Souvenirs and Gifts Section

Bringing Home Scented (From page 69)

Melissa Farmer . The 1,100-square-foot establishment has about 50 products they make onsite in addition to carrying products from other sources. Of those inhouse offerings, their sea salt body scrubs are their number one seller. “People love the natural ingredients we use in our scrubs plus ours is a little creamier versus some that are slightly coarsier.” Bath Junkie does not make its own bar soap and instead carries premium lines like Finchberry. The store also sells candles featuring popular offerings from Votivo and Creative Energy Candles. To find unique merchandise, Farmer typically travels to AmericasMart Atlanta and NY Now. She looks forward to resuming this practice as the pandemic wanes.

Bath Junkie caters primarily to women, although it’s a pretty wide demographic. High school and college students come in as do mothers in their 30s and 40s. “We’re very family focused. We have a lot of women who come in with their daughters,” Farmer said. If they aren’t there to shop, chances are people arrive to attend a party! Bath Junkie offers all kinds of party packages – birthday parties for children and adults, bridal or baby showers, team building, club meetings and more. Guests get a hands-on opportunity to create their own unique products and scents, not to mention tell their friends about the store. “When it’s a child’s birthday party, we almost always have at least one person in the group who wants to book their party here too when their birthday rolls around. Because they had a lot of fun!”

Laguna Candles in Laguna Beach, Calif., has developed quite a following during the 18 years it has been in business. “People just love our candles!” said Owner Shari Hendricks . They are a proprietary coconut oil wax blend with a touch of soy, hand-poured and hand-crafted on site. Known for especially rich fragrances, each scent has been designed in collaboration with a master perfumer. “We really try to use essential essences and avoid the use of synthetics.” Laguna Candles has two retail spaces in town although nei- ther is permitting customers to enter at this time due to COVID-19. Pre-pandemic, a sample fragrance kit containing two-ounce candles was a top seller both instore and online. The latter option has only grown in popularity because it gives customers an opportunity to smell the fragrances and enjoy the experience of burning the candle in the comfort and safety of their home.

Another characteristic that sets Laguna Candles apart is its use of artisanal vessels crafted by local artists. One particular standout is their Heirloom Candle Collection created in conjunction with local artists and master glass blowers. “Many of our customers just love art and love the combination of our candles in beautifully crafted and unique vessels.” Laguna Beach is known for its many art galleries, coves and beaches so it’s not surprising that Laguna Candles’ primary demographic is a mix of tourists, women and art lovers.

Mugs, Wine Glasses, Rocks Glasses, and Tea Towels

New for 2021. Define your year with our new collection of original definitions on mugs, wine glasses, rocks glasses, tea towels and more! Whether you’re working from home, in the office, or on the front lines, About Face Designs, Inc., gifts give new meaning to everyday life.

(Shop Defined now at aboutfacedesigns. com. For more information, call 847-914-9040, or circle 56 on the reader service card.)

What Is Your Top Customer Service Tip?

The Bubble Bistro in Memphis, Tenn., advised taking great care to ensure consistency. “That, if nothing else, has always led our customers – that our products have never changed. They’re consistently what we say they’re going to be,” Owner Andrea Johnson said.

Brookfield Candle Company in Framingham, Mass., recommended listening to customers. “Find out what they’re interested in and really tune into what they have to say,” said Owner Karen Fintonis. She personally doesn’t care for floral-scented candles but if she didn’t listen to and cater to her many customers who do, she would be turning her back on a large segment of business.

Bath Junkie in Carmel, Ind., believes in creating a welcoming atmosphere. “I feel like we make friends with our customers. It’s just how we approach things,” said Owner Melissa Farmer. Flexibility is important. By leaning into their sample candle fragrance kits during the pandemic, Laguna Candles in Laguna Beach, Calif., has been able to keep their customer base happy and up to date on their latest scents. “To be able to burn our candles and have the opportunity to smell our many fragrances, people really love that,” Owner Sharie Hendricks said. ❖