Roses, Chocolate and Cards

Lovely gifts for your Valentine here at HiHo.....

Silks By The Stem Beautiful Tea Towels Honey and Chocolate Valentines With Hankies

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?

A Honey of a Weekend!

It's nearing that time again...

A Honey of a Weekend. Last year was so successful we are doing it again, but even bigger. The weekend of the 14th and 15th we will be serving up honey tastings. Buck Wheat, Clover and Wildflower honey from Widmark Farms. With special guest Melinda Widmark

joining in on the fun.

"Bee" sure to mark the dates!

HONEY BEAR DISPLAY FROM TWO YEARS AGO

Quoted in Country Business Magazine

Once again HiHo gets a mention in a magazine for independent retails. Country Sampler's, Country Business Magazine. Last year I was in an article about western theme merchandise and displays. This recent article is titled HOT HOT HOT, don't you love it!(you know I like all the "H's"). With a sub title of, Sizzlin' Displays. I know most of you probably haven't heard of the magazine ....but retailers selling with a country spin use it as a resource. Well it can't hurt when HiHo and are small town are mentioned 3 times in one four page article, in the February issue. A big thank you, to Editor, Susan Wagner and her staff for continuing to give small retailers the opportunity to be heard. I took a look to see if the article was posted on their web site, no luck. Although you are welcome to peek at the site, maybe you will find inspiration? http://www.country-business.com/

Friends

It's a snowy afternoon and as I force myself to take some down time, I began to browse the retail experts blogs. I find it relaxing and I have to sit to be at the computer. It's a resource I find inspiring at times. I had one expert ask where I find inspiration.....I listed magazines, trade shows, web sites but it all came down to this. I told her "Most importantly I surround myself with highly motivated creative people...friends, they are the best inspiration." Sometimes I'm surprised when I'm faced with the obvious. Wow,I am blessed to have so many inspiring people in my life. Thanks.

Dan Moves On

Some things in life are bitter sweet. Dan is the dealer that sells all the sports collectibles on the second floor. Last month he let me know he was going to move out of HiHo. He explained with family obligations his plate is very full. I was so sad to get the news, it's always nice when you can work with friends. Dan has a handyman and caretaker business which keeps him busy.
http://www.danscaretakerservice.com/
Yesterday he packed up his belongings and moved out. He assured me we will continue to see each other and do business together. (He did much of the construction in the Christmas Room) The vacant room is a reminder that everything changes.

DAN'S ROOM WAS THE ORIGINAL SECOND FLOOR BATHROOM FOR THE HOUSE

I have new exciting plans for Dan's room. Some construction , some painting and a new member added to the HiHo family....Hows that for a tease?