Not too sure if this would work here at The Futon Shop, but I admire their desire to increase and promote their business. This artice appeared in The New York Times on 3rd December 2008, by Kristina Shevory.
The full story can be found at the following link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/business/smallbusiness/04sbiz.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&ref=business&adxnnlx=1228381937-lJStunu/dgA5Ma4By3QtLg
Small Stores Find Ways to Drum Up Traffic
The owner of a futon store outside San Francisco started running comedy shows.
Small businesses are always searching for ways to differentiate themselves. But with fewer people out buying, some of the businesses are doing whatever they think will draw in customers.
“This is a buyer’s strike,” said Eric G. Flamholtz, a professor emeritus of management at the Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles. “People are holding back and not spending any money. So you have to give them a reason to come.”
Holding special events also can be far less expensive than regular advertising. And in a slowing economy, advertising and marketing budgets typically get trimmed. A recent National Small Business Association survey of its members found that 49 percent planned to start new advertising or marketing this year, down from 54 percent in 2007.
“They’re trying to market with little or no extra money,” said Molly Brogan, the association’s vice president of public affairs. “People are doing more on the Internet, any free thing they can.”
Nor are the special events just for young businesses. Even well-established businesses, like Mary’s Futons in San Rafael, Calif., have been feeling the pinch. Fewer people are buying new futons, and more futons are being brought in for repairs. Mary Hughes, the owner, said she thought a comedy show would be the perfect thing to do because “everyone loves comedy and I wanted to meet women.” A theatrical producer was less than convinced.
“ ‘Lady, are you crazy?’ ” Lisa Geduldig, the producer of Kung Pao Kosher Comedy in San Francisco remembers telling Ms. Hughes. “ ‘I don’t do little futon stores; I do professional venues.’ ”
But after Ms. Hughes cornered her and begged her to do one show, she finally agreed. The first, “An Evening of Lie-Down Comedy,” was held in March and did so well, they added a second. When that one sold out, they added another. That, too, sold out. Proceeds from the tickets go back to the comedians and Ms. Geduldig. If more than 100 people attend, Ms. Hughes gets a small percentage of the ticket sales.
“I get the publicity and that’s worth more than the money,” Ms. Hughes said, though in a later interview she said she was taking over management of the shows.
One recent Sunday night, a hundred people milled around the futon store, nibbling on cake and catching up on gossip. A window display had been turned into a stage, 30 futons were turned to face it and salespeople were doing sound checks. Raffle tickets for a water fountain and beanbag chair were being sold at the door and a line of people snaked away from a sales counter doing service as a concession stand.
Ms. Geduldig threaded through the crowd to the stage, clambered on top and welcomed everyone to the show. “This is a futon shop,” she said. “Feel free to fall asleep.”
Everyone laughed. The show had begun.
The full story can be found at the following link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/business/smallbusiness/04sbiz.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&ref=business&adxnnlx=1228381937-lJStunu/dgA5Ma4By3QtLg
Small Stores Find Ways to Drum Up Traffic
The owner of a futon store outside San Francisco started running comedy shows.
Small businesses are always searching for ways to differentiate themselves. But with fewer people out buying, some of the businesses are doing whatever they think will draw in customers.
“This is a buyer’s strike,” said Eric G. Flamholtz, a professor emeritus of management at the Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles. “People are holding back and not spending any money. So you have to give them a reason to come.”
Holding special events also can be far less expensive than regular advertising. And in a slowing economy, advertising and marketing budgets typically get trimmed. A recent National Small Business Association survey of its members found that 49 percent planned to start new advertising or marketing this year, down from 54 percent in 2007.
“They’re trying to market with little or no extra money,” said Molly Brogan, the association’s vice president of public affairs. “People are doing more on the Internet, any free thing they can.”
Nor are the special events just for young businesses. Even well-established businesses, like Mary’s Futons in San Rafael, Calif., have been feeling the pinch. Fewer people are buying new futons, and more futons are being brought in for repairs. Mary Hughes, the owner, said she thought a comedy show would be the perfect thing to do because “everyone loves comedy and I wanted to meet women.” A theatrical producer was less than convinced.
“ ‘Lady, are you crazy?’ ” Lisa Geduldig, the producer of Kung Pao Kosher Comedy in San Francisco remembers telling Ms. Hughes. “ ‘I don’t do little futon stores; I do professional venues.’ ”
But after Ms. Hughes cornered her and begged her to do one show, she finally agreed. The first, “An Evening of Lie-Down Comedy,” was held in March and did so well, they added a second. When that one sold out, they added another. That, too, sold out. Proceeds from the tickets go back to the comedians and Ms. Geduldig. If more than 100 people attend, Ms. Hughes gets a small percentage of the ticket sales.
“I get the publicity and that’s worth more than the money,” Ms. Hughes said, though in a later interview she said she was taking over management of the shows.
One recent Sunday night, a hundred people milled around the futon store, nibbling on cake and catching up on gossip. A window display had been turned into a stage, 30 futons were turned to face it and salespeople were doing sound checks. Raffle tickets for a water fountain and beanbag chair were being sold at the door and a line of people snaked away from a sales counter doing service as a concession stand.
Ms. Geduldig threaded through the crowd to the stage, clambered on top and welcomed everyone to the show. “This is a futon shop,” she said. “Feel free to fall asleep.”
Everyone laughed. The show had begun.
Not too sure if this would work here at The Futon Shop, but I admire their desire to increase and promote their business. This artice appeared in The New York Times on 3rd December 2008, by Kristina Shevory.
The full story can be found at the following link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/business/smallbusiness/04sbiz.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&ref=business&adxnnlx=1228381937-lJStunu/dgA5Ma4By3QtLg
Small Stores Find Ways to Drum Up Traffic
The owner of a futon store outside San Francisco started running comedy shows.
Small businesses are always searching for ways to differentiate themselves. But with fewer people out buying, some of the businesses are doing whatever they think will draw in customers.
“This is a buyer’s strike,” said Eric G. Flamholtz, a professor emeritus of management at the Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles. “People are holding back and not spending any money. So you have to give them a reason to come.”
Holding special events also can be far less expensive than regular advertising. And in a slowing economy, advertising and marketing budgets typically get trimmed. A recent National Small Business Association survey of its members found that 49 percent planned to start new advertising or marketing this year, down from 54 percent in 2007.
“They’re trying to market with little or no extra money,” said Molly Brogan, the association’s vice president of public affairs. “People are doing more on the Internet, any free thing they can.”
Nor are the special events just for young businesses. Even well-established businesses, like Mary’s Futons in San Rafael, Calif., have been feeling the pinch. Fewer people are buying new futons, and more futons are being brought in for repairs. Mary Hughes, the owner, said she thought a comedy show would be the perfect thing to do because “everyone loves comedy and I wanted to meet women.” A theatrical producer was less than convinced.
“ ‘Lady, are you crazy?’ ” Lisa Geduldig, the producer of Kung Pao Kosher Comedy in San Francisco remembers telling Ms. Hughes. “ ‘I don’t do little futon stores; I do professional venues.’ ”
But after Ms. Hughes cornered her and begged her to do one show, she finally agreed. The first, “An Evening of Lie-Down Comedy,” was held in March and did so well, they added a second. When that one sold out, they added another. That, too, sold out. Proceeds from the tickets go back to the comedians and Ms. Geduldig. If more than 100 people attend, Ms. Hughes gets a small percentage of the ticket sales.
“I get the publicity and that’s worth more than the money,” Ms. Hughes said, though in a later interview she said she was taking over management of the shows.
One recent Sunday night, a hundred people milled around the futon store, nibbling on cake and catching up on gossip. A window display had been turned into a stage, 30 futons were turned to face it and salespeople were doing sound checks. Raffle tickets for a water fountain and beanbag chair were being sold at the door and a line of people snaked away from a sales counter doing service as a concession stand.
Ms. Geduldig threaded through the crowd to the stage, clambered on top and welcomed everyone to the show. “This is a futon shop,” she said. “Feel free to fall asleep.”
Everyone laughed. The show had begun.
The full story can be found at the following link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/business/smallbusiness/04sbiz.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&ref=business&adxnnlx=1228381937-lJStunu/dgA5Ma4By3QtLg
Small Stores Find Ways to Drum Up Traffic
The owner of a futon store outside San Francisco started running comedy shows.
Small businesses are always searching for ways to differentiate themselves. But with fewer people out buying, some of the businesses are doing whatever they think will draw in customers.
“This is a buyer’s strike,” said Eric G. Flamholtz, a professor emeritus of management at the Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles. “People are holding back and not spending any money. So you have to give them a reason to come.”
Holding special events also can be far less expensive than regular advertising. And in a slowing economy, advertising and marketing budgets typically get trimmed. A recent National Small Business Association survey of its members found that 49 percent planned to start new advertising or marketing this year, down from 54 percent in 2007.
“They’re trying to market with little or no extra money,” said Molly Brogan, the association’s vice president of public affairs. “People are doing more on the Internet, any free thing they can.”
Nor are the special events just for young businesses. Even well-established businesses, like Mary’s Futons in San Rafael, Calif., have been feeling the pinch. Fewer people are buying new futons, and more futons are being brought in for repairs. Mary Hughes, the owner, said she thought a comedy show would be the perfect thing to do because “everyone loves comedy and I wanted to meet women.” A theatrical producer was less than convinced.
“ ‘Lady, are you crazy?’ ” Lisa Geduldig, the producer of Kung Pao Kosher Comedy in San Francisco remembers telling Ms. Hughes. “ ‘I don’t do little futon stores; I do professional venues.’ ”
But after Ms. Hughes cornered her and begged her to do one show, she finally agreed. The first, “An Evening of Lie-Down Comedy,” was held in March and did so well, they added a second. When that one sold out, they added another. That, too, sold out. Proceeds from the tickets go back to the comedians and Ms. Geduldig. If more than 100 people attend, Ms. Hughes gets a small percentage of the ticket sales.
“I get the publicity and that’s worth more than the money,” Ms. Hughes said, though in a later interview she said she was taking over management of the shows.
One recent Sunday night, a hundred people milled around the futon store, nibbling on cake and catching up on gossip. A window display had been turned into a stage, 30 futons were turned to face it and salespeople were doing sound checks. Raffle tickets for a water fountain and beanbag chair were being sold at the door and a line of people snaked away from a sales counter doing service as a concession stand.
Ms. Geduldig threaded through the crowd to the stage, clambered on top and welcomed everyone to the show. “This is a futon shop,” she said. “Feel free to fall asleep.”
Everyone laughed. The show had begun.
Please note that many of the sources of raw materials have risen over the past few months. This factor, combined with the lower value of the pound against the dollar will lead to price rises on many futon products in the new year.
Most types of futon frames are supplied from Malaysia, Vietnam and China where these goods are traded in US Dollars. I'm sure many people are aware that the pound has fallen by around 25%+ against the dollar. This situation will, without doubt, lead to price rises in January, so take advantage of this situation and buy your futon now!
Most types of futon frames are supplied from Malaysia, Vietnam and China where these goods are traded in US Dollars. I'm sure many people are aware that the pound has fallen by around 25%+ against the dollar. This situation will, without doubt, lead to price rises in January, so take advantage of this situation and buy your futon now!
Please note that many of the sources of raw materials have risen over the past few months. This factor, combined with the lower value of the pound against the dollar will lead to price rises on many futon products in the new year.
Most types of futon frames are supplied from Malaysia, Vietnam and China where these goods are traded in US Dollars. I'm sure many people are aware that the pound has fallen by around 25%+ against the dollar. This situation will, without doubt, lead to price rises in January, so take advantage of this situation and buy your futon now!
Most types of futon frames are supplied from Malaysia, Vietnam and China where these goods are traded in US Dollars. I'm sure many people are aware that the pound has fallen by around 25%+ against the dollar. This situation will, without doubt, lead to price rises in January, so take advantage of this situation and buy your futon now!
The latest offerings from the Futon Shop Ltd can be found at our new website http://www.sofabed-direct.co.uk/ here we offer a selection of compact sofabeds, all featuring easy-action opening and closing and compact dimensions, perfect for spare rooms, home offices and flats. Just log-on to check out the full details, or call us on 01752 662030.
The latest offerings from the Futon Shop Ltd can be found at our new website http://www.sofabed-direct.co.uk/ here we offer a selection of compact sofabeds, all featuring easy-action opening and closing and compact dimensions, perfect for spare rooms, home offices and flats. Just log-on to check out the full details, or call us on 01752 662030.
Well, it looks like the 'good times' that we, the general public, have enjoyed are coming to an end! We've all had the benefit of inexpensive products being imported from abroad, particularly China and other parts of Asia, over the last few years, this is even relevant in the futon market.
But I'm sure you're all aware of the situation regarding the availability of raw materials now that increased demand is coming from China and India to create their new and improving infrastructures. This is causing continuous rises in the costs for the raw materials needed for constructing futon frames and even futon mattresses.
Although this will see prices rise in the market for futon products we are committed to maintaining the quality of our products; our philosophy continues to be that we will offer futons designed to offer a combination of comfort and value for many years to come. So be assured that the products you buy from The Futon Blog members will not have had 'thier cloth cut' to meet a price point!
But I'm sure you're all aware of the situation regarding the availability of raw materials now that increased demand is coming from China and India to create their new and improving infrastructures. This is causing continuous rises in the costs for the raw materials needed for constructing futon frames and even futon mattresses.
Although this will see prices rise in the market for futon products we are committed to maintaining the quality of our products; our philosophy continues to be that we will offer futons designed to offer a combination of comfort and value for many years to come. So be assured that the products you buy from The Futon Blog members will not have had 'thier cloth cut' to meet a price point!
Well, it looks like the 'good times' that we, the general public, have enjoyed are coming to an end! We've all had the benefit of inexpensive products being imported from abroad, particularly China and other parts of Asia, over the last few years, this is even relevant in the futon market.
But I'm sure you're all aware of the situation regarding the availability of raw materials now that increased demand is coming from China and India to create their new and improving infrastructures. This is causing continuous rises in the costs for the raw materials needed for constructing futon frames and even futon mattresses.
Although this will see prices rise in the market for futon products we are committed to maintaining the quality of our products; our philosophy continues to be that we will offer futons designed to offer a combination of comfort and value for many years to come. So be assured that the products you buy from The Futon Blog members will not have had 'thier cloth cut' to meet a price point!
But I'm sure you're all aware of the situation regarding the availability of raw materials now that increased demand is coming from China and India to create their new and improving infrastructures. This is causing continuous rises in the costs for the raw materials needed for constructing futon frames and even futon mattresses.
Although this will see prices rise in the market for futon products we are committed to maintaining the quality of our products; our philosophy continues to be that we will offer futons designed to offer a combination of comfort and value for many years to come. So be assured that the products you buy from The Futon Blog members will not have had 'thier cloth cut' to meet a price point!
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