I've been thinking about the Internet and it's effect on needlepoint recently, specifically the little needlepoint shop around the corner from you, Since this summer I've been posting about sales and trunk shows that the various shops hold and I've been wondering if this is a good idea. Am I just giving shoppers more incentive to go to the big shops that can afford to offer big trunk show discounts? Or am I giving the smaller shop that doesn't have any web presence except a Facebook page a way to compete?
I know there are some great shops Out There that have either a single web page with their contact information or that don't even advertise online or in the needlepoint magazines. Their focus is on being there for their local customer, offering classes, support and advice, and stocking the supplies we all need. They won't be found creating cyberclasses, publishing flashy newsletters, having name designer trunk shows each month, or updating a website complete with fancy shopping cart. They don't have the time, personnel or money for that. They just focus on their customer.
The next time you are tempted to save $20 on eBay or at a trunk show at a shop far, far away, think about this--Who will you turn to when you need a spool of Kreinik over the weekend? When you can't figure out the instructions in a stitch guide? When you need to match colors? When you just need to go fondle threads and look at new designs to cheer yourself up? If you don't patronize your local shop, it is going to go out of business.
If you don't support your local shop, they won't be there for you and then, who are you going to call?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyRqR56aCKc
Use it or lose it....
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.
