When Jeannie and I opened The Living Room Emporium over a year ago, some of our relatives came to see the shop, and one of them made a somewhat surprising comment. My sister-in-law said, "What's great about this business is that it isn't seasonal...that re-sale shoppers hunt for treasures all year round."
Hmmm...we weren't sure that was true, in general or in Santa Clarita. Of course, we weren't sure about a lot of things. Including who would shop, and when they wou.ld shop...even if they would shop, to be honest. I was curious to see if my sister-in-law was right. And, considering she has a degree from Harvard and an MBA from Stanford, you would think we could bank on it.
Well, Megan...you were right, for the most part. Re-sale shopping is a yearround hobby. It's fun for treasure hunters any time. On rainy days we call it an "indoor sport." And on sunny days we refer to it as a great escape from the heat. And people need gifts in January as well as June.
Plus, at the heart of re-sale shopping is the idea that you never know when a favorite collectible will appear -- you can't predict it. Therefore, you've got to be out there hunting at all times!
Note that I said Megan was right, "for the most part." That's because there is a little bit of predictable activity. Christmas season is busy...and then some other "seasonal" occurrences that affect shopping patterns (people getting their tax money back, free time because kids are back in school, etc.).
As long as re-sale lovers listen to that little voice egging them to get out there and hunt, shops like ours can survive. And we hope their little voices never go on vacation.
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