R ETAI LOBSE RVE R.COM JUNE 2014
4
Eliana Barriga
letters@retailobserver.com
Until next time,
JUNE 2014, VOLUME 25, ISSUE 6
CELEBRATING OUR 25
TH
YEAR
AS
THE RETAIL OBSERVER
PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR
E LIANA BARRIGA
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING
MOE LASTFOGEL
ART DIRECTOR
TERRY PRICE
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
TIMOTHY BEDNARZ
RICK CARTWRIGHT
PAUL MAC DONALD
EMMA PROCTOR
JIM RISTOW
JOHN TSCHOHL
E LLY VALAS
LIBBY WAGNER
JOHN WHITE
RALPH E. WOLFF
DEADLINE FOR AUGUST 2014 ISSUE:
JULY 1, 2014
THE RETAIL OBSERVER
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THE RETAIL
Elle's View As I See It
Printed on Recycled Paper
KEEP EARTH
IN BUSINESS
A
few years back I purchased a classic and sturdy commercial
backyard umbrella that has withstood the Vegas winds and
heat, that is as fabulous today as the day I bought it. People
constantly ask where I purchased it. Its price tag shocks most, but
considering the countless umbrellas that have flown and shattered the
glass tabletops, ended up in the pool or even in the neighbors yard, this
one was worth the investment.
At Hospitality Design Expo, I was delighted to see displays filled
with beautifully made products that far surpassed mainstream retail
shops. The price tags also reflected the durability and uniqueness of
these product lines, which is why many of these items won't be found
in your average store. But where can the consumer find these quality
luxury items? Does the independent have to remain "just your everyday
store?" If you don't offer your customers a touch of luxury who will?
I think most of us stick to the same old stuff, not because we aren't
willing to pay more, but because "everyday stuff" is easier to find.
Luxury manufacturers are realizing this and setting up pages on their
websites to make finding you - the dealer, easier. Work with these
companies that direct their internet business to you.
Become the place customers come for inspiration and great design
ideas. Attend shows to find the gems for
your showroom. Make your
store stand out as cutting edge, and the go to destination in your
community. Perhaps you will take a chance and find your inspiration at
this month's Dwell on Design show in L.A.
A TOUCH OF
LUXURY