Tips on how to make your store stand out

I noticed a great product shot in the February 2013 issue of Home Accents Today Magazine. The article “Inviting & inspiring on Main Street” by Susan Dickenson, is a brief but poignant interview with Larry Ruhl, the owner of High Falls Mercantile. The unusual and eclectic use of tabletop and gourmet items got me thinking, how can Rolf Glass share some of this free, rich advice to our shop keepers? First, I wanted to visit his web page to see what kinds of products he carried. Secondly, I wanted choose one or two Rolf Glass designs that I thought best represent his story, or fit the theme of his store and then send them to him. This way I could ask his permission to use parts of his article and introduce Larry to our products.

As I plunged into this opportunity I started looking at the stores’ web site. To my surprise there was our Rolf Glass Icy Pine carafe! Can you believe it? High Falls Mercantile is already a Rolf Glass customer! I thought a few of Ruhl’s answers would be of interest to YOU, our Rolf Glass customers. Home Accents Today: Are you experimenting with any new technologies? Ruhl: We started using an iPad for presentations to our interior design clients. We all use our iPhones for constant contact to all social media. HAT: How do you use social media to promote your business? Ruhl: We are active on Twitter (@larryruhl), Facebook (High Falls Mercantile), Tumblr (High Falls Mercantile), Google+ (Larry Ruhl), and Pinterest (Larry Ruhl) and consistently post on our own blog. HAT: Did you do anything different to weather the recession? Ruhl: We became a vintage and market finds vendor with One Kings Lane, have increased our online offerings through our own website, and cut out print advertising. HAT: How do you reach your customer? Ruhl: We engage in multiple philanthropic endeavors throughout the year: Our annual food drive from October until Thanksgiving, Design on a Dime for Housing Works, installations of windows in NYC for Housing Works, and ongoing support for local charities and not-for-profits. We also do e-blasts twice a month, engage heavily in social media and do special events in the shop. HAT: Best in store events you’ve ever hosted? Ruhl: Our opening party where 700 guests visited our store throughout the day. HAT: Trade shows/markets you shop? Ruhl: New York International Gift Show, High point market and Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market. If you would like to read the full article about High Falls Mercentile you can do so online here.I hope you got some insights into making your business more profitable, I know I came away with a few. If you are interested in carrying Rolf Glass products in your store, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d love the opportunity to find a perfect fit for your style and aesthetic.