Saturday, February 7, 2009

Honey of a Weekend (press release)

HIHO HOME MARKET AND WIDMARK FARMS
CELEBRATE A HONEY OF A WEEKEND
Local Honey Available in Gardiner

HiHo Home Market and Widmark Farms have joined together for a Honey of a Weekend. Enjoy honey pairing and tastings all day Saturday and Sunday February 14/15. Heidi Hill-Haddard of HiHo and Melinda Widmark of Widmark Farms will be hosting the event at HiHo Home Market and Antique Center on Main Street in Gardiner. Visitors can expect honey recipes, tales of the farm and discounts on related gift items.
Widmark Farms, a staple landmark of Gardiner, has been a destination of people of all ages for close to half a century. With Mary Widmarks declining health the farm shut the gate at the end of 2006. The business continued to serve customers online and through the cooperation with other local businesses. It was at this time that HiHo started selling Widmark Farms products. Creamed honey, honey comb, bee’s wax, jarred Clover, Wildflower and Buckwheat honey now stock the shelves at HiHo. Heidi Hill-Haddard, owner of HiHo recalls, “it seemed like the local honey was a perfect match for the shop and a way to continue the tradition of it being sold right here in Gardiner.” Melinda Widmark of Widmark Farms commented, “I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of old friends this weekend.” The Honey of a Weekend is sure to become an annual event that celebrates the past and the future of Gardiner.
For more information, call (845)255-1123

Because You're Worth It!

Had a chat with a neighbor today,( she doesn't shop in HiHo). I never really questioned it, I figured she wasn't the shopping type.(although she has been in twice that I'm aware of.) Her little house is spic and span , her gardens wrap around all four sides of her property, she entertains at home a lot and somehow it didn't occur to me that SHE IS our target customer. Hmmmm, why isn't she walking down the street to HiHo once in a while, even if just to get inspiration? As I reflected on the conversation, I came to the conclusion that she perceives HiHo as being out of her price range. Maybe I have displayed my shop so it looks like prices could be high.... but my prices have always been an "honest Joe deal". How did this happen? Have I scared some potential customers away by offering a lovely shopping experience? Do people really think bad service and lack of creative displays mean good prices?
After Christmas a visiting customer commented that Adams was selling a product we sell, however it was now on sale for 60% off. The product was now fifteen dollars at Adams and was always and will always be twelve dollars at HiHo.
I try to be upfront and honest with our customers. I plan on continuing to run my business and write my blog in this spirit. Work hard, work long, push to do my best, offer all who visit the best of me and if people perceive that it is beyond them, what can I say?
"Hope you stop in to see me at the shop... you deserve a deal, in a pleasant setting, that's inspiring and has good service!"
Didn't Heather Locklear do a commercial for a hair product?
..."Because you're worth it!" or was it..."Because I'm worth it!"
HEATHER LOCKLEAR
I guess that was another commercial...sorry.
She did the Faberge Organic shampoo featuring the line:
"and she'll tell two friends, and so on, and so on"
I guess that's all I can hope for after someone visits the shop....but please, could someone tell my neighbor, she's worth it?