After moving to her new 1,200-square-foot location in 2004, owner Mary Joe Surbook decided to concentrate solely on quality special occasion items for children. Since then, she has moved a great deal of her business to the online marketplace, having noticed more customers shopping from home. Surbook cited that step as a reason for her success in 2009, along with careful ordering. (She only stocks one or two pieces of each item.) “We were very careful in not overbuying,” she noted. “You can’t allow yourself to get stuck with inventory you can’t turn around quickly.”
This 1,000-square-foot Sugar Land, Texas, shop aims to make every child feel like royalty. Opened in 2007 by Michelle Patterson, a former regional sales manager with 25 years of retail experience, this retailer aims to provide unparalleled customer service and whimsical clothing and gifts. “I’ve seen the ups and downs. You have to work harder and smarter,” Patterson said in regard to last year’s retail trials. Plans are in place to improve the store’s website in 2010 since customers like to browse online before coming in. Patterson also plans to add new items and brands that fit her core business.
With an extensive background in retail and as a stay-at-home mother of two, Melissa McKinnie knows exactly what customers seek at her quaint, 1,200-square-foot boutique. The intimate setting, located in an old house, is the perfect place for McKinnie to get to know her customers. She said paying attention to their shopping patterns helped her identify categories to extend in 2009—namely, baby clothing and gifts. As 2010 begins, McKinnie hopes recent remodeling and an expanded accessories section will drive more business.
