Lesson#1: Think of what you have in new ways. I have a queen’s ransom in sand dollars, but never thought of them as underlays for jewelry in cases!

So I went on a field trip. Not to resale shops per se, as I suggested you do yesterday morning , but to 5

exceedingly interesting hybrid new gifts/ vintage finds shops.

And here’s what I found:

I love these types of shops. The personality of the owner always shines through. They go to the wholesale market with a firm grip of what their clientele wants, and they buy vintage/old/interesting items from pickers, consign some art and craft items from local folk, and have an absolute ball doing things their way, instead of the mall way.

What I learned:

Lesson #1. Be flexible. I know all about filling a jewelry tray full of dried beans for a backdrop…but as you see in the photo, hadn’t ever thought of sand dollars. (Oh, and I should have taken a photo: those half-round dress forms? One shop had someone collage them into glittery outfits with braid, fabric and trims, paint… absolutely super!)

Lesson#2. Go with themes (well, I already knew this, but it’s nice to realize that even I am manipulated by the “look” of merchandising.) that mix and match: Mosaic birdhouses with twig birds with (yes!) vintage mother-of-pearl opera glasses. Amusing, but more to the point: once you’ve caught someone’s eye with something she likes...amuse and tempt it with related goodies.

Lesson #3. Everything, and I mean everything, gets a price tag. One shop even had a price tag on its seating area coffee table and its hall trees. YEH! If I wanted it, I could have it.

Lesson#4. Lead me through the shop. Angled bureaux, side tables twisting around to another reveal in the aisle, goodies under the counters and on top of the bookcases…a natural flow keeps shoppers exploring all the way to the far corners.

And, alas, Lesson#5. Give me a reason to WOM you, to recommend you, to remember you. All five businesses failed miserably here. And I made a point to express flattery and enthusiasm over their shops. Not a single one (and I made purchases in four of them) suggested I sign their e- or snail-mail list,  told me their web site or  gave me their business card. Not a single one. In three of the shops I was dealing with the owner. Two of the shops were brand-new.

I mean, I can barely remember the shops’ names, yet along recommend them or become a part of their business “family.” All in spite of my obvious enthusiasm with remarks like I love this place, I’ve never been in before and I’ve lived here for years or Love your mix, love that these are things that you don’t see everywhere and Boy, you have great stuff, I’ll have to send my honey in here for my birthday gift! When I got home: although two of my four purchases were nicely wrapped, none had a business card in them or any indication where I got it.

A very valuable trip into the retail world. (And a whole lotta fun too, you should see the goodies I bought!)

Did you find anything interesting on your trip?