on Easter Sunday as were several of the stores in Old Town, including the Christmas Attic across the street from Zoe. While I missed Zoe, it was wonderful to observe the holiday fully and spend quiet time with Jim. On my day off today (Monday), I couldn't help but go in to check on her!
I'm getting geared up for this weekend's Grand Opening! So excited to formally introduce Zoe to the world!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Repeat Customer
I was very excited to have my first repeat customer at Zoe yesterday! She had been in to purchase an item last week and came back to buy something else! That was fun!
In all of my crankiness about the various installation contractors, I wanted to make sure to say something very nice about the contractor who replaced the HVAC system in the space yesterday. We had agreed that I would meet them here at 7 so they could get a good start before I had customers in the store. They arrived shortly after 7 and covered Zoe's floors nicely prior to taking out the old unit and bringing the new one in. They were all very polite, hard-working, and did the job with very minimal noise and disruption. And they were done by 2 pm! As much as this work needed to be done, I had really been dreading it because it could have been horribly disruptive. But it was not at all. By far the best contractors that have been in the space.
I also had a lovely visit from friend Betsey yesterday. Although we keep in touch via Facebook and Christmas cards, we had not had a chance to catch up face to face for a long time!
I will admit to being a little frustrated with the bulbs (lighting) supplied for the store. I've already had 2 of the 3 spotlights fail and one of the compact fluorescents. As luck would have it, a lighting salesman stopped by yesterday. I'm planning to order some bulbs from him that have a much longer life/warranty. My big frustration is that I really don't have the lights on for long periods of time - just while I am here at the store (I do not leave them on overnight). They shouldn't be burning out this quickly!
The weather was so beautiful and temperate yesterday afternoon that even more people than normal were out walking their dogs. The owner of Appleseed Maternity here in Old Town came in to visit with her dogs and her daughter! It was very nice to meet her and she was very welcoming of the business to Old Town!
This morning, I completed the 2010 Personal Property Tax Return for the City of Alexandria. Since I registered my business with the City in 2010 and I had purchased assets as part of the business, I am potentially liable for Personal Property Taxes. I confirmed my total with Accountant Joe and am mailing the form today (it is due May 2nd).
The construction company brought in an electrician to check the water heater this morning. They confirmed that everything is fine electrically but it may have an issue with the element. A determination will need to be made as to what to do next.
Today is Good Friday. What an important day in our lives as Christians. I remain so thankful to God for sending His Son to us here on earth. I can't imagine life without Him! Happy Easter to all!
In all of my crankiness about the various installation contractors, I wanted to make sure to say something very nice about the contractor who replaced the HVAC system in the space yesterday. We had agreed that I would meet them here at 7 so they could get a good start before I had customers in the store. They arrived shortly after 7 and covered Zoe's floors nicely prior to taking out the old unit and bringing the new one in. They were all very polite, hard-working, and did the job with very minimal noise and disruption. And they were done by 2 pm! As much as this work needed to be done, I had really been dreading it because it could have been horribly disruptive. But it was not at all. By far the best contractors that have been in the space.
I also had a lovely visit from friend Betsey yesterday. Although we keep in touch via Facebook and Christmas cards, we had not had a chance to catch up face to face for a long time!
I will admit to being a little frustrated with the bulbs (lighting) supplied for the store. I've already had 2 of the 3 spotlights fail and one of the compact fluorescents. As luck would have it, a lighting salesman stopped by yesterday. I'm planning to order some bulbs from him that have a much longer life/warranty. My big frustration is that I really don't have the lights on for long periods of time - just while I am here at the store (I do not leave them on overnight). They shouldn't be burning out this quickly!
The weather was so beautiful and temperate yesterday afternoon that even more people than normal were out walking their dogs. The owner of Appleseed Maternity here in Old Town came in to visit with her dogs and her daughter! It was very nice to meet her and she was very welcoming of the business to Old Town!
This morning, I completed the 2010 Personal Property Tax Return for the City of Alexandria. Since I registered my business with the City in 2010 and I had purchased assets as part of the business, I am potentially liable for Personal Property Taxes. I confirmed my total with Accountant Joe and am mailing the form today (it is due May 2nd).
The construction company brought in an electrician to check the water heater this morning. They confirmed that everything is fine electrically but it may have an issue with the element. A determination will need to be made as to what to do next.
Today is Good Friday. What an important day in our lives as Christians. I remain so thankful to God for sending His Son to us here on earth. I can't imagine life without Him! Happy Easter to all!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
A Year Ago
Today was Zoe's two week "birthday"! Thinking of milestones made me think of what happened on this day last year.
Last April 20th, I arrived home tired at the end of a typically long day. Jim was gone on his week-long trip to Arkansas and I would be by myself. I was probably more tired and frustrated than normal, having received a nasty letter the evening before from the IRS, rejecting my initial submission of evidence for their audit of our 2008 tax return. (Growing up in WV, we would say that when you were really mad, you were spitting mad. Believe me, I was!)
Thinking it would be nice to get something positive in the mailbox, I trudged up the street to get the mail. In the pile of credit card offers, FIOS mailings (thanks Verizon!), catalogues, and requests for charitable contributions, was a large envelope from the State Corporation Commission. I quickly dropped everything else on the kitchen table and ripped open that envelope - it was the certificate showing that ZCG LLC (Zoe's legal company name) was official! Talk about forgetting everything else that was bothering me! I was on Cloud 9! I could really start moving forward now!
I'm still amazed by how far everything has come in the past year. While I certainly hoped to have the store open by now when first getting started last year, I could not have ever imagined the journey that I would take to get there, all of the great people I would meet, all of the things I would learn, and all of the new experiences.
At this time last year, I hadn't even started figuring out what lines I wanted to carry and where to go to market. Now, I'm making appointments for my next market visit in NY in May with a variety of existing and new vendors. I'm making new friends with the people I meet every day. I have meetings in my own timing and of my own choosing (and on topics that don't bore me to death!) And I get to make women smile when they find something they love at Zoe!
I had a great chat yesterday with my friend Michelle who lives in NC. She had asked me to pick a dress for her to wear for the author photograph for her upcoming book. Knowing her and the beautiful location in which she would be photographed, I sent her a dress (one from the Velvet line). She loved it and called me to buy it yesterday. I can't wait to see her picture - she will be beautiful in it!
If all goes as planned, the new HVAC system should be installed tomorrow! Today was a little on the warm side so I'm definitely ready to have this done!
Last April 20th, I arrived home tired at the end of a typically long day. Jim was gone on his week-long trip to Arkansas and I would be by myself. I was probably more tired and frustrated than normal, having received a nasty letter the evening before from the IRS, rejecting my initial submission of evidence for their audit of our 2008 tax return. (Growing up in WV, we would say that when you were really mad, you were spitting mad. Believe me, I was!)
Thinking it would be nice to get something positive in the mailbox, I trudged up the street to get the mail. In the pile of credit card offers, FIOS mailings (thanks Verizon!), catalogues, and requests for charitable contributions, was a large envelope from the State Corporation Commission. I quickly dropped everything else on the kitchen table and ripped open that envelope - it was the certificate showing that ZCG LLC (Zoe's legal company name) was official! Talk about forgetting everything else that was bothering me! I was on Cloud 9! I could really start moving forward now!
I'm still amazed by how far everything has come in the past year. While I certainly hoped to have the store open by now when first getting started last year, I could not have ever imagined the journey that I would take to get there, all of the great people I would meet, all of the things I would learn, and all of the new experiences.
At this time last year, I hadn't even started figuring out what lines I wanted to carry and where to go to market. Now, I'm making appointments for my next market visit in NY in May with a variety of existing and new vendors. I'm making new friends with the people I meet every day. I have meetings in my own timing and of my own choosing (and on topics that don't bore me to death!) And I get to make women smile when they find something they love at Zoe!
I had a great chat yesterday with my friend Michelle who lives in NC. She had asked me to pick a dress for her to wear for the author photograph for her upcoming book. Knowing her and the beautiful location in which she would be photographed, I sent her a dress (one from the Velvet line). She loved it and called me to buy it yesterday. I can't wait to see her picture - she will be beautiful in it!
If all goes as planned, the new HVAC system should be installed tomorrow! Today was a little on the warm side so I'm definitely ready to have this done!
Monday, April 18, 2011
First Full Week
It is hard to believe that we are at the end of Zoe's first FULL week in business and are now approaching the 2 week mark! It continues to amaze and delight me with all of the different things that happen each day!
I continue to meet very nice and interesting people, many of them living in Alexandria and Northern VA/DC. I love getting to the point where I can call people by name who I've met more than once! And being able to help people is so much fun, whether it is giving them a map, a suggestion on where they might find something they are looking for, or welcoming new people to the area.
On Friday afternoon, Cori stopped by with Colin and Ryan to bring me a lovely card and some yummy truffles from The Sugar Cube! Jim and I have had great fun savoring each and every flavor (we limit ourselves to 2 at a time!) Cori and her husband, Scott, have been explaining to Colin and Ryan about Cori's involvement with me in designing the logo and helping me immensely with the branding and collateral for the store but this was the first time the children have seen me in the store. Ryan looked at me and said "Do you work here?" A beautiful, classic moment!
I also met with an advertising representative from the news/community websites The Patch on Friday afternoon. Zoe is officially on the directory for The Old Town Patch but I also wanted to explore advertising possibilities. They offer a variety of levels and methods for advertising, including the filming of video that can be used on your directory entry as well as posted to Facebook, YouTube, your website, etc. The sample he showed me (for Ten Thousand Villages in Old Town) was very professionally done. I've never seen myself as a YouTube kind of girl but maybe Zoe is?
Saturday started cold, wet, windy and rainy. I knew it would be a challenging day. I always take some work with me to the cash desk to do during periods when customers are not in the store. And believe me, for the first three hours on Saturday, no one came in! Just as the weather had a little break, people started coming and steadily between 1 - 4. And then it started to flood! Some pictures:
I continue to meet very nice and interesting people, many of them living in Alexandria and Northern VA/DC. I love getting to the point where I can call people by name who I've met more than once! And being able to help people is so much fun, whether it is giving them a map, a suggestion on where they might find something they are looking for, or welcoming new people to the area.
On Friday afternoon, Cori stopped by with Colin and Ryan to bring me a lovely card and some yummy truffles from The Sugar Cube! Jim and I have had great fun savoring each and every flavor (we limit ourselves to 2 at a time!) Cori and her husband, Scott, have been explaining to Colin and Ryan about Cori's involvement with me in designing the logo and helping me immensely with the branding and collateral for the store but this was the first time the children have seen me in the store. Ryan looked at me and said "Do you work here?" A beautiful, classic moment!
I also met with an advertising representative from the news/community websites The Patch on Friday afternoon. Zoe is officially on the directory for The Old Town Patch but I also wanted to explore advertising possibilities. They offer a variety of levels and methods for advertising, including the filming of video that can be used on your directory entry as well as posted to Facebook, YouTube, your website, etc. The sample he showed me (for Ten Thousand Villages in Old Town) was very professionally done. I've never seen myself as a YouTube kind of girl but maybe Zoe is?
Saturday started cold, wet, windy and rainy. I knew it would be a challenging day. I always take some work with me to the cash desk to do during periods when customers are not in the store. And believe me, for the first three hours on Saturday, no one came in! Just as the weather had a little break, people started coming and steadily between 1 - 4. And then it started to flood! Some pictures:
At the corner of Prince & Union, shortly after 6 pm
Looking down Union toward the intersection with King - you can see the water crossing Union and going up King Street
The police and traffic enforcement were very organized and thorough. They closed off the streets and had tow trucks in to pull out cars that were in danger of being flooded. They had both Union and Prince closed off so I walked down Union a block so Jim could pick me up after I had closed. As a note, when I went back to open the store on Sunday, the City was cleaning up the flood debris and had the streets reopened in no time!
With the beautiful weather on Sunday (as well as the garden tours going on during the weekend), Zoe was very busy. In fact, I had people coming into the store before we were even officially open on Sunday! And people still coming in after closing time!
One of the funnier moments from the weekend - a man comes in and looks at a number of things in the store. I asked him if he is shopping for someone special. He tells me he is in the doghouse - he said something to his wife he should not have said and he needs to find a way out!
Expecting some Chan Luu necklaces this week as well as summer shipments from my lines this week and next!
Friday, April 15, 2011
What a Difference the Weather Makes
Tuesday and Wednesday were definitely "icky" weather days here in Alexandria. Cold, windy, and rainy. As you can imagine, it really cuts down on foot traffic as well. Although I continue to meet wonderful people (both local residents and visitors), there were less of them on those days.
Thursday started sunny and warm. I walked to City Hall prior to opening to get approval for the temporary sign for the Grand Opening (Done!) As I walked back to the shop, I knew it was going to be a gorgeous day!
Before opening is when I get most of my "work" done. This morning, I attended a meeting of the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association across the street at Union Street Public House. It was a great session where we learned more about different associations working within Alexandria as well as upcoming large events that will bring a number of people to visit in the area. It is also a great opportunity to meet my fellow business owners and others in the hospitality industry.
With all of the wind and rain earlier in the week, I've been fighting the pollen, blossom, and seed wars! On Wednesday, I think I swept out the store no less than 10 times! Zoe must be pollen central!
I've continued to do work to get word on Zoe out to the local community. The website "Old Town Alexandria Patch" approved my submission to include my site and they are sending a representative to visit with me today to discuss potential advertising opportunities. I also met with the editor of the Alexandria Times and purchased an ad to appear in every other issue through early August. As part of the purchase, Zoe will be featured in a special advertising article called "Shop Around The Corner".
Sadly, I witnessed a car get towed on Wednesday morning. The Parking Enforcement officer wrote a ticket and then called in a tow truck. I have no idea what would cause them to tow a car unless the owner had multiple tickets or some other violation no evident to me. It took the tow truck driver a long time to get the car hooked up. All I could think about was what to say to the owner if he/she came into the shop looking for their car! Just as he had hoisted the car up and was getting ready to pull away, the owner came running down the street. She tried to persuade the driver and the parking enforcement officer to unhook the car but to no avail. It was towed away.
I finally received the bolts for the display table on Thursday morning. During a period of quiet in the store, I put it together (I am the queen of the Allen wrench). It looks so pretty! I've placed some hooded sweaters on it as well as a table top mannequin wearing a gorgeous one-should Tracy Reese top. The top just doesn't look as impressive on the hanger and once it was on the model, I had people asking about it! I also placed the Woodies hatbox filled with Fussy Frog Stationary on the table too! I am very happy with how it turned out.
More Rebecca Taylor arrived yesterday and I was able to put it out onto the floor immediately! One of the items sold within 2 hours of first being put on the floor! That was a first for me!
Excited about the upcoming day and weekend!
Thursday started sunny and warm. I walked to City Hall prior to opening to get approval for the temporary sign for the Grand Opening (Done!) As I walked back to the shop, I knew it was going to be a gorgeous day!
Before opening is when I get most of my "work" done. This morning, I attended a meeting of the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association across the street at Union Street Public House. It was a great session where we learned more about different associations working within Alexandria as well as upcoming large events that will bring a number of people to visit in the area. It is also a great opportunity to meet my fellow business owners and others in the hospitality industry.
With all of the wind and rain earlier in the week, I've been fighting the pollen, blossom, and seed wars! On Wednesday, I think I swept out the store no less than 10 times! Zoe must be pollen central!
I've continued to do work to get word on Zoe out to the local community. The website "Old Town Alexandria Patch" approved my submission to include my site and they are sending a representative to visit with me today to discuss potential advertising opportunities. I also met with the editor of the Alexandria Times and purchased an ad to appear in every other issue through early August. As part of the purchase, Zoe will be featured in a special advertising article called "Shop Around The Corner".
Sadly, I witnessed a car get towed on Wednesday morning. The Parking Enforcement officer wrote a ticket and then called in a tow truck. I have no idea what would cause them to tow a car unless the owner had multiple tickets or some other violation no evident to me. It took the tow truck driver a long time to get the car hooked up. All I could think about was what to say to the owner if he/she came into the shop looking for their car! Just as he had hoisted the car up and was getting ready to pull away, the owner came running down the street. She tried to persuade the driver and the parking enforcement officer to unhook the car but to no avail. It was towed away.
I finally received the bolts for the display table on Thursday morning. During a period of quiet in the store, I put it together (I am the queen of the Allen wrench). It looks so pretty! I've placed some hooded sweaters on it as well as a table top mannequin wearing a gorgeous one-should Tracy Reese top. The top just doesn't look as impressive on the hanger and once it was on the model, I had people asking about it! I also placed the Woodies hatbox filled with Fussy Frog Stationary on the table too! I am very happy with how it turned out.
More Rebecca Taylor arrived yesterday and I was able to put it out onto the floor immediately! One of the items sold within 2 hours of first being put on the floor! That was a first for me!
Excited about the upcoming day and weekend!
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