Smoky Mountain Gift Show Section

Great Choices (From page 86)

She also suggested mixing standard pieces with seasonal décor, so all of the merchandise looks relevant.

Communicating what’s new to the staff so they can talk about it with customers is also key to selling new items, as is featuring products on social media, Grunzweig said.

Choosing new merchandise is a special challenge for a country store, since their selection of merchandise is naturally very broad expressed Grunzweig. At Marilla, products range from bulk food to deli to spices and a huge array of home décor furniture. To purchase new merchandise for their home décor selection, Grunzweig thinks first about appealing to their strongest demographic. They look at what’s currently relevant and on trend, while staying true to items traditionally found in a country store. They also select merchandise that fits their store’s brand.

Further, they continue to bring in one of a kind and handmade items, often procured from Amish markets. This offers customers a mix of mass produced and handmade pieces. “You’re not going to find that kind of mix anywhere else,” Grunzweig said.

When it comes to serving customers with home décor needs, Grunzweig said they work with people to un- derstand what they’re looking for and the merchandise they have to fill that request. She talks color palettes and designs with customers to help them gain an understanding of what the final look will be for their various options.

Some customers come into the store with a picture of what they want. In this case, she’ll help with design or product suggestion. “Maybe it’s just bringing something new in or re-arranging, while still using the items they use in their home now,” said Grunzweig.

At Roswell General, where there is a large demographic of outdoor adventurers and grilling aficionados, the Big Green Egg – an aesthetically pleasing pock-marked navy green smoker and a grill – is their best-seller when it comes to outdoor home décor. Owner Julie Costanzo said there was a huge uptick in sales of the Green Eggs and other accessories that could be paired with it during the pandemic, as many got into grilling as a hobby.

Their other best-selling home décor items are accessories like tea towels, pint glasses or metal cups. These items are best-sellers because they are decorated with references paying homage to Roswell. These design include the Roswell, Ga., zip code and statements like

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