GumDrops Wet Weather Boutique

I was reading through old blog posts (pre-my time here.. I’m not THAT much of a narcissist), and came accross a post from the owner, Shanda (in case you hadn’t heard),  talking about surviving what had been GumDrops’ busiest day! Being a sales floor veteran, retired now in the office, I know all too well the shock and horror of the days Vancouver would wake up and think: “I’m going to buy rain boots today”. Curse your secret meetings!

After our first weekend of Groupon, I thought what Shanda had said was perfectly apropos. During our busy streaks we often get questions from customers that are valid and understandably asked. Stock level, staffing, styles available, shipment dates, etc! In this time, we are so used to getting things quickly and cheap (or at least we try!). Which is why it gets hard to differentiate the ability between a large box store vs your local boutique. I can’t say I haven’t my times when I expected maybe a little too much out of a little boutique. Being so hands on with GumDrops has helped me see the light!

Anyways – Here is what Shanda had to say:

“We do our best to staff, plan inventory and get ready for the season but when a tornado hits like it did on Saturday (25 % of our monthly sales goal was done in ONE DAY!!!!) we actually become a little hobbled and side swiped…..we do our best to get back up and do it all again….which means that yes there will be sizes missing, inventory severely depleted and new arrivals on their way…..”

Could not have said it better myself! I know on a rainy day, something like not having your dream wellies available could just be the last drop (ha-ha). But please trust that we really do want you to “Get Wet In Style”, and are not withholding rain gear from you, only to laugh about it in a dark basement later! As much as we wish we had a never ending sea of size 8 black hunters, they are gone just as soon as they come in! Which is why we try to stock with other great wellies, and even call the kind folks at your coveted brands’ head office to snag you a special order.

So how to survive Groupon? This isn’t just a rainy week we didn’t foresee when placing orders months prior.. We’ve checked our orders, we’ve ordered extra, and you better believe were wishing for success on every star and 11:11. We’ve got extra staff on, phone orders ready to be placed, and a driven team in the office and store!

After a trip down memory lane, and a good laugh at Shanda’s post (perfectly depicting the stress of both customers and retail associates when our little boutique turns into a circus), I think we’re ready for you guys! Disagree? Tough noogies!! …Oh! Kidding, of course. We know we aren’t perfect all the time, but no hurt in trying- right?

Here’s to surviving! Be it Groupon, the weather, or whatever else life throws at you.

-Kathryn