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Archive for the ‘Shopkeeping talk’ Category

Gift Wrapping the Earth-Friendly Way

Posted in Really good ideas, Shopkeeping talk, tagged on November 24, 2012| 2 Comments »

We all know how awful one-use wrapping paper is. (There’s better ways to present gifts than using dye-heavy paper, made of trees and chemicals and shipped around the world only to be regulated to the garbage within minutes. Never thought about it? Read this.)

(Side note: Make this topic into a promotion for your consignment, resale or thrift shop. Two ideas from Too Good to be Threw.)

So let’s use more eco-friendly paper and our imagination. Yes, kraft* paper can be not only interesting and fun, but beautiful. These ideas are from a Pinterest board of their own over on HowToConsign.com’s Pinterest.

* (Side note: Kraft paper is called that because the German word for “strong” is “kraft.” Kraft paper is made to be strong, which is why those brown paper bags from the grocery can each hold, oh, I dunno, about $160 worth of groceries.)

Kraft paper and circle-punched paint cards

Who doesn’t love polka dots? Kraft paper, paint sample cards, and a punch = sophisticated wrap!

Save

See dozens more Kraft paper gift wrap suggestions.

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Banding together: Little Boxes in Portland

Posted in economics of resale, Shopkeeping talk, tagged , on November 23, 2012|

Little Boxes promotion for independent retailersMark this site for a great idea that you can use to promote your neighboring consignment, resale and thrift stores and all the small businesses in your market area. Study it good…

Little Boxes.

As they say:

Shopping in Portland’s Little Boxes on Black Friday and Saturday (and throughout the holiday season) is an alternative to the hubbub of the big box stores. It’s a great way to find unique gifts for everyone on your list, enjoy the hospitality and warmth of Portland’s independently owned neighborhood shops, have fun with your family and friends, and–just maybe–win some pretty incredible prizes, just by taking a stroll in Portland’s best shopping districts.

(I’ve bolded and italicized their reasons to patronize local and independent retailers.)

They show you not only the WIIFM, but make it fun.

Now isn’t that more enticing than some command to “Shop Small Business”? Examine first, the appeal to shoppers (’cause that’s what it’s all about, right?) Then mull over the framework behind the idea and how it will affect your shop and your fellow merchants. How could your area do something similar?

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Goodwill has a very thankful Thanksgiving.

Posted in Shopkeeping talk, Used Stuff in the News on November 22, 2012|

Happy Thanksgiving to all consignment, resale and thrift shopkeepers!Someone dropped off a donation worth over $18,000.

(Edited: alas, old news is dead news and the story’s been removed from the news site.)

And we wonder where the diamond ring in the jeans pocket ended up.

But really, the thankfulness we as consignment, resale, and thrift shopkeepers is about smaller but no less precious gifts: our suppliers, shoppers, staff and neighbors. Thank you all for being a part of this industry.

Have you heard more stories to be thankful about today?

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Free holiday graphics for your blog, broadcast email, web site

Posted in Shopkeeping talk, tagged , , on November 19, 2012| 1 Comment »

A holiday gift for consignment, resale and thrift shops from TGtbT.comHere’s some nifty graphics you could use in your consignment, resale, or thrift shop web site or social media:

Volusion’s Collection has some very nice graphic signage

Christmas Graphics has some nice, basic pix, and they have animated gifs as well (and other holidays too!)

Pixabay is always my first go-to. Easily searched and sorted.

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Spend the next 4 days convincing your shoppers.

Posted in Really good ideas, Shopkeeping talk, tagged , , , , on November 18, 2012| 3 Comments »

What will your shoppers be doing on Black Friday and “Small Business Saturday”? If you are like most consignment, resale, and thrifts shops,

you’re not looking forward to losing your customers

to the lure of the mall, the big boxes, and their “Gift Ideas Under $30” displays of bright glittery things.

Why? Why do you let the “no one shops secondhand for presents” belief stop you (more…)

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