Thursday, January 28, 2010

Talking Shop (Again!)

Yes, I am at it again, but just now the shop is taking up most of my energies as I try to establish myself in the town...I haven't invested in any publicity or advertising yet, except via my blog, but have been encouraged by how word has already spread.

I'm not sure that I shall be posting quite so often on my blog for now, as I can see my posts becoming a little repetitive! My life had been very different only a very short time ago...I was able to spend time on our home, our garden, crafting and days out...although I know I will be able to make adjustments given time, for the moment things revolve quite intensely around my new venture...I'm struggling to keep up with emails and comments on blogs, but have felt quite liberated by the fact that I don't have a computer or laptop at the shop to distract me during the day - its surprising what can be achieved! ;-)) (Added to this is the fact that I have agreed to be a part of several vintage fairs this year, so I'll need to find the time to make for those as well.)
Anyway, to talk shop again!...I had sold the 1930's doggie in the window, so needed to create some new displays...
I've gone for 'Where did you get that hat' in one of the side windows...

And have moved all of my vintage sewing equipment to the other side window. It has the caption 'Any old iron' as I have placed two antique irons amongst the display.

This has freed up the main front window, where I wanted to create a romantic Valentine's promotion...
I've included several of my hanging display hearts, a plaster statue, a framed collage and some Victorian Valentine postcards. The pink roses and white freesias are still going strong from my opening day exactly one week ago, and came in the post from my Mum and Dad.

Lets hope a few romantic gentlemen will come shopping for a gift for their sweethearts soon!

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The display is arranged on top of an old Frister Rossmann treadle sewing machine base.

I've also been adding some new stock to the interior displays, after a shopping trip at the weekend.

The orange moment didn't last long, and pink is firmly back on the agenda! ;-))

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I am feeling confident that I will be able to hand make a few items of extra stock each week - So far a pattern has emerged where I have 'morning customers' and afternoon ones...which means at lunch time I can usually whizz along on the sewing machine for a while and finish off in the afternoon, in between callers.

New this week has been a pretty floral basket cover.

Some patchwork bags....

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And some heart shaped cushions covered in bold c1950's red rose printed fabric by Fothergays.
I've also added to the antique bottle selection and to some of my lavender sachets.
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I have decided to change my opening days as I mentioned on a previous post. My new opening hours will be:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 9.30am - 4pm
Wednesday: 9.30am - 4pm
Thursday: 9.30am - 4pm
Friday: 9.30am - 4pm
Saturday: 9.30am - 4pm
Sunday: CLOSED
Hopefully this will work well for customers, and will also mean that I have a two day weekend.
Niki x

21 comments:

  1. It looks so beautiful Niki, I must say my favourite thing is the display of vintage cotton reels but there are so many gorgeous treasures. I'm glad to hear it's all going well!

    Mel xxx

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  2. Anonymous10:42 pm

    Oh this is torture!

    I want to add everything to my virtual basket but there isn't one......everything looks fantastic Nikki,it really does.
    Hopefully we will be down in the summer when the weather is better to travel so far.
    So happy for you that the shop is going well
    Love Kristina x

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  3. Two days off in a row works well for me, so let's hope it will be right for Shepton. I think it probably will, judging by your comments the other day.

    Fancy, you're into week 2 already!!

    Sue x

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  4. Everything is looking lovely, Niki! It is great that you are changing window displays so often... that's definitely something we need to do more of at hubby's shop. Customers always love a new display to enjoy (and it prompts them to come in to see what else is new inside)!

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  5. What lovely window displays Niki...
    Love all those pretty bottles, i just wished i lived near to Shepton i would be a regular customer for sure.
    Good luck and have a lovely weekend.
    Debbie.x

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  6. Looking as fab as ever! Please don't worry about replying to my comment..Have a great weekend!Liz xxxx

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  7. Guenievre9:31 am

    Quel dommage que je n'habite pas en Grande-Bretagne :-((
    Il y a beaucoup de choses à me plaire dans votre boutique.

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  8. Hi Niki
    You may think that frequent postings may become repetitive, but believe me, when the pics are of such gorgeous things and inventive displays - THAT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN GIRL!
    Tracey x

    The hyacinth bag is sooooo beautiful!

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  9. A gorgeous torture! You are so lovely to share even though most of us can't get there! Looks fabulous and I'm so delighted you are already in a rhythm and able to sew. So very, very happy for you. Suzy x

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  10. OOOOOh! I wanna shop in your shop NOW!
    I'm definately going to come to Shepton Mallet when I have the time and weather on my side!
    Looking really good Niki, Well done!

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  11. Shop looks so lovely, dont worry about returning comments, I just love to look at the pictures! Im hoping to come and have a brouse with a friend when the weather picks up as we love a picnic too!

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  12. He's sold? The doggie in the window is sold? Somehow I'd hoped he'd wait for me to visit and come home with me. Hope you vetted his new owners!
    Your blog is pure pleasure to look at. Wonderful. xx

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  13. I love your site so much I posted a link on my Facebook profile (hope you don't mind)and, as expected, there was some wonderful feedback! Wishing you every success with your beautiful new premises - hope I can visit myself one day soon!

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  14. I'm sure3 all the ladies in your area would be delighted to receive any gift from your shop on Valentines day, especially those hart shaped cushions in the window, Love Lucey xx

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  15. Anonymous9:40 pm

    I'm sorry to be anonymous, but I don't have a blog and am really not very computer savvy.
    I have read your archives from day one, and this is the most lovely blog I have ever seen.
    I live in Texas and started off just coveting your beautiful, unique home. Then I tried to go to your online store to order merchandise. Now that I have come to today, I realize why that didn't work. You have wonderful taste and ability. I love it all.
    Best wishes for a lifetime of sales.
    This is my first de-lurking experience, but I just had to let you know what you have sparked in me.
    Thank you so much for sharing your talent.
    Donna Wilson

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  16. oh my it's all looking so wonderful! Enjoy your precious computer free time! Long deserved! t.x

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  17. Your shop looks wonderful I wish you every success and hope you have lots of visitors. x

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  18. You have such a lovely shop, and if we ever make it across the pond there I would love to visit!! Wish you great success!!

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  19. I can't begin to tell you how happy I am for you that your shop is up and running, Niki!! It looks absolutely beautiful!! Lots and lots of pretty things!! Someday I hope to travel to England and would love to see you and your shop in person. God bless and best wishes to you always. :)

    ~ Wendy
    http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

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  20. Hi again, Niki. I just wanted to let you know that I'll be thinking of you on the first of every month, because I've decided to do a little colourful display each month inspired by your calendar page! I've blogged about what I've done - I hope it's OK that I've included a photo of your calendar, with a full link to you of course.

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  21. Your shop looks beautiful! Best of luck with it. If looks go by anything, it will be a great success.

    Greetings from Holland ~
    Heidi

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Thank you for finding the time to visit me...
Niki xx