Shambala needs a miracle!

[John Hicks]

I have a stick built metaphysical store that I purchased 3 years ago. We moved the location soon after we bought it because many customers wanted more psychic, tarot, palm readings and classes and workshops. We are now in a 3,000 sq. ft. building where the rent is killing us. We have put everything we own into the store and it still has not paid us. At this point there are no funds available for advertising or even new stock. The economic downturn hasn't helped any. Does anyone out there have any miracles in their bag for me?

Bright blessings to you all,

John R. Hicks
Owner/Manager
Shambala
446 E. 13th Ave.
Eugene, OR  97401
541-868-1178

[brand...@peoplepc.com]

Mr. Hicks,

You have my heart on this one.  I have a new-age shop, Talisman (www.talismanct.com) which I opened April 2007 and we are barely making it.  Granted, I knew it would take 2 years to get going, but we are very close to NYC and the economy is killing not only us, but the deli next door (been there for 17 years!) and pizza place (formerly one of the most popular in town) too.  Call local radio stations, offer to do tarot on-air during one of their talk shows ... this is extremely popular.  Talisman is providing a reader for a corporate holiday party mid-December ... put this on your website that you can provide this service.  Rents are so high, but can you fit in tables and rent these to local crafters for a monthly fee?  Lastly, we are opening an ebay store and selling some of our one of a kind items ... check out their metaphysical section, etc., see what you have that is a "fit".  

 

Feel free to call me at the store, or email me directly, and we can talk more.  These are very, very tough times but I take comfort in the fact that so many come to Talisman (our email/newsletter list is almost 500) who love the store and certainly do shop ... there are just so many with dire financial situations.

 

We're all in the same boat ... apparently, the Titanic!

 

Many blessings,

Laura

 

t timethesethese

 

 

 

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[L Nier and T Stewart]

I am a small shop owner selling gently-used quality clothing and unique gifts.  I thought we could make it if anyone can in this market because of what we offer, but I'm dogpaddling frantically too.  The only advice I can offer is to remember to be mindful of where you put your energy and keep positive.  Try not to buy into the fear-driven media, rather focus inward and find the passion that started you on this path.

Love and Light,

Terri

Full Circle

--
"The greatest problem in communication is the illusion that it has been
accomplished." George Bernard Shaw

[John Hicks]

Terri,

Thanks so much for your kind words. It isn't the miracle that I need but it helps me to keep my heart in the right place. Thank you again.

Love and light to you both,

John Hicks

[Dena Morris]

John,

I'm also a small business and things are tough all over.  My insurance is what's killing me. I have a consignment shop ,order special items, pay rent, just trying to survive. People would like to buy but rent , food and house payments are more important. Cheaper items are selling, and Christmas is coming up. January & February are really bad here. Just keep talking to your customers and see what they need, word of mouth is your best advertisment. I tell my customers to talk to everyone they know about my shop. They do and my slogan is buy at Dena's, help keep and old lady off the streets!

Good luck to all,

Dena

----- Original Message -----

From: John Hicks

To: wholesalej...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2008 2:46 PM

Subject: [wholesalejewelryforum:38] Shambala needs a miracle!

[Rosemary Archibeque]

Location, location, location!  How much staff do you have? Are there any other places to reduce your overhead, such as after hours night lights, utilities?  How about cutting back on your 3000 sq. ft. and rent or lease a portion of it out?  Sometimes you just have to "cut bait and run" to stop the bleeding.  Good luck!

 

 

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[Rosemary Archibeque]

That's a great slogan!  I'll have to try it!  I also tell every one especially the one's that compliment the store, to tell every one they know---because I would like to be here forever!  Do I mean it? No, but they all get a laugh from it.  Also, a) I tell everyone that we have free layaway--no down payment required and we will hold items for 6 months.  In the age of fewer or nonexistent layaway options, I'll try anything once.  We had about a 95% success rate last holiday season with this concept. Pretty good for our first year at our present location! Also b) I tell everyone that I pay for referrals with $5 store credit for each referral.  This accomplishes 2 things, the customer returns and gets wrapped up in the momentum---takes my cards and hands them out right away (presumably) at their work site or even at the laundromat next door.  Sure not all of them return to collect their store credit but those they told repeat this process and the beat goes on!

-------------- Original message from "Dena Morris" <denam...@bellsouth.net>: --------------

[debbiev]

John (and others here who are struggling)....have you tried re-
negotiating your rent? in this economic downtown landlords are
desperate for tenants and many would rather take less rent than have
you move. give it a try...i've seen it work before..plus if it
doesn't work you didn't lose anything...right?

debbie

[Toni Allan]

Gosh, i have no words of wisdom or miracles that i am sure you havent heard before, i do send all my positive energy to you.

 

Toni

[privatewe...@gmail.com]

Hi, I feel for what you are saying, and I am sure I would love your
store..I love all that kind of stuff...But hang on NO MIRACLES,,, dont
think so... Trust belief and dreams and visualisation are surely the
way forward? I would be happy to show you a way forward... for the
moment take care.. L & L, Mike..