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YAY Its Our 2nd Birthday!!!

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Well it has finally come our 2nd birthday. A year beyond the statistic ridden and dreaded 1st year, whew!!!

Looking back over the year I often wonder what have I accomplished, completed and what have I enjoyed or absolutely disliked I have compiled a snap shot of our journey from Oct 1 2008 -Oct 1 2009…..2010 here we come!!!

Accomplished:

We survived one of the worst recessions in decades , yes a rain boot store!!!! And, with one of the dryest and hottest summers on record to boot!!!

We won the Provincial Best Business award from CYBF (to be presented at the Small Business BC Entrepreneur Showcase)

Completed:

Launched a successful e-commerce site

Launched our own line of rain coats made here in Vancouver by Kloth

3 weeks worth of flood renovations (yes this will be in my dislike pile too)

Enjoyed:

The team I have…..the laughter, and the tears hehe…..

Being an Entrepreneur

Disliked:

The uncertainty having a small business creates….

The flood renovations

The lack of rain!!!

With eyes on the future and my body present with today I raise my glass of champagne and celebrate a toast to our 2 year Birthday…….and for now I bid you adieu I have to run and work on a top secret project, go to go to my final session of my Ladies Who Launch Incubator, and then on to the Gala opening of the VIFF…….and then back to the office to update our website…..no rest for the wicked…..!!!!

I know its OUR birthday but I found it fitting to give YOU a GIFT ENJOY!!!

The Gift of Giving

Tags: CYBF, Kloth, ladies who launch, small business showcase, VIFF
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GumDrops Coat Launch Partay!!!

Friday, September 18th, 2009

Just a reminder about our party tonight….hope to see you there!

SUPER EXCITED FOR FALLS ARRIVAL? WE ARE!

After months of designing, planning and production, our own line of raincoats are ready to rock in the rain; and we wanted to invite you to celebrate with us!
Nibble on canapés; sip on cocktails and have a sneak peek at the sleek Urban The Laura* and the sophisticated Trench The Liz**

To celebrate our 2nd birthday (Oct 1st) and coat launch we are extending a 20% discount on all products in store for ONE NIGHT ONLY!!!
SEE YOU THERE!
SEPTEMBER 23 WEDNESDA Y*2009
6.30-8.30 PM www.gumdropsonline.com
Flagship location: 2029 W. 4th Ave Vancouver, BC V6J 1N3
Please RSVP by Tuesday September 22, 2009 shanda@gumdropsonline.com
* The “Laura” Urban Laura is a beacon of calm in the chaos of everyday living. She reminds us what is important – health, happiness and helping others. Her easygoing vibe inspired the GumDrops Urban. The sleek and slim fitting coat is waterproof and breathable. It is playful, practical and effortlessly chic, just like Laura.

The Rain Coat Collection ** The “Liz” Trench Liz is a woman on the go. She always has places to go and people to see, and is the inspiration for the GumDrops Classic Trench, a very stylish multi-tasker. This breathable, waterproof coat takes Liz effortlessly from walking the dog, to the office, to a night on the town-rain or shine!
Made in Canada on the “Wet” Coast.

Tags: Cool Rain Gear, Entrepreneurial Journey, Fashionable Rain Coats, GumDrops on 4th, GumDrops Wet Weather Boutique, Local Vancouver Manufacturing, rain boots, Rain Boots Vancouver, rain coats
Posted in Entrepreneurial Journey, New Arrivals, Private Label Coat Production | 2 Comments »

VIFF-GumDrops and Lollipops Window

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

Looking out my window right now….’tis a raining……and supposed to all day…..which means that EVERY ONE will be headed to the store….(we all know the rain is coming, but most still wait until it materializes)….which is fine with me but I thought it to be a good day to explain the window display you will all come across when you visit……

The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) sent out a competition release to complete a window display and enter the competition…..so as usual I added yet a another thing to my already heaping plate….why not I have to create a window this month anyways…..no problem!!!

Well as things would have it….the store has been crazy (we have been like Mother Hubbard with a bare cupboard for the past week) and I was at a point on Monday where it was the day before the competition submission deadline with NO IDEA on what to do……so I read the criteria on the letter “A Window on the World” and the promotional poster reading “an Open mind is advised” well…..the latter can take on many imaginative forms….however most probably not suitable for a store that has many wee ones coming to visit!!!! so anything sexual of phallic was agreed to not be appropriate….so ‘A window on the world’ was the other inspirational title…….

Our window on the world….

Looking through rose coloured window panes. A world where there is no war, famine or intolerance. A world where GumDrops and Lollipops definitely make it a sweeter place….how can you go wrong when the world is made of the sweetest thing (and something dear to my heart, or should that be teeth?) SUGAR!!!! and the grass is always green!!!

You can vote for us (preferably) or your favorite VIFF window at www.viff.org

A window on the World

A window on the world at night

Tags: GumDrops on 4th, GumDrops Wet Weather Boutique, Rain Boots Vancouver, rain coats, Rainboots, Retailing, Vancouver international film festival, VIFF
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GumDrops Needs Help!!!

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

With it being back to school and fall approaching at a rapid pace, GumDrops is once again needing staff ASAP!! So we are sending out an SOS to all our blog fans: are you or anyone else you know energetic and enthusiastic and excel working in a fast-paced retail environment? If so you could be GumDrops sales associate!

We are looking for individuals who have a passion for service and creating a positive experience for customers and staff. Attention to detail and an ability to multi-task is essential. We are looking for full-time and part-time positions.

We offer competitive wages, staff discount and a fun and welcoming work environment.

Email your resume to deena@gumdropsonline.com Please no phone calls.

Look forward to hearing from you!!!!

Tags: GumDrops team, Help wanted
Posted in Employment Opportunities, Entrepreneurial Journey | No Comments »

Party Planning

Friday, September 4th, 2009

Now that the shop is finally reopened and looking absolutely fabulous, my next project is planning a coat launch party! I am in the process of designing and manufacturing a collection of raincoats. I thought who better to take on the challenge than someone with no design experience whatsoever…heck I opened a store not knowing what I was doing, how hard could coats be? (once again I was dealt a large dose of reality….why is everything so difficult? hmmm that’s for a future blog post)

Anyway, back to the party. It will be on Wednesday, September 23 at 7pm. There will be cocktails and appetizers plus a mini fashion show presenting the two styles for fall. I can’t wait to show off the source of a lot of hair pulling and losing it one too many times. If anyone is interested in being one of the first to see the first GumDrops collection of rainwear, come to the launch! Now I just need the coats to be ready….wish me luck!

Tags: Cool Rain Gear, Entrepreneurial Journey, Fashionable Rain Coats, GumDrops Wet Weather Boutique, Local Vancouver Manufacturing
Posted in Entrepreneurial Journey, Fashion & Celebrities, New Arrivals, Private Label Coat Production | No Comments »

Renovations, Terminations, Insurance claims OH MY!!!

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

We did it!!!!! The store is FINALLY completed from all the major renovations and construction….no more construction crew, noisy saws or the thumping of hammers….. we survived what was estimated to be a 3 day turn around that actually ended up being a 3 week ordeal…a little bit of an underestimation from the insurance company wouldn’t you say???

I would like to apologise to all our guests who have come to visit us in the store while we have been in such dissaray from our expedited re-opening!!!! We unfortunately had to open early for a few reasons; one our lease agrement was open to interpretation with who was responsible for covering the rent while we were closed and two; our insurance agreement was also open to interpretation as to who was responsible for covering the damages, what was excluded from the insurance, when would the funds be released from the claim and how was I going to pay the bills that were piling up on my desk??? So complete or incomplete WE RE-OPENED!!!! Even now as I am compiling the paperwork to submit a very tideous claim i am researching my rights and responsibilities as a retail business owner and have stumbled upon a few words of wisdom which if I had of known in the beginning I may not have gone to the extreme depths of hell over the past few weeks…….So from an experienced veteran at this now, I hope you take away some viable information that will assist you in creating a better business….

Business Interruption Insurance

Small Business Interruption Insurance

Retail Lease Agreements

A word from the wise: don’t think it wont happen to you….get yourself covered!!!

Tags: AXA Insurance, Business Irterruption insurance, Flooding & Insurance, Insurance Claims, retail Lease Agreements
Posted in Entrepreneurial Journey, Thoughts on Retailing | No Comments »

Retail Reality Check

Friday, August 21st, 2009

Last week I returned to John Casablancas to listen to the retail class present their business plans for opening a retail store. I was impressed with the time and effort and I look forward to seeing some of the ideas come to fruition. While I was watching the presentations I couldn’t help but want to interrupt and tell the class about the reality of owning your own business. I wanted to tell them how I spent that morning dealing with store renovations due to flood damage; restocking and reorganizing the storage room; hammering shelves onto the walls; telling tradespeople how to install the mirrors; and literally being on my hands and knees scrubbing the floor-and all this before 10 am!

Retailing is not just about selling cool stuff; it’s forecasting and tracking sales, knowing how much product to order, dealing with suppliers, finding and developing staff, making sure customer service standards are maintained. It’s also learning about human resources, marketing, business law, workers compensation, the list goes on and on.

Everyday is usually about resolving obstacles and putting out fires! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining (ok maybe a little venting), but being an entrepreneur takes a lot of commitment, problem solving, strong communication skills and being able to adapt and evolve and frankly not everyone is cut out for it.

I sincerely wish all future young entrepreneurs the best of luck and enjoy the very bumpy ride that is retailing!

Tags: Entrepreneurial Journey, GumDrops Wet Weather Boutique, renovations
Posted in Entrepreneurial Journey, Thoughts on Retailing | 1 Comment »

Not Quite Finished-But Getting There

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

After 3 weeks of renovations GumDrops finally reopened this past Saturday! Apart from a few missing wall panels, the store looks totally refreshed and renewed! I am loving the little touches I added so far and can’t wait until all the bits and bobs are in place.

Special thanks to everyone who came by to say hello and checked out the reinvigorated GumDrops!

Not Quite Finished-But getting there

Not Quite Finished-Yes we are missing pieces of the wall

Tags: Entrepreneurial Journey, GumDrops Wet Weather Boutique, Retailing
Posted in Entrepreneurial Journey, Flagship Funnies (4th Ave) | No Comments »

Back in Business Baby!!!

Friday, August 14th, 2009

What a ride……GumDrops is finally opening after 3 weeks of renovations due to flood damage. (I know, how ironic!) Typically, like everything else in my life, it has not been smooth sailing-dealing with the landlords, insurance company, lawyers and tradespeople is stressful not to mention awfully time consuming. The expression “hope for the best, plan for the worst” totally applies to the renovation process. Everytime you think you’re on schedule, it’s all geting done…boom problems! Wood for the cash desk and the wall panels are not ready to be installed, someone graffitied the wall outside the front door, the debit pinpad is not working and the replacement will not arrive before the store reopens which is in 1 day!!!

But I really think the results will be worth all the stress. The floors are replaced and refinished in the most intense turquoise; it’s like looking into the Caribbean ocean. Damaged wall panels and mirrors will be replaced and the storage room is reorganized and ready for the influx of fall product. The store looks refreshed and invigorated. It’s like I’m opening GumDrops for the first time!

After Honeymooning at Disney Land and shopping on Rodeo Drive this summer I became inspired by so many creative store interiors and window displays that I have brought back a few bits and pieces to create a more layered and warm feel; the store will be filled with treasures to be discovered and goodies to be enjoyed. After exhausting hours and hair pulling scenarios I am so excited to show off the new store which reflects the efforts my team put in over the past few weeks. See you soon!!!

Senseless vandalism? Yes, and another thing to add to our to do list!!!

Tags: Entrepreneurial Journey, GumDrops Wet Weather Boutique, Retailing
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John Casablancas Institute-Retailing Success

Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

Since I opened GumDrops I have had the opportunity to share my experiences with future retailers; sometimes I can’t believe people want to hear my thoughts on retailing! Anyway, a few days ago I was invited to speak to the retail class at the John Casablancas Institute and share my knowledge gained from opening a retail business. Honestly it is just a chance for me to blabber on about myself and GumDrops. But seriously, every time I share my story, it reinforces what GumDrops means to me, plus reminds me where and how I want to take the company.

Whenever I am asked what is needed for retail success, I repeat the same key points:

Have a clear vision-be absolutely sure what you want and stick with it. For example, if you want to open a store that only sells locally made designs, then you better make sure everything is made in Vancouver! No bits and pieces from China. Take the time to create and develop your company identity, in other words the brand. This brand identity needs to be authentic and consistent. Liz Gage, my marketing guru has some great thoughts on being clear and honest about who you are, not just what you offer. In today’s world of savvy shoppers, authenticity is not only expected, but demanded from retailers.
Surround yourself with good people! I am so thankful to work with an amazing team who contribute so much to GumDrops’ success. But sometimes staff does not work out and they must be taken off the bus. Last December during our busiest time, I fired someone because of her lack of commitment and accountability which was creating such negative energy and was a detriment to the rest of the team. It would have been easy to postpone letting this person go until after Christmas, but it had to be done ASAP so we could focus on maintaining a positive, productive work environment.

I hope I gave some insight to the students and gave them the reality of starting a business. Actually, I am returning next week to hear their business plan presentations! I am very curious to see what they will come up with!

Tags: GumDrops Wet Weather Boutique, Retailing
Posted in Entrepreneurial Journey | No Comments »

GumDrops Wet Weather Boutique