The HiHo Brand

Brand is a style promise, a quality promise, it keeps us separate from the largest competitors. I don't know if we truly have competitors, but customers do have other choices. Making a clear picture of who we are and what we are selling, brands who we are in the customers mind. I'm not sure I can put my vision of the HiHo brand into words.... I know it's a mix of old and new, it's a feeling of comfort, it's affordable price points, it should inspire, evoke nostalgia and most often be utilitarian. My goal has always been to offer merchandise that gives our customers lots of options to express their own personal style in their home. I have all sorts of criteria for buying, some for auction, some for new goods, but mostly does it look like it belongs at HiHo? As the New York Show approaches and I prepare for my annual buying trip, I would love to hear what you think of when you think of HiHo, let me know.

CHANGES

While the shop is getting refreshed for the new year so is my blog! Notice the blog is now open for comments...and I'm sure to continue updates over the next few weeks.
I spent today doing the dreaded, take down the Christmas decor.( wish it was that easy) I am all too well aware that this is just the first of many, many days of packing greens, untangling lights, sucking up weeks of dust bunnies, struggling with Rubbermaid containers and running the stairs to the Christmas room. That being said, I reward myself by doing over rooms in new colors and themes, as each sheds it's holiday luster. Now I don't want you to run over right away thinking the shop is all fresh and new after only one day....however I'm very pleased to be able to tease you with the beginnings of things to come.

IN THE MAIN ROOM (HEADLINER) WE ARE GOING TO FEATURE BLACK AND WHITE, THE THEME IS... READ ALL ABOUT IT!

THE HOTHOUSE AREA FEATURES WARM GREEN HUES IN A SETTING PERFECT FOR WINTER ENTERTAINING

Well wish me luck as I continue on my quest for a refreshed shop. I know many of you are working at home to take back your living spaces from the holiday season and I applaud your efforts. I would like to leave you with one of my HiHo Hints...pizza boxes work wonderfully for ornament storage.

Missing Claudia Already

The new year is bitter sweet here at HiHo. A member of our family is leaving. Claudia is going to San Diego for the remainder of this winter season and through the spring. All is well, she is going on business and will be working in lots of sunshine. However we will miss her terribly. She promises to return to her HiHo family in July.

CLAUDIA AT THE FLEA MARKET

THIS PAST FALL

In her absence I will like to envision her hunting McCoy pottery at flea markets on the West Coast. I hope the time passes quickly. Love you!

Always Thinking

Well new ideas for themes in each of the rooms are running in my head around the clock now. I had my notebook out most of the day designing new floor plans and jotting down prop ideas. Claudia even spent part of the day preparing props for the Hemingway Room. I have always been a list maker, but when it comes to changing the shop around there can never be too many lists. I never move a piece of furniture without a complete plan for the move.... usually one move turns into five hundred moves, just ask Susan.
I'm very excited about the plans for the winter season. I believe we will be giving you a warm and cozy shopping experience, that will inspire you in your own home. I can't touch the shop till after the first of the year, that gives you a last chance to take in this years holiday decor, but about one week later expect changes. I will be sure to post pictures!

Always Grateful

I just want to express my gratitude to all that supported us by shopping at HiHo throughout the holiday season. From the bottom of my heart, Thank You! Despite the media and bad weather we had a great season...I'm glad to say we did just fine, thanks to you.

Photo credit to Aubrey, October 2008, Springtown Road, New Paltz, N.Y.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Wishing you many happy returns of the day.

HUMPREY'S BEST DAY OFF THIS YEAR

I Love What I Do

After two days of snow removal and the quiet it inflicted on the shop, I'm starting to feel like the end of the retail Christmas season is near. Well to be honest it does give me a little feeling of relief, the thought of getting things back in order is appealing. The shop has had a wonderful energy this year and it will be hard to see things die down again. I am trying to stay in the moment and enjoy the last push of customers finishing up their holiday shopping. I'm so happy with this years holiday theme displays, it's hard to believe I spent much of today plotting out what the shop will look like after they are all taken down. Hmmmm...warm colors, winter nesting, maybe a reading theme, remixing, props, lighting, lots of cleaning, packing trees, refresh the Christmas room and I need to get some sleep. I really do love what I do, it's great knowing we can always try to top last year, whatever the season. January is going to fly by.