Still Going Strong

We had another great week which is quite remarkable since our inventory was quite low. We averaged $450 per day.

Thankfully we got in three shipments on Thursday and Friday so we have some great new merchandise. We got several nativities as well as some nativity ornaments.

We also got in some more coffee and items from the Women's Bean Project.

Everyone continues to be excited about the store and are spreading the word.

More later,
Linda

Second Week

We have finished our second week and it was even better than the first. We averaged $400 per day this week. If we continue to grow by 14% each week, we will be taking over the mall in a year. Thanks to all of you who are telling your friends and handing out our brochures.

Some higher power seems to be involved in the ordering of products. On more than one occasion we got something that we didn't order (we either put down a wrong item number or just mis-communicated on the phone) and decided to keep the item/items rather than send them back. They usually sell the day we put them out.

We are selling items both great and small, anywhere from a $275 table to a $2.00 smooth stone with an inspirational word inscribed on it. The goldfish paperweights and onyx candleholder are emerging as top sellers.

We are planning a Grand Opening Party on November 11. I will write more about that later.

Hope to see you soon at the Trade Fair Marketplace.

Linda

Pictures at Trade Fair

First Week

I don't know about the other volunteers, but I had a great time this week. It was fun learning about all the merchandise and visiting with the customer as well as the other volunteers. Did you know that Becky Harchanko regularly takes 50 mile bike rides, that Carol Jones has a sister 20 years older than she or that Cathy Hough has so many cats they have their own house.

We averaged $350 each day. I am thrilled with those numbers. They far exceed my expectations. I think these numbers will improve as more people hear about us. The challenge ahead is to keep the inventory fresh and plentiful.

The beans from the Women's Bean Project have been a favorite with the customers. We do like to eat, don't we. At least beans are good for us. I have tried two of the soup mixes and one of the cookie mixes. They were delicious.

Keep spreading the word.

Linda

Opening Day

We have finally made it to the starting line and are off and running. We had a good day with several customers. We sold about 40 items and had receipts of about $500. I think that is a great start. We have placed two more orders for some more merchandise. All of the little red cat purses are gone and all of the small onyx candles. Everyone seems genuinely excited about the quality of the merchandise. They almost all comment about Christmas shopping so we should have a good holiday season.

The florist showed up about mid morning with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my sister-in-law and her family. She is the one who first introduced me to "fair trade" almost 10 years ago. Thanks, Martha

Linda