VIEW FROM THE CORN FIELD

Well, here we are in the great state of Iowa. It has been nearly a year since we packed up and moved ourselves, 2 dogs and a kitty cat from our dream home in Alabama some 950 miles to Davenport, Iowa. I must say, I was not exactly thrilled to leave the south. I had after all, lived in the southern culture for almost 30 years. I had grown accustomed to macaroni and cheese as a vegetable. 

In October, 2012 we arrived in front of our little house, the weather was quite warm. Of coarse, I knew that would change. By late November I began to remember why I left the Midwest 28 years prior. I just keep telling myself that shoveling snow is great exercise!

When I closed up my beloved little shop in Centre, Alabama my husband promised me that we would find another spot to open in our new area. I had even looked into opening in Le Claire-- home of the American Pickers. Never did I allow myself to think that not only would I have a small shop there, but be right in the heart of the best shopping and restaurants.

As we explored in all directions and visited several cities within a reasonable radius. We found the rental rates in the city of Davenport to be far too high. Moline and East Moline had reasonable rents, but not much traffic. We took a day to visit Le Claire and spoke to several shop owners and posed the question of a vintage clothing shop. Most were very positive. By the time we made our second trip, one of the shop owners was planning on renting her space (next to where we are located now) for a very reasonable price. It seemed to be happening very quickly and I  generally do not like to rush into decisions, I prefer to explore options. By the time we had gotten back with her, a few weeks later, she had the space rented. However, the building next door was coming up for rent as the current shopkeeper was moving to a larger space. I could not believe my good fortune when I received a pm on facebook from her telling me that the other shop was up for grabs! I called the owner immediately and made an appointment to look at the space. The only drawback was that it was quite small at about 500 sq feet. But a darling space right in the heart of everything. Of coarse, we were not the only potential renters. In fact, there were probably 15 businesses that applied for this particular spot. I am glad we were chosen. We are enjoying the area very much.

Of coarse, my Bear built fitting rooms (trimmed in cedar) and fixtures,  painted the walls and even installed some additional lighting. Naturally, he is a great support in many other ways.

As some of you may know, I did have a bit of a rough time this summer. I was dealing with diverticulitis and shingles. It took a toll on me and on sales. Now,  I am back at it and planning lots of activities. We also involved with our Etsy shop, also named Cedar Closet.
We sell what I call “previously loved”, vintage and handmade. Again I have tried to involve local artists. I also do consignment on classic items and vintage. We have a large selection of vintage and handmade jewelry as well. I love that we get visitors from all over the country. As well as locals from surrounding cities.

We opened our shop on July 1st of this year. We are located in a lovely building that is over 100 years old. Although it is quite small it has a charming courtyard outside and is topped off with a cheery blue  and white striped awning.  If I peer closely between the buildings I can actually see the Mississippi river. It is hard for me to believe that it has been less than a year and Cedar Closet is back up and in full swing! If you ever find yourself in Le Claire, Iowa stop by and say, “Hello!”

Leap of Faith

Have you ever taken a “leap of faith?“ Recently my husband and I had toyed with the idea of opening up our own shop. I had been gathering fixtures and even went so far as to share a space with another gal in her shop.

My husband looked at me very seriously one evening and asked, “Why don’t you just open up a shop of your own?” I threw my head back and laughed. I used the excuse that it would be too much work, too expensive, etc. I came up with a million excuses, which he shot down, one by one.

I had been looking for buildings in and around the small southern town I live, with the intention of opening a small ladies consignment shop for quite sometime. I have been selling vintage jewelry online for many years and had recently begun to include vintage clothing.

In one of our meetings with a local realtor, she expressed that owning and running my own shop was a “dream”. Again, I laughed. At my advanced age I have had to let go of many, many dreams.

I am not afraid of a little hard work, and certainly have a lot of experience on the selling floor. I had actually begun my journey into the exciting world of retail in 1968. I lived across the street from an actual five-and-dime store. For you “young-uns” Yes, there were really item for sale at that price.

When I got out of high school I got a job offer for the very first job I applied for at JL Hudson’s at Northland shopping center. Thus began my illustrious career in retailing. I have since worked for JC Penneys, Sears, Kmart, AAFES, and many other companies. In fact, I have served the public for over 30 years.

Soon we found a building, which was actually located in the same shopping center as another consignment shop. We discussed the location and decided that JC Penney and Sears often locate in a center where each is a pull for the other. I did not seem an issue in the beginning. It became a bit sticky later on.

My hubby spent his weekends working tirelessly on fixtures and displays. He built fitting room out of cedar wood, in keeping with our cedar “theme.”

The day before we opened, I looked around the little shop and realized, this was my dream. I also realized that the very act of actually opening up the doors of my own shop, meant I was a huge success. Every other moment after would only be gravy. As I stood there with tears in my eyes, I felt a very different kind of security. We had built a business, but much more. We had built a dream.

We have come a very long way from the first day we started to where we are today, but it is definitely full circle. We have created a comfortable, and pleasant place to shop and my customers are very pleased to have me in the town.

CUSTOMER SERVICE ?

Whether Americans like it or not, capitalism is what keeps this country going. Supply and demand for goods and services. Exchange of monies for anything and everything available in the vast marketplace that is our country.

As some of you may know I have spent over 30 years in retail sales/management. Nothing in the whole world ticks me off more than bad Customer Service. I received my training from some of the finest companies in the business world. Including Dayton Hudson, J.C. Penney and The Federated Group. When I entered the exciting world of retail, I was still in high school.

Customer Service was always the companies’ number one concern. It was stressed to all trainees that without the customers, there would be no jobs. We were given 3 weeks of paid training and a manual. There was a test.

We were not only instructed on professional dress and make up, but also had lessons in telephone courtesy. We were put into groups and given real situations that helped us learn to interact with customers. We were taught product knowledge and eventually would earn raises and promotions biased on our expertise.

When we “trainees” passed the training course, we had real knowledge and were proud to take our place on the sales floor. We were respected. For the first time in our young lives, we had self respect.

The store trainer was second only in authority to the store manager. She was our mother and mentor. Companies realized what a valued component customer service representatives were to its organization.

Companies have long abandoned the idea. The customer is no longer important. Customer service representatives are no longer valued. The financial aspects of training became too much for them to bear. 
 
The evolution came in the 1950’s with the innovation of “self-serve”. It was more convenient for the customer. Television advertising had allowed the average consumer much more product knowledge. This could not be more false. 
 
I had a very bad experience in a Staples store this passed weekend. I asked for a product they did not have on their shelf. The assistant store manager told me she had received the item on the truck, but did not have time to go in the stockroom and look for it. She told me to call her back tomorrow and she would have it. I called back (7 working hours later) and she giggled and said she was still busy. She told me to call back in an hour. When I called back, she had gone home for the day and no one there had a clue about the item. There was no apology, no offer to find the item, nothing! 
 
This is an example of BAD customer service, but not the end of the story. I called the Staples Customer Service line and was told, after I had given the whole story, that I should understand that ‘sometimes people get busy!” Really??? Really??? 
 
Needless to say STAPLES does NOT get it. Nor will they get another penny of my money.