Since we started the Store Supply Blog back in April, we have gotten fabulous responses from retailers on their tips for success. We developed the Store Supply Blog and Forum to be a valuable resource for independent retailers. Because of the response of our readers and our dedication to offering valuable information, we have decided to introduce a new reoccurring feature to the Store Supply Blog: The Store Owner Spotlight.
About once a month, we will turn to a store owner for their “Tuesday Tips” on how to successfully run a retail operation. This month, we focus on Maura Lawlor, owner of Kerry Cottage, an Irish merchandise store based in Maplewood, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis.
At Kerry Cottage, you will find everything Irish from Waterford Crystal to St. Patrick’s Day apparel. Maura Lawlor opened the store more than 20 years ago with her mother, having no idea it would turn into a fulfilling career. Starting with a big dream and a little bit of luck, Kerry Cottage has become a local favorite and has even been featured on local news.
We asked Maura to share her five tips for success in the retail industry:
- Be passionate: Maura says you should either love what you do or don’t do it. If you aren’t passionate about your store, you won’t take the extra steps to make it a success.
- Focus on the details: If you only concentrate on the big picture, it can be overwhelming. Maura suggests focusing on the small details one at a time and they will come together to make a successful store.
- Don’t buy what you like: Just because you like an item doesn’t mean that it will sell well. Maura recommends paying attention to buying trends to determine what to purchase for your store.
- Work with vendors you trust: Maura turns to her vendors to suggest merchandise that is successful. She only works with vendors she can trust to make good recommendations. Then she follows their recommendations.
- Only carry high quality merchandise: Make sure your merchandise is high quality because not only does it reflect well on your store, it will keep your customers coming back for more.
With the luck of the Irish, Maura Lawlor turned her passion into a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Do you know a retailer that we should spotlight next month? Do you have tips for success? Let us know!
Tags: irish merchandise, kerry cottage, Owner Spotlight, specialty stores
I enjoy reading the report, too. It′s easy to understand that a journey like this is the biggest event in ones
life.
I’ve already bookmark this article and will definitely refer this article to all my close friends and colleagues. Thanks for posting!
You pointed some nice topic. These tips are very helpful.