My books are already available at this site’s online store. So is Gracefully and Frankly podcast merchandise. Now, I’m adding lamps from Lisa’s Pieces. And coming soon, Bracelets by Carol.
This is official notice that December 15th is the last day to order before Christmas. But we’re not Amazon or Wayfair. (We’re not ripping off the little guy to become a billionaire, and passing the savings on to you.) As a result, we can’t guarantee anything when it comes to shipping. My drop-shipper (Stallion Express) is fantastic and has never let me down. But smaller items go via Canada Post.
Dreams Change with the Times
I’ve always dreamed about opening a retail store. In fact, I look around at some stuff and think, “that will be great in the store I don’t have!” We are on a waiting list for space in an antique and resellers market but for now, we’re online. And I have the capacity to sell items for other people here. It’s a lot of fun.
Some retailers are booming. Others are going bust. The high cost of rent keeps me from realizing my bricks-and-mortar store dream. I don’t know how they do it but I admire those who make it work.
Operating a cyber-store is much less risky although it’s not quite as personal. Yes, customers fill their own carts but they do it at their leisure. There’s no robot self checkout voice telling them they did something wrong. And I’m always at the other end of an email with answers to questions.
There are upsides compared to in-person shopping. You’ll never encounter someone in a grumpy mood. (Unless it’s you!) There’s no “tip” feature when you check out. You can also browse all you want and leave without having to make eye contact with anyone. And you’re still supporting a small Canadian business.
Thank you for your visits and your purchases. Lighting options are for local pickup and delivery only. (Shipping a delicate floor lamp would be cost prohibitive for both of us.) I’m in a quandary about what to get Derek for Christmas and happy to take any and all ideas. He says he has everything he wants. I’d like to prove him wrong!
Actually when a guy says he has everything, he likely does. There may be a couple of things we’re pondering over, but that state can last for days, weeks or even years before any action, if any is taken.
So Derek is right, he has everything. So think small and simple. Something which easily slips into his daily routine. Gift cards work for those occasions when he discovers he doesn’t have everything and just needs that new tool or the pondering reaches a conclusion.
Excellent advice, Allan. One thing he and I both agree on is that we don’t need more “stuff.” I’ll take your comments to heart.
After so many years together, my husband and I are at that “we don’t need anything” stage as well.
But, it’s always nice to know that Santa hasn’t forgotten us on Christmas morning.
Since big ticket items get purchased together, a Christmas gift now consists of practical items.
So, here’s how I handled it. Hubby loves his car cleaning stuff. So, I bought a bunch of microfiber cloths…all different colours and sizes. They will act as “wrapping paper.” In them I will wrap all his favourite treats that rarely make it on the weekly shopping list. His favourite chocolate (Terry’s Orange ball, After 8’s, and those awful chocolate covered cherry balls, lol.) Next it’s the assortment of nuts. We always have walnuts and almonds in the house, but I bought other types that his teeth can handle better than mine. I dipped the almonds in chocolate, and I coated the rest with a cooked brown sugar mixture (thanks to Jennifer Valentyne for the recipe.) They will go into mason jars with ribbon on them. A gift card for gas, and a small basket with toiletries (deodorant, shaving stuff, new toothbrush) He’s done.
So thoughtful, Claire. I was suddenly hit with inspiration this morning and it’s not far from what you’ve done. Happy hubbies!