Newsletter
THE LATEST FROM JOOLZ...
April 2008
Vacation was great! We were exhausted and ready for a break, so off we went to Florida where we kicked back, relaxed, read books (15 for me, in 3 weeks – love that Sanibel library!), flew kites on the beach, enjoyed playing with our grandson who came from LA with his Mommy for a wonderful visit and had Easter weekend with family in Delray Beach. Then the long drive back…lots of trucks on the interstates, but relatively good weather. Unpacked the car, settled back into the house and noticed snow was starting to fall. Woke in the morning to 6+ inches on the ground. We were both ready to do a U-turn and head right back to Florida.
I had dinner with a Sanibel friend who has retail experience buying and selling handcrafted jewelry. She planted the seed of an idea that I should open a JOOLZ on Sanibel – the busy seasons in Sanibel and Canandaigua are opposite each other and it would be a good “excuse” for me to have to be in Florida for the winter. I did a little research - chatted with staff at several of my favorite shops and with an enthusiastic employee at the Chamber of Commerce. I’d be interested to hear feedback from those of you who are familiar with Sanibel and with JOOLZ. It’s an idea that has really got me thinking…and I thought all my startup planning and sleepless nights were behind me!
We also went to an arts and crafts show on Sanibel, where I connected with several jewelry artists. I anticipate doing business with a couple of them and will let you know when their work comes in. Meanwhile, I have orders out with numerous artists, both new and already established at JOOLZ. I asked for early to mid-April shipments and when the new pieces are in, I’ll send an e-mail to let you know. I’m also going to a big wholesale show in Las Vegas at the end of the month, meeting my Denver daughter there for a girls’ weekend and some joolz hunting. We’re going to have so much to choose from that we’re adding some additional display space.
Our hanging sign was damaged during high winds before Christmas. In January I again appeared before the City Planning Commission, requesting to have the sign changed from a hanging sign to one on the façade of the building. The commission agreed with my appeal and the repaired sign was installed right before we took off for Sanibel. We are also having an A-frame sign made to be placed on the sidewalk during open hours. Thanks to Brent Gillette of Bristol Signs and Neon for all his work on the indoor and outdoor signs. And thanks to all of you for hunting us down even when it was hard to see the hanging sign. I think we’ll be much more visible now, and invite you to come see for yourselves.
We’re open again and look forward to seeing you. Remember to check the website Home Page for current hours – they do change depending on the season.
All the best!
Francie Schenck |
