a cottage destination store

[greenoak]

i want us to be a better cottage destination store....as a cottage style lover what would you drive 50 miles to find and enjoy? what kind of store would you like to find? ..

what we do now.
..mail list...4000 customers
billboards
long running ads in area papers
website....but what words????
targetetd mailings to stores for wholesale... ..
ad words we use now...cottage .. shabby .. bring a friend ..a fun place to shop

our background is pure antiques and now we are half cottage, rehabbed and new stuff and it appeals to a whole new crowd....i know lots of great potential customers dont know about us...



so what would you really like to find in a store and how could our marketing telegraph better what we have ...any ideas appreciated...


thanks


ann of greenoak

www.greenoakantiques.com

[Kathy Ann]

I can tell you my own feelings but I don't know how they will apply to you. I just think it's fantastic that you're not willing to rest on your laurels, that you'd like to make a great store even better!

This is just one person, but when I see the word "shabby", I always think it's going to be something I could make myself.

There is a shop that's just down the road from me that opens their warehouse for 3 hours per week. You feel really special when you go in there because you know it's a limited opportunity. There's also a big barn-type shop that's more than an hour from where I live, and I travel there as a destination because there are areas within the store where I know I can lose myself rummaging through small treasures or trunks full of linens. Lots of the big furniture pieces have neat stuff in their drawers. It's a little more trouble in that if you sell a sideboard, you then have to go through and remove all the kid gloves, or postcards, or whatever is tucked in there, but it makes a more interesting shopping experience. Even if I don't buy anything that day, I feel like I have been through a really great museum.

I also think it helps to have the supporting services nearby, like a nice place for lunch or a good park to stretch your legs or walk the dog. There are plant nurseries around here that offer meals or tea parties and that seems to boost things a lot for them. (I 've never heard of an antique shop doing it though.)

I believe "destination" would be a good word to add to your presence. Not necessarily a keyword, but I think it evokes images of a certain experience that people would enjoy.

The concept of the "Maine Antiquing Trail", I know, has been a boost for Maine businesses, especially if your area is not already a top tourist destination, because everyone will be looking for alternative vacations and day trips to save gas this year. Maybe your county or state would be willing to promote something like that for tourists - or skip them and just go the other merchants, if there is resistance at the government level. Who needs them anyway!

[greenoak]

good ideas kathy ann... i really like the stores you mentioned.... i try for a lot of that....it shows that you ;have been around lots of businesses....i cant rest on imaginary laurels ...we have no other income!!

your ideas for the stretching and food are interesting... we kind of have that...free coffee and cookies....but we dont advertize it... and we let them walk around outside....and have a nice bathroom..

i really never thought of presenting us as a destination or day trip on our site....... that is going on my to do list....its kind of obvious but maybe not...


also im rethinking links...and may try some of that too...im not like you all who just want web sales....but the site is a big tool for us...and being on here and all your link talk has been pretty interesting....

well i hope some more come and talk about what makes agreat store... and what you would google to find one.......


ann of greenoak


www.greenoakantiques.com

[Lisa S]

Ann,

It sounds like you have a lovely store. When I'm in your part of the country, I'll stop by.

I found this web site about 6 months ago and I've been counting the days until the antique sale.

http://thefarmchicks.com

They also have links to area lodging. That's where I found Mary Janes Farm B and B.

I think they did an excellent job in inticing people to come out to their spot. I will most definately make the 8 hour drive up to them... girlfriends with big trucks in tow!

[greenoak]

what a great site !! thaks for sharing..love the old tractor piicture...
that isa a great feeling to strive for... girls just want to have fun...

. i have a friend who makes those typewriter key bracelets... mine says vintage...

ann

[Lisa S]

I love all that stuff!

[Kathy Ann]

Ann, links might still be a good tool for you as long as it always says something about Indiana and maybe another word like tourism, or what else people use when they're searching for destinations....