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Banding together: Little Boxes in Portland

November 23, 2012 by Auntie Kate of Too Good to be Threw

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?

Posted in economics of resale, Shopkeeping talk | Tagged , |

Goodwill has a very thankful Thanksgiving.

November 22, 2012 by Auntie Kate of Too Good to be Threw

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?

Posted in Shopkeeping talk, Used Stuff in the News |

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

November 19, 2012 by Auntie Kate of Too Good to be Threw

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.

Posted in Shopkeeping talk | Tagged , , | 1 Comment »

Spend the next 4 days convincing your shoppers.

November 18, 2012 by Auntie Kate of Too Good to be Threw

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 Continue Reading »

Posted in Really good ideas, Shopkeeping talk | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments »

Remember: It’s supposed to be FUN not STRESS

November 18, 2012 by Auntie Kate of Too Good to be Threw

Found this message on Pinterest, couldn’t track whence it came, absolutely a good message starting NOW:

The holiday season is supposed to be fun!

Holidays in consignment, resale and thrift are not only fun, but wallet-friendly!

And if all else fails, remember the way to unravel the feeling of STRESSED is with a personal selection of your favorite DESSERTS. There is a reason Santa’s fat and jolly.

Posted in quotations of use, Shopkeeping talk | Tagged |

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