Celebration! 1 Year in Business! Orling&Wu | Cavern Retail Consulting

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Cathy

Orling&Wu

Last week I sat down with co-owner of Orling&Wu, Julie Wu, to talk about the successes and challenges of her First year in business.

We started talking about her decision to locate her very sophisticated, almost delicate looking store on Water Street in the heart of a somewhat gritty Gastown. Julie said that the decision was almost an unconscious one. She thought from the beginning, that Gastown would be the location?and even imagined the storefront: A black Heritage building. She did admit that she did look at all different areas of the city, but somehow knew?It just had to be Gastown.

Surprise, Surprise!

I asked Julie if there had been any surprises in her first year?good or bad. She said that the best surprise has been how much foot traffic they get! She said that almost every week, she meets more and more people who are living and working in the area?most who are just out for a lunchtime walk and are so impressed with the store, they can?t wait to tell their friends!

What to Buy?What to Buy?

I was curious how?Julie decided on her current product mix. She said that she?believes in product that has ?some meaning to life.? Both Julie and her partner Fredrik have lived and worked in Europe, and are instinctively drawn to European inspired products. They also look for?merchandise that?is beautifully designed,with an equal emphasis on quality.

Having a Retail Store is EASY!?

Last, we spoke about the challenges of the first year. Julie laughed and said that considering she works in the store with her partner?the fact that they are still together is?a HUGE challenge, and a GREAT success! She mentioned that they are in the process of hiring a new store manager, and finding and retaining?staff has been a challenge. Julie said: ?If people don?t take retail as a serious career, That?s not the kind of people we want.? Finding the right staff who are the right fit for the store and their customer?is challenging?but considering the success of their first year?I?believe that they will find someone dynamic and unconventional, just like their store.

Thanks Julie???

Orling&Wu

28 Water Street

www.orlingandwu.com

This entry was posted in Education, Marvellous Merchandisers and tagged challenge, Gastown, Orling&Wu, success. Bookmark the permalink. ? You?ve got to have a Plan. |

Source: http://cavernretailconsulting.com/2011/07/22/celebration-1-year-in-business-orlingwu/

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