According to most small business owners we have talked to recently, the nations economic crisis and bailout of Wall Street has made an impact on projections for the short term but hasn’t influenced the holiday buying season as much as you might think. 75% of customers surveyed have said they expect holiday sales to be better than the previous year, while 25% are expecting sales to be about the same as last year.
A lot of people are still reeling from the past two weeks of economic flux, and are taking a wait and see attitude towards retail inventories. However due to tigher supplies with vendors and consumers taking earlier bites out of Christmas spending our advice is don’t wait too long.
The real question is why?
Why is it that entrepreneurs are saying things will be OK and the columnists, economists and analysts are all saying different?
If you are in a small business you take the responsibility for your operations. You call the shots, the products and how you market. When you see something coming you either make a shift or you take it head on and turn things into opportunities. This is what makes you successful, not necessarily your 401(k) accounts.
Those retailers that told me they expected the holidays to be better was because of certain things they have done to move their business forward. These people have added new products or services (like gift wrapping or gift baskets) and/or have opened up an online store. In every case there is a reason they expect their business to be up. We know that the federal government is not going to bail us out if we make poor decisions. Bottom line, our success or lack of it depends on how good we are at figuring out our own business. Fortunately, we are better at that than anyone else.
Nashville Wraps as a business indicator
Our year to date and even this past September’s sales were up by about 7% until the last week when the nation’s economy hit the fan, but we think that too will play out due to the resolve of American small business.
To us it says that people are buying and are anticipating using and selling what they buy. If you read our Import Troubles Blog, you will also know the importance of buying certain products now.
Another reason Nashville Wraps is doing well in this economy is that we are a market mover. We create the vast majority of products we sell. Many of you may not know, but in our main facility we have 30,000 sq ft dedicated to nothing but product development, design, and marketing. Most of our competitors do not have 30,000 sq ft in their entire business. Additionally, we employ a team of 24 artists, designers, product managers, marketing and purchasing staff to insure that we are on trend, at price and in touch with all our markets. It is nothing short of what you do in your business on a smaller scale.
So hang in there… be smart, be creative, and turn on the marketing! Even the Grinch turned into a sort of Santa and Whoville had Christmas after all.
Robby Meadows, Nashville Wraps
I do not own a business, but consider Nashville Wraps to be the one place I purchase most, if not all, of my wrap/tissue/cello, not only at Christmas, but year round.
Our families have toned the buying down considerably this year, but I know the gifts which we DO give, will be wrapped beautifully, thanks to Nashville !
Love your site, love your online catalog and many thanks for your extensive selection of gift wrap!
We’ve had a great year. I try not to watch too much tv as the news likes to dwell on disaster. I get what information I need and move on.
We wrap our socks in tissue paper from Nashville Wraps! Love your blog!! thanks
I am located in Louisiana and own a children’s store and we were doing great until we were hit by the hurricane and could not open for two weeks. Our business has not picked back up and I have done everything from sales to giving away free gifts. I hopw we start to pick up soon or I don’t know what I am going to do.
Just wanted to report back that by the end of the fair our sales were up 15% over last year — I sent a letter to the editor of that community that I hope will get published thanking the community for supporting us and restoring a little hope. In rural Texas gas prices drive (pardon the pun) everyone’s spending and for the first time in over a year, I filled up my van for under $40 today! Ignore the media and remember to smile.
It was nice to hear everyones thoughts and positive feedback. I own a very small jewelry store in a tourist town. I make handmade beaded jewelry. The only reason I got into this business was to prove that customers could have quality and style at a lower price. I hate seeing a$500 necklaces that is not only still on the original plastic cord but that looks like its fixing to fall apart around the clasp. I get those repairs alot!
I can make that same necklace for under $100 and still be happy with my profits. I sell my earrings for $5. I have seen similar earrings sell for up to $73 more. By having a high quality product offered at lower prices has helped my business. A lot of small sells are better than none. I am currently working on a website (www.beadstobeauty.com) to help generate outside sells. I have ordered my gift boxes and bags from NW and I am ready and determined to have a great holiday! This year has been down for everyone but we all have a loved one that we want to buy something special for, regardless if they want a $50 necklace or a $5 pair of earrings. It’s all handmade and that makes it special. I think as long as we give it all we got and stay positive, we can all have an uplifting holiday season. I wish you all the very best! Here’s to handmade! 🙂
Wow! I am really impressed and encouraged with the comments I have read! I have been in business for 23 years, with a Victorian Gift shop in the suburbs of Phoenix…talk about bucking the trends! But I have found like most of the others, you have to be positive, not watch tv too much, and be creative! Yeah, we lost $14,000 last week, but it was all on PAPER, not 14,000 one dollar bills in the mattress!!
Our business is up, way up from last year for the last 3 quarters, and I attribute that to changing our product lines ofter, keeping the displays fresh, and great customer service as always. We do not have a web-site, but I do a lot of mailings to customers, who have signed up on our mailing list.
In July our toughest month,because of the heat, we had a great trunk sale, inviting all those who hate to go out in the heat a discount & a free gift if they brought a friend. In august we had a “yard sale”, all the damaged scratch & dent stuff we have been putting in back for years, in the hopes of fixing them up! Instead we sold those items for a few dollars…I was ready to throw most of it out!! Sales were great, and our spirits were up, which customers can sense. Think of new promotions, which I am always doing. Our customers know when they come into our shop they will alyays have a good time, and always be greeted with a smile. We DO NOT depend on tourists during the christmas season, although we get lots of tourist year round. We try to capture the local customer, because they are the customer we need to pay the rent year round.
We have been through more ups & downs, 2000 being our worst, but we keep on our same path, just knowing it has to get better, and it does!
We expect to have another Great christmas season, by buying carefully (not less), planning our displays, mailings & promos, and our packaging. and we use Nashville bags, boxes and tissue, all year long! It is our signature, and customers remark about how their purchase will be bagged, with colorful tissue & tye, before it is even rung up, to other customers in the store! We are very grateful to Nashville wraps! You don’t have to order a lot if you don’t need it. We try to plan our wrapping, and order enough to last through our christmas season up to valentines day, and can take advantage of their free shipping offers. Little things like that can save you a ton of money at the end of the year.
My heart goes out to all of you who are having a hard time, been there. But like my mom always says, this too shall pass. Brighter days are upon us and they will be here Fast, so be ready to ring up those sales. God bless America!
We are finding that our sales are down from last year about 8% but are comparible to 2006 numbers, which was a very good year. We’ve offered free giftwrap for 15 years and that, combined with reasonably priced, unique items and a well-trained, friendly staff are keeping our sales dollars up. I think that people will be spending less this season per recipient and we are offering that $20-$40 price point, which fits their budget.
I truly believe that most Americans are starting to realize that quality and not quantity is what is important. I also think that people are finally realizing that yes, imports are cheaper, but you get what you pay for. I design, make and sell Christmas ornaments that I then sell at fine arts/crafts shows . In the past few years I have ventured out to shows in other states and have found that there is definitely a market for what I do. I just did a large show this past weekend in the northeast and I was a little worried about how my sales would be, but I did very well. In the past few years, I have also found that any extra little touches that I add – especially when it comes to packaging – is a real plus. The small extra expense to me is more than worth it! I am looking forward to another great holiday season and plan to stay positive about the future of our economy. I think if we all stop and think how very lucky we are to live in such a great country that offers us so many opportunities – how could we not be anything but optimistic?
We just had the BEST summer ever! 22 years in business & the rest of the world suddenly woke up to “Local, Organic, & Green”! “Made in Maine” has been a focus here since we started. Natural Foods & Organic Produce get stronger every year. Of course we have seen more competition from the “Big Boys” but our brand of service & product & the focus on Local keep us competing strongly.
I think most of what we are seeing over the last few weeks & months is an “Election Cycle”. I saw it in 2000 & in 2004. This one is certainly the WORST I have seen, but the Stock Market rallied over 900+ points today!! Glory Hallelujah!
Fuel & heating costs are playing a HUGE factor in discretionary dollars available. My main supplier is charging $45. fuel surcharge just to show up in my yard! [3 times a week!]
I am curious as to how this Holiday buying season will play out. I will stock up on gifty type candles & bath/body sets, salt lamps, yoga items [dvd, mats, etc] books, incense, candies, etc.
I am looking forward to bringing in some of Nashville Wraps “green” bags, tissue & wraps. Will try to put together some gift bags/baskets of my own this year.
Stay positive everyone! Be practical & stock useful, affordable items, packaged attractively & I think people will buy!
I currently co-own a boutique that caters to girls size 7 to 14 and junior/womens to size 12. We started out in 2005 as a home based business(all of our packaging in the early days was from Nashville Wraps and we still use them today for our leopard jewelry boxes) doing trunk shows and decided in the spring of ’06 to open a store front. We have noticed a drop in our girls department as parents rather shop for them at chain store and early in ’08 our higher end designer goods were taking a long time to sell or would only sell on the clearance rack. We decided to drop many of our high priced designers and searched out lower priced items but that were still very stylish and quality made. We also scaled back our girls department. Since making this change, we have increased sales and our profits! We also have gone back to doing trunk shows to supplement our slow times of the year. I am hoping for a better christmas season than last , maybe this will happen if consumers aren’t scared off by the media. We have decided to stock alot of gift items(jewelry, accessories) under $25, so there can be a little something for everyone under the tree! I have also recently gotten involved with my local chamber to help stimulate retail business in our town. Hopefully they are willing to listen to a few new ideas I have to offer. Hopefully my story will inspire….
My glass jewelry business is in it’s third year and sales over the summer were great, especially at art shows locally in Crested Butte, CO. My customers loved the NW gift bags/ribbon I provided with their purchase. I am staying positive and hopeful that my holiday marketing will reflect in repeat sales through my website NancyYuskaitis.com as customers are conscious of their support/purchase of high quality handmade in the USA products. Thanks to NW for their encouragement and Best Wishes to All.
I liked the comments from those who are aware that things might be tough but who know that tightening up and curling up and hiding until it blows over is likely to be more of a disaster than trying to be creative with ways to keep your regular customers at an average spending level and add new customers (even if it doesn’t seem possible). The value-added offers of gift wrapping, specialty gift baskets, or volume discounts, seem like good ways to go!
I truly don’t put stock in negative talk and that’s all we seem to be hearing nowadays. Yes business this year has been somewhat slow for the last 2 1/2 quarterlys. This was the first year I have ever received a holiday deposit in September and several other leads for this holiday season. So I am fully expecting this to be my busiest season ever! You have to be able to hang in there when times get tough I will even get a part time job if I have too!
Much Success For Everyone!!!!!
I started my custom sterling silver jewelry business a few years ago as a hobby but got more serious about it this year with an official launch over the summer. This last quarter is going to be my first holiday season of full time dedication to it. I’m cautiously optimistic about the outcome. Everyone keeps saying how hard it is for small businesses right now but I’d like to think I can still grow despite the hard times. The email from Nashville Wraps came at a good time for me. I’m trying to keep my spirits up and any help is appreciated.
I really appreciate the opportunity Nashville Wraps has given; to share a little bit of everyones story. I feel enspired to give my business idea a giant push. You all have a passion for all you do. Don’t lose it! Good Luck and God Bless!
I’m on board with selling distinctive American Made products; At the advice of my Business Advisor I opted for an on-line business. As a new business owner I am having difficulty aligning myself with Amercan Made products; seems you need to have a Brick & Mortar to be taken serious. The Asian , India markets have no problem selling to me; what’s the deal? Relios Jewlery (American Southwest) has been kind enough to sell me items from the their discount/closeout line. Difficult to make a profit when they discount on their website for almost wholesale prices! I’ll keep searching for American Made. My wesite should be up and running soon; wish me luck! Thanks to Nashville Wraps for their encouragement!
Lost my Florist Business after 6 years. I also went into business after the 9/11. I struggled alot, put in 50-60 hours a week and was told to hang in there for at least 5 years and money would start rolling in. HA! I really couldn’t go it anymore. Too many hours and NO pay. Good Luck to the rest of you. Maybe my ship will come in another day.
we have been in business 28 years and this year we have seen a defininte down turn in business. We are in the tristate area and being outside new york always makes people more nervous than in other parts of the country. Our family is hopefull that the holidays will be busy but some of our big corporate accounts are nervous also and this doesnt make for a comfortable buying level for the upcoming season. It is very disheartening after all these years but with lots of prayers and extra hard work hopefully we can pull out a decent season.
I know this will be my best Christmas yet. I refuse to believe that we Americans will allow this economy to keep us down. We always bounce back. We just need not to panic and work for the good of our wonderful country. My line of products is recession proof. Women feel better work better and are more efficent when they feel beautiful. With Nashville Wraps the products they buy are as beautiful as they are. Senior Beauty Consultant-Debbie Alvo
I make my own homemade candles and incense. I have been making them on and off for over 8 years. I was doing fairs, festivals, and flea markets. I just opened a retail store in a indoor market with 100+ small shops. I have been opened about a month. So far I am doing less than what I was doing before at outdoor venues. I thought having a permanent store and not haveing to set up and pack each day would be better. I have a lot more product on display than I could have at the other events. I also sell oils, warmers, and other giftware plus children’s novelty toys I started with a few years ago. I get 2 spots at 4-H fairs in the summers one for the candles and warmers and one for kids toys. I have 5 kids myself and started all this being home with the kids and looking for a way to make extra money. I know my store has only been open a month and I have to give it some time. I am optimistic sales will be good as it gets closer to the holidays. I make gift baskets with my homemade candles etc. and usually do very well. I will also offer free gift wrapping with a minimum $10.00 purchase and will be getting my nice shopping bags in soon. I have a website and do mail order too. http://www.thsgifts.com I hope for the best.
We are an online invitation, stationery and gift store and we have had to really think about broading our reach. We have always d0ne vendor shows to introduce customers to our products and services, but this year we are doing more and going further distance. We have also invested in an improved website as well as launched an aggressive email campaign. We are offering incentives like gift wrapping and coupons to keep the customers coming back. We have definitely developed some loyal followers that follow us wherever we go and that makes me feel what we are doing is working. I just hope and pray that things get better soon and we aren’t all biting our nails every day.
I am cautiously optimistic……I have to say that the customers that have money are spending it, and more of it this year than last……..sessions are down a little, but sales per session are up, so I choose to think that is a good thing. I too have worked my fingers to the bone to become nearly debt-free………..it makes me sick to my stomach to hear what the wall street greedy have done to all of us. I have lost money too, but I was not planning on retiring any time soon, maybe never…so, I am thankful for my blessings and I am enjoying each day and hoping that the election will be the start of something better to come.
I am thankful to hear the optimism. 2008 has been our most trying time. We downsized our candy store from 1600 square feet of downtown retail space to a small less than 300 square foot building beside our home in the country after our city utilities increased beyond our rent. At least the tiny shop is paid for. Now going in to the holiday season and trying to stay positive we have rented a retail space in one town over (16 miles from our first) and are looking forward to opening soon. Our tiny shop in the country will remain our kitchen and warehouse. We have spent the weekend at a County Fair and three days in I think we are almost dollar for dollar the same on what we have brought in compared to last year. I think this is a good sign, because going over I was very skeptical about the spending. Gas prices have dropped about 30 cents in the last two weeks here, so I am sure that has helped, too. Unfortunatley my web orders have come to a screaming halt.
How about Nashville Wraps giving all business owners a little free advertising. We do business with you and publishing our websites could help all of us. We are all in this together. Kim Savastano-Bouchard
http://www.peekabooquet.com
My husband Jack and I own a small Art/Craft and gift store in Roscoe NY. Our business is seasonal and in the last 3 years our area suffered from severe flooding which set all of our businesses off in to the negative column. We were just starting to perk along this spring when the energy crisis hit and business just about flat lined.
Thank you, and all the wonderful people who offered such constructive advice to get business moving once again. I agree with so many of you that we have to go back to basics, use the talents that we have and do not give in to all the negativity that is out there that will destroy us if we allow ourselves to wallow in it.
When we open our shop tomorrow I will make sure that we will have a very positive attitude and treat our customers like gold. Thanks to NW for getting the ball rolling in a positive way.
I own a small jewelry & gift shop, and most retailers in my town north of Boston are experiencing lower sales due to high gas prices, the economy in general, the upcoming presidential election (business generally suffers during those years), and more. In addition, our town has been undergoing major construction – new streets, sidewalks, lighting, gas lines, etc. The project is almost done, and while the end result will be worth it, limited parking, and restricted sidewalk & downtown access have also cut into sales.
Despite all that, I am staying positive because our customers regularly tell us they appreciate being able to shop in stores where they are known, where they receive personal service, etc. I believe it detrimental to present a worried or negative front to customers so I try to be positive when customers ask how my business is doing. (I do honestly say sales are down but that I am still here, still ordering new merchandise, etc.!)
A suggestion – in our town, we try to schedule regular “events” to bring people downtown. While it takes time to build an audience for such events, we have found them to be worthwhile. During such events, to entice people to come downtown, we have collected items from local retailers for one or more baskets to be raffled to customers who have entered the raffle only on those special shopping days. Most retailers can do something similar, on different levels.
I have changed the ways I am ordering to accommodate various challenges. I am ordering from fewer companies and I am also ordering fewer items and less frequently from favorite companies and designers. (Of course, that affects them and their distributors, etc., so everyone feels the effect.)
In closing, I wish everyone the best. Keep good thoughts, and keep trying to work together with your business neighbors to present a united front to your customers and to develop ways to entice customers to visit your shops. Hopefully, things will turn around (sooner rather than later), hopefully before too many of “us” need to close doors.
I sell hand made soaps and creams at crafts fairs in southwesten New Hampshire. I expected business to be down due to high heating oil and gas prices, but I am finding that many people are embracing the “shop local” and “support your local artisans”. What has also helped our economy is all the negative products coming out of China; people now want to buy from small businesses because they know who you are and are confident what they are purchasing from the crafter or artisan is going to be good quality items. Also, because people are cutting down on traveling due to high fuel prices, they are getting more involved in community events.
I’m keeping a positive attitude because I’m sure nobady is going to bail me out if I’m in trouble!
I did not have time to read all the comments but saved them to read when time allows. I’m not a store owner but am very concerned about the economy, especially being a retiree and an investor in the market. However, I will not do anything this year to reduce Christmas spending. I’ll wait until the New Year to
re-examine the situation. Your information is excellent.
I have an in-home business.I do decorative painting.This has been a super year.I think people are shopping smarter(conservitivly).I box, bag,&bow
my things when possible.Everyone appreciates these little extras.I offer personalized quality products at reasonble rates.I have been swamped with orders since July.My only problem is having enough hours in the day to get it all done.I hope this keeps up through the holidays.
i have an on line jewelry company. we make jewelry for moms, dads and kids. this is my second year in business and this year has been very good. i suppose it’s because people are still having babies and our line celebrates that. our sales are up 60% from last year. i don’t know what to expect for the holiday season, but last year we almost couldn’t fill all of our orders.
I believe so strongly in this…..
We are all connected in conciousness. If we BELIEVE we are successful, we will be. BELIEVE we will fail, we will. What are YOU REALLY concentrating on? It’s really not about us as individuals. It’s all of us connected together. This guys spending affects that guys bottom line, which affect that guys spending … and the cycle goes on and on.
Fear and anger have captured some people. But for the most part I now see people remain positive and optomistic. We are the ones that will prevail. And because there are so many people adopting these attitudes you can be assured the economy will rebound. Positive energies are being emitted and absorbed by the skeptics and fearful. It’s working! Inspite of the turmoil most people remain positive. And if we stay in that mindset, the outcome will be great.
What’s happening now is a collective fear that has been imposed by the media and fed by our insecurities. Just look at these previous comments.
Even though we are retailers, we are still consumers. We are a huge part of the cycle. We have the power within ourselves to determine our path. If you are spending less on others, in their stores, you should EXPECT everyone else to spend less on you, or in your store. (I mean this not as in gifts, but as in general everyday living) We ARE mirrors of each other.
Please keep this in mind as you enter the holiday season. Try your hardest to NOT absorb the fear. Be positive and “know” you will succeed. The cycle will go on. It’s just a matter of our choice of how we want it to go.
My company is already having a fantastik season. I encourage our staff to believe, and they encourage customers to believe… our work environment is light and full of fun and happiness. Sales are great.
It REALLY is all about collective attitude.
My husband and I bought Tanners Pecans,Candies & Gifts in Oct. 2001. Just 2 weeks after 9/11. We could have backed out, but we went for it! (neither of us had ever worked in retail before, he cooks/bakes which he had never done before, and I do the giftshop). Our business is in south Al., not far from our beautiful beaches. We have had hurricanes but have been lucky as far as our building, but pecans have tripled in price. Not to mention the cost of raw goods and gas prices. What do we do? We pray together everyday, we plan, and we pay(employees and bills first). If we the “mainstreet” of America continue to do what is morally & ethically right we will eventually come out on top and be fine. Sure we have scary times, but we can’t dwell on them. NW has been a huge help in making our business a success, even when the Tanner’s owned the business, and they will continue to be a part of our business in the future. We must stay positive. God Bless you all, and may you be prosperous this year. Leslie Fox
My Christmas sales were down last year, which I was not expecting because we are a small farming community and the price of wheat was really high. But the price of fuel hit everyone and I think people cut spending so they could still afford to drive their cars. I am very hesitant to order more Christmas inventory than I already have so far. I’m trying to be opptimistic but at the same time guarded. I do offer free gift wrapping year round and always purchase nice shopping bags from Nashville Wraps at Christmas time for my open house as a nice add on for my customers. Let’s hope we have an excellent holiday season!!
I bought a tiny soy candle business one year ago. I am VERY positive about this year! I learned a lot in the last year. During the summer slow time, I spent most of my time contacting schools to sell my 100% soy candles for their fundraisers. That work paid off and I am preparing to fill orders for 4 schools in November. I had a retail space that I lost when the owner went out of business. It forced me to participate in local craft shows. The benefit has been increased sales, exposure to the local retailers (I got 3 accounts from them!) and additional requests for other local shows. The feedback I have heard from people is they love a locally made, high quality product! My price point helps also – $7-20. And I stress that 90% of my candles components are American made. They respond very well to that.
The challenge I face, like many of you, is that rising prices of my supplies will soon force me to raise my prices. My advice is to turn off the TV, stop listening to the nay sayers and get creative. Good luck to everyone!
This year our focus has been on a designing project to be released by Thanksgiving.
Since we are an online business we have the opportunity to scale back to accommodate the economy.
Everything our shop does and purchases for the end product not only supports Small American Business the end product is also American Made and we take pride in that.
Nashville Wraps has been wonderful in helping to create additional ideas to keep everything flowing.
Thank you so much for this blog!
I own a small business, Coffees,Teas & Beyond Gift Shop in Plymouth, N. C. I am entering in my 5th year. Thank God for that! Business last year was down at Christmas but I am believeing that more and more people will shop locally this year. Due to the economy and gas prices that is how I feel that way. I use Nashville Wrap products. I was told not to invest in the nice bags and just use the general plastic bags and people would understand. I refuse to do that! My shop is to special to me to offer less then the best. I do a lot of gift bags and my customers just love to receive their products, whether coffee pks. or cocoa or cider in a nice gift bag with tissue. I maybe can’t afford to buy the nicer bags offered by NW but the white shopper will do just fine. I am stocking as if I am expecting to do great, this Christmas. I have to decided to let my faith take hold!
I know that my business is also my ministry so I am just going to let the Master take control! I carry some small hanging signs in my shop that say,”God answers knee-mail” So with that I am staying on my knees in praying for my business. Thanks NW for your products, I don’t order 3000 or 5000 worth at a time but oneday you will be getting that on line order from Coffees,Teas & Beyond and remember this comment!
I pray for all small businesses everywhere! God Bless you all!
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Iown a corporate gift company, and yes everyone is scared about the economy ,but my thinking is if you offer value and creativity you will prosper!! I am lucky to be diversified so I also offer classses . Crafts for Kids, Knitting and Crocheting and Scrapbooking. I am conveniently located near a yarn shop so offering beginning Knit and Crochet classes has brought me new customers. Also Networking is important! Just don’t think because your open people are going to come in!! I’m involved in the Chamber Of Commerce and a LeTip Networking group. Yes it is time consuming but also fun and exciting!! Good luck and have aGREAT holiday season!!
You’re exactly right! C’mon people, your fate is in your own hands. Get postive, creative and motivated…… and get to selling instead of complaining. Good luck to all of you!
I agree in thinking positively and being creative as ways small businesses can stay solvent and grow during hard times. I’d add that I also try to continually express gratitude to my current customers. I’m so thankful that they’re shopping at our online maternity store now that I’m doing everything I can to keep them happy and to let them know how much their business means to us. Given the economic circumstances and fears we all have, we shouldn’t take my customers for granted!
We own a wonderful art gallery in North Little Rock, Arkansas and business is great. We are selling upper end art (price range $1,000 to $3,500.) Our framing business is better than ever. We provide exceptional customer service and also provide quality “over the top” framing. Our corporate business is extremely strong. We have introduced an art bridal registry that is the first for our area. In addition we have been very creative with our marketing. We are everywhere in the community!! Great year and we hope it continues.
We are celebrating our 20th anniversary this year as a home-based, full-service gift basket business in southcentral Pennsylvania. I can honestly say that this summer has been our busiest summer season on record. The only thing I can think of — is that people are looking for more useful gifts. Sympathy baskets have become very popular, as people don’t want to put money into flowers that don’t last very long. I’m being (hopefully) optimistic that the holiday season will be strong as people look for family gifts.
I understand now. Thanks and I love Nashville Wraps.
I run a few select Direct Sales Business’s from home.Business is going great in fact more people are buying from Independent Business owners than in recent years especially work at home moms. Nashville Wraps has been a staple in my home office for a few years now. This year I am exceptionally busy preparing samples of my products to be shipped out to people all over the US & Canada. I have partnered with a Company called “The Sample Bag” http://www.thesamplebag.com/affiliates/id/1017_2 . The Sample Bag is Direct Marketing at its Best! Directly marketing items into the
hands of eager consumers wanting
to try your products! Nicely sized individually wrapped samples from companies we all know and love! A friend of mine had been working on this concept for a long time and finally got it going. We have all types of vendors In The Bag from Candle Company’s to Skin Care, Gift Basket people to Travel Agencies Etc. We are all working hard if not to make ends meet , to get a little extra for that vacation that otherwise might be put on hold or even to keep with family Holiday gift giving traditions. Small Business will prevail , this I am sure of.
I think some of you should share your online stores with us. We may be interested in buying from you too.
Im just starting a candy/nut business and am a little overwhelmed with the economy and my timing. However, Im confident that we will get through this with a stronger and more prosperous economy. Good Luck and God Bless us All!!
I own a dog bakery w/ grooming salon. I am terribly scared but refuse to give in to “media hysteria” just yet. Christmas is coming and we will be prepared w/ fancy presentations thanks to Nashville Wraps! We do plan to market smaller more affordable gift gaskets and cookies bags and not many large expensive baskets. I assume my profit margin will be less this year but maybe I can make it up in quantity…I will work harder and longer and stash away any profits instead of “gifting” myself for my hard work!
My gift baskets are doing great. I am up 23% over last year. I make them fresh and beatuiful. People are sending my fresh baked cookies and candies instead of flowers. For offices there is a little something for everyone. So, I am trying to look at what will be great for this Christmas season knowing that homemade works for most people who do not have time to cook. Nahville Wraps sells everything I need.
Don’t loose heart. The heart of America has spoken on this blog and I see promise not only for this year but for the next. Small businesses are what America is all about.
In Nov we will celebrate our 1 year anniversary for opening our chocolate shop. (We use many NW items in our packaging.) I am not sure what to expect for Christmas ~ just hoping to do the same as last year, which was quite good. But I have also extended my reach by doing a mass mailing to the Chamber of Commerce members (we are also one) to bring in more corporate gift giving for clients or employees. I also have been collecting e-mail addresses over the last year and do a monthly newsletter via email that is very cost effective. I have just under 500 names and it grows every day. As an earlier writer commented, keep on advertising. When you need to cut costs find the opportunities elsewhere and maintain or even increase your advertising. Just be smart about where and how you advertise and spend the dollars wisely. Good luck to all!
This is a great forum. I agree it’s BUY AMERICAN, BUY LOCAL. People will continue to spend and when they do, it will be on a better quality product. We’re all a little sick and tired of inferior quality items imported from some far away land. It’s time we practice what we preach. We’ve all know for a long time that the “you know what” was going to hit the fan. It’s been no secret we’ve outsourced ourselves into this mess. Stay positive and stay honest.
I’ve been making rustic cake and votive candles for 12 years now. I sell at one fall craft show and rent space in 2 shops on of which is located in Amish Country in Ohio. So far I’ve had a VERY good year and this October may surpass what I did last year. My most exspensive candle is $9.50. and I belive that crafting a quality product and keep my prices low are the reason for my success. I consistently receive emails from customers raving about the quality of my candles.
I’ve had to deal with the same ups and downs as many crafters. My biggest was about 3 months ago when candle wax jumped yet again in price and it was looking like I was going to have to double the price of my candles!!!!!! Fortuntately the research I’d done paid off and I”ve found a good source that allowed me to keep my prices the same as last year. Bottom line … you can succeed regardless of what the economy is doing. People still have money they are just being choosier on what they buy. I really do believe that people are shunning chain stores and going with hand crafted items because of their value and relatively low pricing. I wish you all the best this holiday season!
In spite of the economic conditions, I refuse to give into the negativity. I will continue to offer the best American made Baskets, partnered with Pottery and Foundry items. Festively wrapped up and tied with products from Nashville Wraps, my Baskets are an impressive addition to any occasion. Offering these special ammenities had kept my business alive.
Pam
Longaberger Independent Home Consultant
My company was doing pretty good until October 6 came around. Business has been dead. I am not sure what to expect this holiday season.2005 & 2006 we did very well. 2007 was not a good year for me as I lost my Dad in August and really had not focused on the business too much but the holidays came and we did okay. I only hope for the best and try to remain positive. Good Luck to all
I own a small gift/coffee shop in central Illinois.
We will have been open for a year next week. We didn’t really have enough money to buy a lot of Christmas products this year. Instead we started doing more consignment. It has been a Godsend. It seemed like everytime I thought-What are we going to do for new items, a local artist would come in an inquire about consignment. The customers have responded very positively, and now we are phasing out mass produced foreign made products, for more American made, and we have had a very positive response. It gives us an edge because in most cases we are the only shop they are selling out of. We are located across the street from an interior designer, and I have a degree in costume design, so we’ve decided to start our own line of decor and accesories made from custom order upolstry fabric. We a re starting with scarves followed by table runners, napkins, place mats and for Christmas, tree skirts and stockings. We will be mixing the displays with our consignment artist’s that will be doing items such as candle sticks, napkin rings and ornaments. I’m really excited about it and it has gotten me a lot more invloved with the actual products in my store. I’m being more creative than I would be, if I could just take money and order out of a catelog. Not to mention, it makes everything in our shop unique which is what we wanted in the first place. I hope everyone is able to face these challenging times with a positive out look and see this a s an opportunity to grow, not fail.
I make customed designed invitations for parties and weddings, and have been in business for just over 3 years. This year sales have been phenominal, and seem like they are going to better in 2009. Mid-year I started offering DIY kits to my brides and have been overwhelmed by the response. These kits allow me to offer a one of a kind item, but at a lower price. People love it! and so do I because it’s less work for me! I think that if you offer products or services that are unique in your industry and do it with a positive attitude one can only be successful.
I am very positive this year. This is my first Christmas in my store. I truly believe you provide the service and the customers will come to you. It is better to make $1 from 10 customers than $10 from one customer!!! Look at your prices, cover your cost and make a buck. Share your ability to make the Holidays great for families and they will return the whole year thru. We are defintely Santa this year and my husbands got the costume to prove it LOL.
We have been in business for 13 years. This is a challenging year. Our business is down, but not broken. We have taken measures to cut costs where we can without sacrificing our appeal. We have always been very philanthropic and continue to donate to all worthwhile charities…we feel it is the best sort of advertising. What is maddening to me is the inconsistancy. We will have a fabulous day and then give up the gain in the next two miserable ones. It is especially challenging to the staff on the sales floor. I always say that the ringing register is like a standing ovation in the theatre.
when is isn’t ringing it is like playing to no audience. Having a staff that can keep the mojo going is very important. NOTHING HAS EVER BEEN ACCOMPLISHED BY NEGATIVITY.
My online business selling patterns and kits is going strong – I have so many orders that I do not have time to fill them all! Crafts, kits, and sewing related items $20 and under appeal to all age groups, especially those who are crafty, hip, 40 years old and under – a group who contstantly doesn’t have much money and wants a creative way to gift and give! So business is good. I use packaging and gift boxes from NW to display and deliver my goods and it adds an extra professional touch that’s always appreciated.
I also work for an independent fabric store in Northern California that uses bags from NW for our outgoing customer purchases. Sewing and selling fabric is doing better than ever – people are sewing their own “designer” clothes, repairing and re-making their old togs, and spending time off from work doing traditional crafts like quilting and knitting – we have seen a jump in sales due to savvy buying, offering awesome fabrics at reasonable prices, and offering our best product – customer service!
Oct. 12th will make one month since Hurricane Ike Hit Texas. After being closed for 14 days, September was a complete wash. People are still restocking there freezers, cleaning up storm debris, and paying that wonderful 2% insurance deductable for wind damage. Every day it gets a little better, baby steps as many have said. For anyone who reads this and you have a brick and mortar store, look at your insurance policy! You think you have coverage but there is always a clause in there that screws you. I had business interruption, I called my insurance company and since there was no damage to my actual building, they didn’t pay a dime for me being closed due to no power. I could have gotten an additional endorsement to cover” any” type of closer, but my agent felt that was not needed!
I WILL have a great prosperous Christmas. I order 5,000 bags from Nashville Wraps and I expect every single one to be filled with merchandise and out the door by Christmas. I had to temporally lay off employees and hope they will be available to come back when I can afford them. Thanks for letting me vent, and I do wish each and every one of you a prosperous holiday season and beyond.
We are doing business as usual, maybe slightly down but okay. I think many times our ‘problems’ are made to sound much worse than they actually by the liberal media who seem to have an ‘agenda.’ You know, the old leftist way of telling us something over and over until many people believe it, scare tactics. Yes, the economy has trouble right now, but if you will take the time to delve into WHY all this has happened, it will open your eyes. The informataion is out there, find it and read it. Yes, it has had a domino effect. What do we do? We hold tight and ride out the storm as Americans have done many times before. The economy never moves on a level, it continually goes up and down. The ‘wolf’ may be circling in the yard but that is no reason we have to let him in the front door. Many of us are the children of the ‘greatest generation,’ the men and women of World War II. When we Baby Boomers look at what they had to endure to pull not only ourselves but much of the rest of the world out of that mess and preserve the free world, it makes us look like whiners. Let’s take a lesson and and spiff up here, be creative about what we are doing and do our best to carry on the legacy our parents and grandparents have given us, at much sacrifice…and that is that we can do whatever it takes to maintain the things that really matter, the things that are really important…our freedom, our honor, and our ‘can do’ spirit. With those intangibles we can work together and dismiss defeat.
I know people will always buy at Christmas. Sales are always up, maybe not as much as retailers would like. I know I will have a successful Christmas because of how I can change my sales approach with the economy woes. I am being frugal with my packaging so I can play up my product integrity.
My “high-end” natural pet food business is holding its own….summer was particularly slow for us, but improving at the present. Having invested my life savings into my business, I am determined to make it work, so I just take one day at a time. Negativity breeds negativity!!!!! Remain upbeat (I know it’s hard) and SMILE!!!!
Remember Smiles and Positive Attitudes are not only contagious, but a simple smile might be just what that customer needed to get through the day!
Life in Northern Maine tends to be a little different from most parts of the country. We operate a nice little store on the border in a town of 6500 people. Last year was our first year in business and we were suprised by how well we did. We were counting on a better 2nd year. ..now I would settle for a repeat of last year! The economy hurts, but for us its been the price of oil, specificaly home heating oil. People need to be warm and we had a cold hard winter last year. After 27 years in corporate America I can honestly say I now better understand the real America. I believe we have done all we can to emerge stronger from this “mess” than when we entered it. It’s an emotional roller coaster every day and my advice to everyone is to continue to expect the best while preparing for the worst. Cut expenses for sure, but still advertise, buy & sell American when you can and offer great service. We are considering layaway and would be interested in some tips or even copies of the “rules” from someone who does it already. Kudos to Nashville Wraps for this forum!
PS. Buying American might really take off if the big box stores, like Wal-Mart pushed the issue! They need to contribute to the cause because they have real purchasing power. Thanks, I needed to get that off my chest.
I manage a used bookstore in a small town just north of Dayton Ohio and business is down here too. A lot of jobs have left our area and a GM plant is closing Dec. 23rd. We offer a wide variety of books and will special order items if we don’t have it in stock. But nobody is buying and the owner says that if it doesn’t get better soon we will be closing our doors too. We have a Harvest Party in town the second weekend in November and we do good business that weekend.
How are hospital giftshops fairing??
I have an independent business and people are buying for Christmas now at our traveling shows.
I am cutting back in every area I can. I’ve gone to clear bags and stamped my logo on them. Business is terrible. People are not spending and that is the bottom line here in Prescott AZ. It’s a pretty dismal situation. Thanks for this opportunity to vent. Best of luck to all.
My honest opinion is that America is finally looking to buy American! I offer all handmade goods that I sell at a local craft store. Buisness has really picked up recently despite the economy. The shop offers layaways that is a tremendous offering to the public along with All American made crafts!!!
I have only been in business for a year and have already as of September lost $7,000 from last year at this same time. I remain optomistic, but guarded at the same time. We are having a Fall Festival in our field next door Oct 10 & 11 and expect our sales to be up from last year. I bought some of the Christmas Gift Bags, matching tissue and small gift cards that I will offer to my customer at MY COST. I of course got them from Nashville Wraps. The only requirement is that they buy the gift from me and we will just put the purchase in the the gift bag for them with the tissue nicely sticking out of the top of the bag. I will also give them a matching gift that they can attach. Voila! A gift to go and a happy customer!
Integrity and quality of character in business and in life creates its own magnet which always draws response and success in the end. This could be a good lesson for the politicians , bankers, and brokers etc. who are finding things going the opposite way.
I closed my physical store in California last spring, at the same time 4 other boutiques in the area closed their doors… one had been there for 30 years! Last Christmas was down a bit for us, so I felt it was time to think about closing. I would say 2005 was our best holiday season… then from there we started selling less expensive items, but more of them. In other words… $10-$20 items were flying off the shelves, but anything over $30 was sitting. Oh, and everyone wanted gift wrapping! So, mark your prices up a wee bit to add that extra bow they crave! 😉 Closing my store wasn’t a direct response to the economy at that time, but watching the housing market… we knew something was going to happen. We moved to North Carolina, where the economy and job market seems stronger… and the overhead to run a business is a fraction of what it is in CA. I still have an online store, but I’m definitely going to see how the market is doing over the next 2 years before I think about opening another brick and mortar. I’ve ordered a lot less holiday-centric items and I’m working on creating a line of products that is exclusively ours. I’ve also noticed that most of my suppliers are closing showrooms or downsizing their inventory and variety of lines… the retail gift market is changing for sure! I wish we had a crystal ball and could predict where it’s going… but for now, one baby step at a time!!! If I had to make a prediction… I think there will be more trends towards more handmade items and crafting kits. More people will want to make things or have a hand in the gifts they give, to save money but give it more sentimental value to replace that monetary value. The hugely grand gift basket might be a thing of the past. Everyone is going to re-think how they live, how they spend, what “value” is and what going into debt really means. So, spend some time figuring out what “value” is… that’s what I’m doing 🙂
I’m FULL of positive expectancy for the upcoming Holiday Season.
We can CHOOSE positive or negative!
People want products of VALUE…I have that.
People want convenience…I offer that.
People want American Made…WE ARE THAT.
People want gifts that stand out from the crowd, and thanks to Nashville Wraps and some creativity, they LOVE my gifts!!!!
Piper~Mary Kay Cosmetics Gift & Beauty Consultant
This year will be the best ever where Christmas is concerned. We paid off all our debt this year, and have budgeted and saved for our holiday giving… not just gifts for our family, but charitable giving also.
Yes, we lost some “money” in our stock portfolio, but we lost about the same a few years ago and it all came back eventually so I am not too concerned about it.
We use Nashville Wraps products to put together baskets of small gifts and homemade goodies for friends and business associates. They always look so ‘up-scale’ and professional!
I usually run a Santa’s Little Helper out of the house during the holidays. Put together baskets helping people get their wrapping and secret storing pre holidays done and so on. I usually start receiving inquiries about now and haven’t heard a thing.
I can personally also say that all of the adults in the family (8 on one side and 4 on the other) have all decided that’s we’re only doing the kids this year.
Rachel
As President of the Coastal Carolina Artists & Crafters Guild, I have encouraged our members and others to do just as you say — keep on being creative and find ways to get the word of their creative items to a wider customer base. In addition to supporting our local artists & crafters, the CCAC Guild is working hard at attracting customers to shops that carry handcrafted items by sponsoring a SHOP HOP. We have created a Scavenger Hunt Map that contains more than 20 shops in an area around Jacksonville, NC. We are suggesting that customers carpool. The SHOP HOP maps are available from the CCAC Guild and at participating shops. Those customers that complete the Scavenger Hunt could win cash prizes. All of this is of no cost to the shop owners. We have purchased our supplies from Nashville Wraps. This is exciting for us as well as the participating shop owners. It would be great to see that campaign again “Buy Made in America”.
We are going broke this year.