11/09/2024
So many people worried that a new gift shop like Madymae on Broadway opening in Cape Vincent would hurt my business. I explained that the opposite was true, that my business needed shops like Madymae to open so that Cape Vincent could grow and thrive. And, what a truly fabulous shop Bonnie has created in our village for all of us to enjoy. The "more the merrier" is my mantra along with "it takes a village." So, this holiday season and all year long, and don't forget to thank the small business owners who invested in your community to make it better 💜💜
Good morning friends - I have a favor to ask.
This is going to be a long post, but I ask that you take the time to give it a look and think. 😊
First I have to be honest, something I feel is sometimes hard for small business owners because we are aware of the misconceptions about us. The first one being that we're rolling in it. I promise you, this is not true. I can only speak for myself but I know it to be true for several others. One thing I LOVE hearing people say is, "You always have new stuff!" OR "I've walked around a few times and everytime I see something new!" That is intentional....and that costs money. It was one of my main goals in opening the shop in Cape...for it to always have new things. Who wants to walk into the exact same store everytime? I have been committed to that and always want that to be at the forefront. To do that means I need to constantly be selling! Many small business owners, especially in the first few years put most of the income right back into the business so we can continue being a place that serves the needs of our customers.
Another thing I love hearing is "It is so peaceful in here." OR "Your shop is so beautiful." Again, intentional. Another of my goals before opening was to make it a place where people wanted to BE. For it to be an EXPERIENCE, not just shopping. From the fire place to the mood lighting...a place where you want to take your time and look at everything. Those have always been the shops I love most.
Lastly, I have lived in our village for 13 years and like most of you want to see it become what we all hope it can, not just for tourists, but for all of us who live here all year. My piece of that, was a goal and commitment to stay open YEAR ROUND. I will admit, this has been more of a challenge than I'd hoped. I'm going to be honest about something just to help paint the picture. I know it is frustrating to have seasonal businesses but I COMPLETELY understand why they close for a good portion of the year. If I did not have my online business, I would not have survived last winter. I do not say that to make anyone feel guilty but I believe if we are truly here to GIVE to our community, than we need to be HONEST with our community. We need YOU to be intentional about supporting us.
I am so so grateful to be here. I still love everyday and get excited to contribute to our community. BUT, I (we) need your support to do that.
I understand this post is a little long...(probably the longest I've ever written 😬), but here are a few ways you can help us stay around right now:
✨️ Start your Christmas shopping early and shop in the off-season. September and October are especially difficult as the tourists and snowbirds are leaving and people haven't started their Christmas shopping yet. January-May are as quiet as you would expect.
✨️Bring a friend! Seriously! Make a day of it! Invite a friend who has never been to the shop or maybe to Cape. Grab coffee across the street, come shopping and go to lunch.
✨️ Think of us for every gift giving occasion! Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or just thinking of you days. I have cards, gift bags, flowers and a huge variety of gifts.
✨️Purchase gift certificates. This is a GREAT way to get new people into a business.
✨️If you don't live here, ask me to ship! I can ship almost anything in the store to you OR directly to someone with a card and note from you!
✨️ Share a HEARTFELT post on social media. We appreciate every single time our posts get shared, but take a few minutes to write why YOU love our business. Your friends will listen to you, not us.
You guys are CHAMPIONS if you made it through all of that. I deeply appreciate you taking the time and brain energy. If you feel so moved, please consider sharing (and again...writing your own words on the post!)
I love and appreciate all of you so so much. Here's to many more years in our wonderful village. 🥰
Oh yeah....and open today 10-4 😆
Fine Gifts and River Keepsakes
