*The Holly and the Ivy* and the You Know What 2013 Chatter Thread.

pigpen

I still feel like an evil parent.. I have however received another gift I purchased for DS2 and I found a pc game for him too. so he is up to 6 items. I am getting a gaming mouse and a new mousemat for him. Some slippers. Couple of 3DS games.. I might just fling in a gift voucher for Game or somewhere so he can choose something for himself..

bunbun2

kevin your mugs are fab

feisty I am sure things will pick up especially if you put some of your homemade items in the shop. I agree with the others that freebies/loyalty card are a good idea and I would also push the fact that you are the new owners. If the shop was badly run under the previous owners people might have been put off but if they know there are new owners they might come and have a look. Even if they come out of curiousity it will get them in then if you have a freebie/ loyalty card it would encourage them to buy. whereabouts is the shop?

pinknfluffy I have signed up to flubit. Do they tell you where you are buying from when they offer a better deal?

bllomingtasty well done on the weight loss

msgigglewick

big ty for the hugs etc regard bunny (snowball), tinsel is still very quiet. not sure how long they grieve for really, Hope she picks up shes quite a character.

Sorted my tescos order out. Spent 30 mins on the phone to clubcard who after consulting supervisors etc came back to me and told me to talk to tescos direct themselves and they can sort something.. so hopefully i can now pick up the hudl's tomorrow from store instead of waiting two weeks and i never lost the £105 of clubcard points after all phew!!!

Its my dd1's 17th bday today and they are currently playing just dance 4 lol mad nutters. i shall go start her bday cake in a bit. Shes requested party food which is fab for the kids.. but i've bought enough for our family my sisters family and those who still live at my mums house so 15 people... to be informed its just 6 of us for tea now eek! lol

omo.. i don't even remember writing that! lol but if i can work out how to put writing on glass i've seen the perfect cup in poundland i could use.. that or i shall get one of the xmas cups i've seen in the gift company they are xmas mugs with little hats on and snowman soup inside for £5

Bargain_Bunny

Morning all

Went to M and S this morning and bought a couple of the half price rotating musical xmas tree biscuits - 1 for my mum - they look good. Managed to find an gift card in my purse so used £4 off that . Had a look at their xmas food bit and they have a christmas jam - wonder if anyone has tried this?. I couldn't bring myself to buy it for £2.49!!. I normally buy Aldi 79p and that does me .

Also picked up an Asda gift guide too. Yesterday went to the Sains 25% toys sale and got LO a doll with accessories, just go to do more packing now which I'm not keen on and to find the time. also waiting to get my copy of Radio Times the 90p offer..will give them a ring if it's not here today..



BB

mrs-moneypenny

kevin those mugs look fabulous!!!

fiesty how about something like one of those 100th shopper promos. everyone has to purchase something to count but then you could either say the 100th (or whatever number you pick) will receive the prize or you could say at the end of the promotion you will do a draw and anyone of those 100 people could win what ever it is you are prepared to give away.

Kelly7_2

Thanks for all the congratulatory messages about my new job. Going in today to sort paperwork out and will hopefully start induction next week. I'm not officially unemployed until Monday so to have something lined up already is such a blessing.

Loving the mugs Kevin! They look fab.

Fiesty I hope business picks up soon, some sort of reward scheme or prize giveaway might help. Just keep advertising as well and I'm sure the customers will come rolling in!

Just quickly popped in to let you know that te$co have all their gift sets half price and these are included in the clubcard boost. X

CupOfChai

Damn OHs sister! He mentioned again that he wanted the Ebay Thing while we were all having dinner, and she said "Oh I've got one of those, you can have it!". I just really hope it's lost or broken or they both forget! AND then someone else mentioned something they'd seen and wanted and she jumped in there first saying she'd get them it for Christmas, so I can't. I now hate her!

I also really want one of those trifle bowls despite the fact I'd have barely any use for it and even less room to put it, they are just like the ones they had on Bake Off.

Feisty I too hope things pick up soon, sorry I've got no advice to give other than you might be right that you're going to need to go through all the prices and costings, especially if there's a similar shop nearby that is cheaper. Possibly you might be able to make more of a thing of your things being handmade and individual etc, as people may not realise things are and might be thinking they're just overpriced. I agree with advertising that it's a new shop with new owners as well, so people don't think it's still just the old one and all the same as before.

pigpen

DS2 I have sorted.. I know what I want for him and while it is not amazing he should like it.

DS3... STILL absolutely stuck!

I also need books.. = trip to The Works and Lush = trip to heaven! (or order online )

mandco

mrsgigglewick sorry about your bunny thats the worst thing about having pets. good news from tesco though and sound like today has been fun even if you are gonna end up eating leftovers for the next few days
kelly congrats on the new job
kevie the mugs are amazing
fiesty sorry things arent going too well. like the others have said advertising is the biggest thing maybe do the under new management new stock in /stock clearance to reduce some of the older stock you feel is maybe overpriced. try and think positive the relaunch was a sucess and you did well then so there is def the custom out there.
pigpen my eldest currently has the grand total of 0 presents :eek:

got the m&s musical xmas tree biscuit tin today plus another tin of the shortbread as that was still 1/2 price aswell. they also have own brand tortilla chips in various flavours bogof 99p/£1.39 ideal for partys or even movie nights

primarni are putting put more xmas stock they had the red/white/navy nordic style throw in a smaller size for £5 matching duvet sets and matching fluffy cushions.

Kevie192

Thanks for all your comments!

I'm thinking of making up some of the mugs to sell online, but the cost price is quite high.

I think I'd have to sell for £9 all in plus delivery which I'd charge at cost. Do you think that's too much?

Only similar one I can find is this one which is £7 + P&P and I think mine is much nicer, personally!

Any thoughts?

Kevin