a.i. paper design

encore artful gifts

So many of the stores that carry a.i. paper design don't have websites or even if they do, they're not current.  Even though Encore Artful Gifts of Radford, VA doesn't have a developed website yet, they don't let it hold them back from connecting with their customers online.

In the meantime, they've created a blog where they share what goods are arriving in their shop... like a.i. paper design.

Blogs are very simple to set up and use.  They're a great way to keep your customers informed and excited with what's happening at your store.

You can start a free blog at www.blogger.com or another great inexpensive option is www.typepad.com.

Click HERE to see some other examples of shop owners who blog.

Bloom - Williamston, Michigan

Meet Aly Wendt, the delightful owner of the quaint little boutique, Bloom.  Aly's store has the perfect balance of artful goods, treasured old finds and fresh designs.

Our frames and books blend perfectly in a variety of sections in her store.

Simple painted old doors make fantastic walls to hang larger items or a display shelf.

Stacking small step ladders or short end tables create an interesting display landscape that can showcase a variety of goods.

A leaning ladder also opens up opportunities to display hanging wares.

Shopping at Bloom is always a memorable experience because it feels like you're discovering true treasures.

Garden Argosy - St. Armand's Circle, Florida

Meet Ron and Kathie Hermann, the talented owners of Garden Argosy.  On a recent trip to Florida, Steve and I spent a couple days on this gorgeous key filled with fabulous shops and beautiful beaches. 

It doesn't take long to realize why they chose the word argosy (a rich source or supply) to describe their store. Loads of delightful goodies are displayed from ceiling to floor.

Kathie and Ron created this whimsical shop 12 years ago when they both decided to check out of the corporate world and go into business for themselves.  Their retail adventure began in a 700 square foot space and they primarily offered unique garden goods.

As their shop grew in popularity, so did their selection and size.  Now they display their finds in a 2000 square feet spot and offer everything from tiny tokens to fantastic furniture and lots of a.i. paper design goods.

Kathie's corporate background in buying and merchandising definitely shows.  I like how she peppers our product with other related wares.

She also doesn't waste any space... using hooks and nails to showcase hanging items on display hutches.

After seeing their beautiful store and experiencing St. Armand's Key, we can see why Garden Argosy is one a.i. paper's top selling stores.

Zuzu's Sisters - Hingham, MA

Meet Robin & Tricia, the color savvy owners of Zuzu's Sisters.  Steve & I had the opportunity to take a peek at their sweet store on a recent road trip.

The inspiration for the store came from Eileen, Tricia's sister and owner of Zuzu's in Norwich, Vermont. Having always loved Eileen's talent for bringing color and style to life, Robin and Tricia sought to create a retail environment that embodied the sentiment of 'color inspired living.'

I love how they actually utilize our small jewelry mirrors and display them on an old colorful cabinet.  It really compliments our product. 

Clipping some original childern's art to our brag boards is always a nice touch. It really shows the product off.

It's no surprise they do very well with our product after seeing how well it fits with the rest of their delightful goodies.

oop! - providence, rhode island

Meet David Riordan of oop! He and his wife, Jennifer are the proud owners of three fabulous gift galleries in and around the Providence area.

Steve and I had a chance to visit a few of their stores during a recent vacation and were very impressed with their ultra-hip operation.

David and Jennifer have been buying our dream journals for many years and still continue to order them by the dozen.

A portion of a news article reads, "The focus is on artists from all over the country, with about 30 to 40 residing locally. Oop! is as much a gallery as it is a general store filled with items of nostalgia, it is a jewelry store, furniture store and sells socks, T-shirts and “penny” candy. It has unique, one-of-a-kind items that invite you to look, touch and sometimes listen. It is an experience. The crafts are eclectic, whimsical and fun. And some of their items are just plain practical, like flip-flops with a bottle opener attached. One of their brainstorms that has taken off like a rocket is OOP! Juice, a carbonated beverage with­out a speck of juice in it. “It’s just good old fashioned soda,” says Riordan."

Steve and I left oop! smiling with oop! juice in hand and this hilarious handmade finger puppet.  The tag reads, "McFly grew up on the 'wrong side of the tracks', but got an athletic scholarship to a prestigious Ivy League school.  He's on the baseball team because he's great at catching FLY balls!"

How could I leave that behind?