The Times - They Are A-Changing!

As I have operated my antique/gift shop over the past 8 years I have made many observations about this business.  Lately I have heard of so many disappointed customers who love to go antiquing and many of their favorite shops are closed.  The economy has taken its tole on many types of businesses - even huge corporations have gone bankrupt.

I trouble myself every day about my business and lack thereof - but when I look around me and see so many struggling, I can't take it personally.  So I have decided to keep on keeping on and get through this economic slump that the whole country is in.  I don't blame it on anybody like many people do - I really think we were flying way too high over the past few years and needed a reality check - although it has been painful.

Here's what I think about survival of businesses:  Be willing to change and go with the flow.  Be observant to customer wishes and desires.  Make sure your prices are reasonable and fair.  Be willing to consider offers on items that have been in the shop a while. Continually keep the store fresh - even if that is just to redo your displays.  Smile and be pleasant with each and every person that comes your way each day. 

I think variety is the spice of life, so I am constantly considering new things I can offer and new ways to offer what I already have.  This gives the customer something to come in for - new ideas and fresh displays and a pleasant atmosphere to shop in.

By opening my eyes and ears I have come up with some great new ideas for Memories and am researching and planning to move forward on them.  I believe this is the key to a successful business - never get lazy and sit back and think something is going to happen.  You have to MAKE things happen - work up the courage to take that first step.

My ideas have come from friends and their new interests, customer questions and comments, Pinterest (you'll want to follow us there for inspiration! http://pinterest.com/memoriespast/ ), magazine subscriptions, catalogues, internet searches, and more!  Life is good, and Memories is ever changing just like our lives - no two days are alike!  Keep your eyes and ears open for what is coming at http://www.hendersonmemories.com/ .  Join us on facebook for updates https://www.facebook.com/#!/memoriespastandpresent  We would like for you to be a part of our exciting future plans!

If you are a customer or friend of Memories and have some ideas for us of things you would like to see us do, please share them here!