Running a business is not for the faint of heart, it is really tough sometimes! As if the making of the actual products isn't enough, I've got piles and piles of other stuff on top. Social media, website optimization, updating the website so it always looks fresh, ordering supplies, keeping the actual building looking nice and kempt, and of course, raising a family and making sure those duties are always done. It is more than a full time job, and I get really tired sometimes.
One thing that makes those feelings subside a bit is the "cha-ching" notification that I get every time a sale is made. Those sounds have not been cha-chinging like they should in the actual shop. We have been really successful at the website part of our business, but the storefront is hit or miss. White Sulphur Springs has changed a lot, but it is still not a shopping destination. I rack my brain daily on what I can do to improve that. I think the shop is really nice inside, and I know our products are great. We have a really large percentage of return buyers, which is AMAZING in this industry. However, I realize that our main stay customers can only buy so much soap or lotion, so we really depend on walk in traffic, and there just isn't a lot.
Do you know how many people who LIVE here, comment that they didn't even know we were here? Or how many people we still get looking for cupcakes...three years later. It's almost like people who live here have blinders on when new businesses come to town. Like they have their eyes only forward and are focusing on getting through town as quickly as possible. It's an issue for sure, and I am at the end of ideas to fix it, I don't know if I can.
Traffic seems to pick up here in the evenings, because so many are coming to town to eat at our restaurants, so we have decided to try to capitalize on that. So, starting next week, our hours are going to look a lot different. We will be open Wednesday-Saturday 11-7pm, and Sundays 1-5, once holiday shopping really kicks into gear.
During those evening hours, you and some friends could come to Sweet Cedar, blend and make your own candle, then pick it up after you've had dinner downtown. Or come by after work and pick up a candle and bubble bath to take home to help you unwind. We've got the market on self care cornered and lots of options to help you feel good.
This is the last idea I have, I am open to other thoughts for sure. I can take criticism pretty good too, so lay it on me. Is there something wrong with our curb appeal? Signage? What else can we do to bring in foot traffic to our shop? We need organic reach of people in our town, who maybe have never tried us, or even know we exist. Or are here on a trip and discover us and then re-order again and again. HOW do we get them in the shop to see what we have?
Otherwise, I sit here and think that maybe it would be best to close the shop and put all of my focus online. I don't want to do that, as I enjoy meeting and talking to people who come in, and I definitely love that I see the same people month after month, coming in to stock up on their skincare, or their candles, or soap. It is amazing knowing that they like our products so much, that they come back again and again. But that bank of people is only so many, and truthfully, a lot of you order online for pickup anyway.
I'm usually a positive person 99% of the time, but this is bringing me down bad. I want our town to be bumping with people, but it's just not. At least during the day it isn't, so maybe evening hours will be the change we need.
What do you think? Lay it on me!
Erin
8 comments
I don’t have an answer to what will bring more foot traffic in.. but I just have to comment to say that I think the interior & exterior of your shop is gorgeous. ‘Really nice’ is such an understatement! I love the clean & fresh environment that is your beautiful shop! I have tried alot of your products & I’ve loved everything I’ve tried! I won’t even use another lotion brand because I think your body-butter is the absolute best there is!
I hope the change in hours brings the foot traffic you need. It would be a shame if the prettiest storefront in this area, closed!
Hi! I have only been to the store once after visiting Barnwood. I love the setup and the clean look of the store. I live about 4 1/2 hours away so I can’t visit often however we have a place near Hinton WV and I plan on coming in each time we are there. I’m really trying to think of an idea of how to get people in the store because I don’t want y’all to close! You’re a hidden gem! It was raining the day we came in so I’m not sure what a sunny day at the shop looks like but maybe have some things setup outside. Something to attract the eyes of those driving by. I would love to see that area have a farmers market or craft show even if it’s once a year just to get visitors in. Tell Mark Bowe to get you on the show for publicity! 😆 I just have to say I love y’all and will visit when I can. Until then I’ll continue to buy online. ❤️
I love your proposed new hours. I work a 9-5, Monday-Friday job and there have been soooo many times I’ve needed a gift or had people coming into town and wanted to run out and get some local after work, but have to get my daughter from daycare at 5 so by the time I do that, very shops in the Lewisburg or WSS are open. Additionally, I’ve had people come into town for quick trips and want to do some shopping in the area but it seems like everything closes around 5. So, really all they can do is window shop. I think 12-8 could be fantastic for others in similar positions!