It has been a long time since my last blog post. Waiting for a new hip slowed everything down, and looking after the website was not the highest priority. Now though, with my new parts doing great, my mind has really turned back to refreshing the Ladybug and bringing the store back from "caretaker" mode.
Leslie, Mary, Betty and Judy have gone all out keeping the store in good order, but new and interesting is up to the "Big Bug" - Me! :)
Hi to all fans of the Ladybug! Of course, I'm always willing to admit that I'm the worlds worst blogger, but at least the Facebook Feed is updated a few times a month!
It is hard to believe that another year is in the homestretch. A busy one it has been, too.
After most of two years, we decided to reconfigure the booth at Renaissance on the Langley Bypass over on the Vancouver side, to feature a candle wall in the main part of the store. There will still be a case full of collectables, but the focus on our Danish Taper Candles makes more sense moving forward.
Starting in the Spring of 2015, we will introduce selected vintage and antique items to the main store, as it is getting very difficult to obtain Danish Iron new and some very cool candleholders come up if you keep your eyes open!
Meanwhile, we are through Thanksgiving and zooming towards Christmas! The big order from Denmark is scheduled to arrive in Vancouver on October, 22 so we will be loading the stock before the end of the month. Lots of new candles and much Scandinavian Christmas Decor... Always a lot of fun.
If you like us on Facebook, you will get a special treat: A free pair of H4 tapers in any colour, whenever you spend $20.00 or more. I find it's easiest to just google "Ladybug Boutique Victoria" and then follow the link to Facebook... There are thousands of Ladybug things on Facebook proper and it is tedious trying to find the right page.
Thanks to all of you who have continued to loyally support our, and many other, small businesses during this long period of economic difficulty. Small businesses give communities their unique flavour and it is great to be able to continue operating a special little store, in ours.
Cheers,
The Big Bug!
Much activity in Ladybugland since the last post!
Our New Satellite Store is up and running at Renaissance Furniture on the Langley Bypass in Langley, BC, south of Vancouver. It is at 20560 Langley Bypass, (604.530.0692) on the right, when you are headed East. The Langley Bypass is the extension of Highway # 10 and is easy to find. Of course, in this age of GPS and Google Maps, you just look it up! We have set up our full selection of tapers, just like the home store, and have a selection of Danish Glass and Iron for you peruse, as well. Renaissance Furniture specializes in reproduction and reworked furniture, with an emphasis on re-purposed wood and metal. Many of the pieces are unique, specialty items you won't see anywhere else.
Part of the store is set up as a Vintage and Collectables Gallery, which is where we are! If you are wondering why we would be there, given that the only thing in the main store that qualifies as vintage might be the staff and owners, well, that is because this location allows us to pursue our interest in Antiques and Collectables. Which is why this location is called Ladybug Candles & Collectables!
Of course, we haven't been neglecting the main store either. With the end of our much missed neighbour, Continental Kitchen, we have returned to our roots and introduced new lines of textiles. Runners, tea towels, dishcloths, potholders and a wide variety of woven and cork-backed placemats, from famous North American companies, compliment our existing Swedish linens from Ekelund and hand woven placemats from Lori Davies on Saltspring Island. The bright colours and patterns really feel like spring!
We are continuing to expand our candle selection, as well, with more colours in our Danish pillars and drop candles. This is also a great year for glassware. New patterns from both our friends at Mad About Glass in North Vancouver and John and Ulrike Paulsen at Dansk Glaskunst, fill the section with still more colour.
All in all, much to see at both locations!
Mention this post and get a free pair of H4 tapers with any purchase over $20.00 at our Victoria store!
Enjoy Spring!
Well, Here we are, the end of November!
Christmas is in full swing and the elves are very busy... All of the orders that were still outstanding the last time I wrote, are in. We have received a great selection of tea-towels, runners and table squares in Christmas and winter patterns from Ekelund of Sweden, which will appeal to anyone with a fondness for colour. Our Bronze candelabras and holders from Harrogate House have arrived, as well. Italian quality and style for an elegant table.
Some things, like the electric candles from Abbott are going fast! We have the best price in town, as far as I can tell, for the "Real Flame" electric pillars and should sell out soon...
When you get to the store, look for the RED Dot, GREEN Dot, find a Dot and save a lot, price tags on various ornaments on the outside table and throughout the shop. 50% off regular on the red dots, 25% on the green. My treat. Who says I'm Grinchy!
Well, tonight's the night! Yesterday Tina ran a test sale through the site and today we are going to review all the functions and then, if all goes well, we will be able to sell our taper candles on line! Woo-Hoo!
Meanwhile, the store is coming together. By the week-end the first round of stock will be in place. Our order of Scandinavian themed cookbooks and mugs will be in in about another week and the Norse jewelry should be in soon, too.
There has been a lot of media chatter about "Christmas creep"; that is, the idea that retailers are starting Christmas decorating and selling earlier and earlier every year... As someone who has worked in retail for well over 30 years (really?
Since I was 2?) I can say, with some authority, that while some retailers, usually the big box stores, have pushed the envelope, most of us still set up just as we always have. We begin to prepare in October, after Thanksgiving, by organizing and moving the stock into our Christmas format. Then we put up the trim and load the inventory. Because we are open seven days a week and like to serve our customers, it takes about two weeks to totally convert the store. The plan is to be finished for November 12th. Our store has followed this format for over 25 years and every year folks say the same thing: "What, already?" The interesting thing is that some people start to shop quite early and ask for things in October. Can't please everyone!
One thing, though, we can all agree on: No Christmas music until December 1st.
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