Let's talk about the new LSS in the twin cities-a review
Nov 25, 2014 19:03:50 GMT
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Post by elsiej on Nov 25, 2014 19:03:50 GMT
Disclaimer: this is purely my opinion and definitely not a scientific review.....
Paper Made (out of the October Afternoon warehouse storefront in Apple Valley, MN)....I had an opportunity to visit there a couple weeks ago, while I was in the area for a doctor's appt.....I used to kit for them many years ago, so walking into what was their offices, to find an LSS was quite a shock....
They had a fairly good selection, of a fair amount of different brands, mixed in with a HUGE selection of October Afternoon, the biggest selection of OA, that I have ever seen in an LSS thus far in my lifetime {tic}.... I saw some AC, WRMK, MME, TimHoltz, OA, Simple Stories, Shimelle (yes, a line I never thought I would see in person), and Elle's Studio. A fair amount of stamps, albums, embellishments and things that you might see in a LSS. Not much on the ink and markers, and they had a fair amount of stamps (acrylic mostly, some wood mount). A few page kits and some tools. There was a crop room with big tables. I did not go in there since I was limited on time. It is not a real inspired room, so I figured I did not miss much.....
What I liked: That I could actually go somewhere where it was strictly scrappy supplies; that one could see and feel and touch the paper lines, that we have been forced to accept on-line....that I actually saw NEW product in there, that was not from eons ago, and even some variety from what most others carry....like the Shimelle line (I am not endorsing her line over anyone's else, it is just that it is a line that came out right around 2 peas demise, so I never thought it would make it to shelves.....)
What I did not care for: the prices were pretty steep, but I suppose to stay in business, they may need to be; the location: one has to know they are there or it would be missed, and if they were in a more busy location, they could probably make a killing.
My suggestions to PAPER MADE: advertise your location or find a more central store-front; get some handmade inspiration on the walls, especially in the craft room; get a newsletter with upcoming goodies coming in or about sales going on, so that you get people coming back......Make sure you have a saleperson, that is knowledgeable about the products and crafting in general, and is willing to help (not speaking for the person working, just that it will make all the difference if people have questions), and think about providing classes from time to time to get people in the door.
that is all I have for now. Will I go back? Maybe, but probably not often....I have a feeling, unless they let me know they are getting new stuff in, I saw all I needed to....
Good Luck, Paper Made!!!! meant sincerely.......
Paper Made (out of the October Afternoon warehouse storefront in Apple Valley, MN)....I had an opportunity to visit there a couple weeks ago, while I was in the area for a doctor's appt.....I used to kit for them many years ago, so walking into what was their offices, to find an LSS was quite a shock....
They had a fairly good selection, of a fair amount of different brands, mixed in with a HUGE selection of October Afternoon, the biggest selection of OA, that I have ever seen in an LSS thus far in my lifetime {tic}.... I saw some AC, WRMK, MME, TimHoltz, OA, Simple Stories, Shimelle (yes, a line I never thought I would see in person), and Elle's Studio. A fair amount of stamps, albums, embellishments and things that you might see in a LSS. Not much on the ink and markers, and they had a fair amount of stamps (acrylic mostly, some wood mount). A few page kits and some tools. There was a crop room with big tables. I did not go in there since I was limited on time. It is not a real inspired room, so I figured I did not miss much.....
What I liked: That I could actually go somewhere where it was strictly scrappy supplies; that one could see and feel and touch the paper lines, that we have been forced to accept on-line....that I actually saw NEW product in there, that was not from eons ago, and even some variety from what most others carry....like the Shimelle line (I am not endorsing her line over anyone's else, it is just that it is a line that came out right around 2 peas demise, so I never thought it would make it to shelves.....)
What I did not care for: the prices were pretty steep, but I suppose to stay in business, they may need to be; the location: one has to know they are there or it would be missed, and if they were in a more busy location, they could probably make a killing.
My suggestions to PAPER MADE: advertise your location or find a more central store-front; get some handmade inspiration on the walls, especially in the craft room; get a newsletter with upcoming goodies coming in or about sales going on, so that you get people coming back......Make sure you have a saleperson, that is knowledgeable about the products and crafting in general, and is willing to help (not speaking for the person working, just that it will make all the difference if people have questions), and think about providing classes from time to time to get people in the door.
that is all I have for now. Will I go back? Maybe, but probably not often....I have a feeling, unless they let me know they are getting new stuff in, I saw all I needed to....
Good Luck, Paper Made!!!! meant sincerely.......
