From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!npoiv!npois!houxm!houxa!houxn!rosin
Newsgroups: net.followup
Title: Re: Green Christmas/write the twits a letter
Article-I.D.: houxn.320
Posted: Wed Nov 24 10:09:49 1982
Received: Thu Nov 25 08:38:22 1982
References: rabbit.7742

And now for something completely different . . .

My wife owns and runs a small craft gallery in Red Bank, NJ.  (I am resisting
the temptation to interject a "plug" here.)  The store does about 40% of
its annual business between Thanksgiving and New Years.  She does a small
amount of newspaper advertising and sends out about 1100 postcard "reminders"
to people who have THEMSELVES asked to be put on her mailing list.

Clearly, this season is critical to the survival of her business.

I get involved, as do our kids, to help out in these busy times.
Frankly, I find working in her store, greeting customers, working with
them to find the "right" piece of pottery, hand blown glass, etc. for
a gift for a special person, to be very satisfying and a splendid change
from 'work'.  My wife, the gallery owner, is also a weaver, and she not
only receives gratification from the abovementioned activities, but she also
feels very good when someone who really cares buys a piece she has woven.

This kind of business must compete with the Malls and mass produced goods
to survive.  Advertising, "seasonal" window displays, seeking promotion
in trade and general newspapers is a significant activy.  But, before you
send letters, talk with the merchant and find out what motivates her/him
including making a profit to help send the kids to college.

	Bob Rosin, Bell Labs, Lincroft, NJ, ...!houxi!houxn!rosin