My darling Maltese, CC, turned 16 this week. She has been with me every step of the way on my Shoe Garden journey, from modelling for my logo to always being on my desk ready to greet customers … or bark at the delivery drivers, postie and any dog who happens to walk through her […]
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What a difference 7 days makes!
Ah, the joys of retail… Two weekends ago, I had my worst weekend in sales … ever! Last weekend, I had my best weekend in sales … ever! Seven days apart and a world of difference in results. There are always 101 (at least!) factors and variables and possibilities as to why people walk through […]
A picture wins!
Sometimes, alas for this former journo and wordsmith, a picture really does tell the story. I was thinking that as I was unpacking the latest arrivals to The Shoe Garden this morning. Check it out. Three different brands. Four distinct styles. Some gorgeous customers would wear all styles, but many would favour one. My customers […]
When I can’t find my shoes…
I love walking into the shop on a Friday, as I never know where anything is! Let me explain. One of my darling staff, Victoria, works every Thursday and one of her tasks is to re-arrange the shop for me. I love presenting my shoes in colour combinations, mixing up a wedge with a sneaker […]
Back to the drawing board
I thought I had my Winter 2020 order into the final draft stage. I was so close to finalising it. I had done all the usual things I do when selecting a range: pondered, battled head versus heart, agonised, wondered, re-read what customers told me they wanted, put myself in their shoes, triple checked my […]
I was right!
Ah yes, as a proud small business owner whose success relies on her carefully and wisely selecting her stock sometimes a year before delivery, I do delight in being right! In this case, it’s all about a darling shoe by Isabella that I fell in love with as soon as I saw it at the […]
Good for the soul
And breathe…. That’s what I did last weekend when I disappeared for a few days into the mountains. And I napped and read and pondered life. In such a beautiful environment, surrounded by bushland and curious kookaburras and squawking lorikeets, it was the perfect spot to recalibrate. Nature has a way of reminding you how […]
Buying winter shoes in winter in 28 degree heat!
As the sun shimmered on the Brisbane river, and the brilliant blue sky was bereft of even a tuft of cloud, I was viewing hundreds and hundreds of shoes and boots for Winter 2020. A few of the suppliers from interstate and New Zealand probably aren’t wondering anymore why fur-lined boots and thick heavy shoes aren’t […]
Funny times at The Shoe Garden :-)
Over the years, I’ve had a lot of laughs. Like the time when: “These Boots Were Made for Walking” started playing on my iPod just as a lovely customer was trying on boots and we both noticed at the same time. The next song was “Hey Big Spender” I was asked if I could stop […]
Loud & clear!
I asked my customers last week on Facebook if they had any special requests for Winter 2020. I was curious as, in the next few days and weeks, I’ll be viewing hundreds and hundreds of shoes and boots, and carefully making my selection. I figure a checklist, therefore, can’t hurt. And while I had some […]