Spring Time…In with New, Out with the Old?

By Shana Seyfried Karn, Co-Owner of The Second Knob

The Second Knob Gifts & Antiques turned one-year old on March 26th! Thank you to each and every one of you who made our first year a success!

As we close out year-one and move into year-two, we’ve started assessing what has worked and what hasn’t. In doing so, we’ve found ourselves expanding some of our lines, reducing some and doing away with others. More so, we’ve found ourselves bringing in new merchandise geared toward different age groups…

Toddlers and young children… Throughout this last year, we had several folks looking for gifts for toddlers and young children. Unfortunately, aside from our Bearington Bear plush line, we had little to offer. Slowly, but surely, we are growing our line of merchandise for this age group. We’ve added some Scratch and Sketch books and are currently reviewing a few other possibilities including magnet activity sets, puzzles and story books. Because space is limited, we have to be pretty selective about what we choose to sell. We would love to hear from our customers about what types of gifts they would like to see us offer for this age group!

Tweens (Age 8-13)…In 2009, CBS News called Tweens a “Billion Dollar Market.” This age group isn’t crying for toys anymore, but rather is looking forward to their teenage years and wants very much to express their independence in their spending. While our shop isn’t geared to Tweens, we do want to offer parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles options for purchasing gifts for them. The issue becomes purchasing unique and affordable merchandise which “fits” our shop and isn’t available at big box stores! This is no easy task. We have added the MOGO line of magnetic jewelry and sunglasses. These casual and fun bands are versatile—able to be worn as a bracelet, connected together to be used as a headband, necklace or even a belt. The neon sunglasses, to which charms may be added, are not only a tween favorite but they are also durable—holding up to to tween abuse! Our Bauble LuLu beads/charms and jewelry are also a favorite of tweens. Beads/charms are available to represent sports, animals, hobbies and interests.

As we focus on gifts for different age groups, we want to clarify what this means. As a shop, we aren’t necessarily seeking to attract these age groups; rather we want to offer our customers a selection of gifts suitable for these age groups…

We have not lost sight of our largest customer demographic—women between the ages of 21 – 65 years. In addition to shopping for gifts for others, this sophisticated and mature demographic shops for themselves! Whether they are buying for the home, jewelry or other accessories, these women know what they like and are always looking for a good value. Any item that is versatile is a favorite. Our Lasting Lites candle sleeves (made in Indiana) are a huge seller because you can purchase a singe electric candle and then swap sleeves for different holidays and occasions. Our jewelry is another versatile favorite, with our affordable beads transforming bracelets, earrings, watches, rings and even key rings. You purchase one bracelet and add, subtract or swap beads to change its look. Our lines of linens (decorative dish and tea towels, placemats, runners), pip berry garlands, candle rings and wreaths do well, too, which is why we’ve recently added to both of these lines. These items are inexpensive and go a long way in sprucing up a home!

Our Amish made (and other American made) shelves and cupboards have done remarkably well, too. Though we began purchasing book cases from the Amish last year, we’ve expanded our “furniture” selection to include cabinets and cupboards too. Again, we are limited by space but do our best to keep a few pieces on hand.

Antiques continue to do well with sales on crocks and jugs, tables and other furniture (jelly cabinets, cupboards, pie safes and tables) as strong as ever. Wooden bowls, troughs and other primitive pieces continue to sell consistently, too. Glass, china, and ceramics haven’t sold as well and we will likely be putting some of those back in storage to make room for more primitive/wood pieces.

After so much success during the holiday season, we’ve decided to offer customers the opportunity to host parties at The Second Knob—and earn a percentage of the proceeds in store credit! For more information, stop in and speak with Shana or call: 844-KNOB.

The requests for photography have been increasing. Natural light family pictures, studio pictures for newborns and infants, engagements sessions and, of course, wedding photography have all climbed steadily throughout the year. Recently Shana has found herself busy designing Save-the-Date magnets and cards for upcoming weddings!

Again, to ALL of our customers—Thank you for a great first year; we look forward to year two!

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