How to Shop Market Smarter: A Boutique Buying Guide — Weekly Retail Tidbits #231

Originally published as Tidbit #231. Lightly edited for the blog.

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”
— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Are you headed to market? Do you have a goal? Do you have a plan that enables you to reach it?

I’ve been the buyer at market more times than I’ve been the seller. I get what it’s like to be in your shoes.

My first market? I just wanted to remember where I parked.

My last market as a buyer? I had clear goals and a plan to reach them. I’d learned a lot.

My life now mirrors yours at market. I bet you love visiting showrooms like I love visiting stores. The problem? Resources. Time, money, shelf space (my car space)… all limited.

When I’m on the road, I plan to visit certain stores. I always wish I could stop at more – but without a plan, it would be hard to even get out of Knoxville! (There are so many stores just to visit in my hometown!)

If you stopped at every showroom you pass, would that help you reach your business goals?

The Travelling Salesman’s Dilemma is relatable – isn’t it?

You have to prioritize. To prioritize, you need a goal and a system.

Start simple

Map your must-visits. Know the building, floor, and suite of every showroom. Map your fastest route. Don’t ping-pong between buildings if you can help it. Be efficient.

Choose appointments carefully

I was picky as a buyer. If a rep used my time well, I made sure to work with them. It made me more efficient and a better decision maker.

Relationships

Where else can you talk to this many people who are in the same business? Yes, it costs time — expensive, non-renewable time. But if you’ve prioritized well, those conversations can help your business more than any single product line over a lifetime.

Do you have a market plan? Have you prioritized your time to meet your goals?

When we work together, I want to use our time efficiently — hearing your goals, what you’re doing differently, and anything special you want to cover. That’s the beauty of being highly curated: most of you work multiple lines with us, and I come prepared.

Thank you for trusting me with your time. It’s a BIG deal, and I never take it for granted!

xoxo,
❤️AmyFay

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AI Tip: The New Competition

The large language models are all getting really good — but the competition has shifted in a way you might not notice. They’re not just competing to be the best anymore. They’re competing to become your AI — the one you turn to for everything, personal and work-related.

Once you’re in their ecosystem with your content and history, you’re much less likely to switch.

Here’s why that matters: If you’re putting content in Google Drive, asking ChatGPT some questions, using Claude for other tasks, each system only knows part of your story. When you need something later, you’re hunting across platforms instead of asking one place that knows it all.

I’ve picked one AI to consolidate most of my content. It’s strategic. Having one system that knows my context makes everything faster and easier to find.

It’s something to think about as you decide where to invest your time and information. 🧐

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Tango Tidbits

Visit us in the Tango showroom – Building 2, Floor 10 by the round elevators, Suite 1000B. ❤️

(You might smell the gorgeous LINNEA fragrances before you see us!)

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“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
— Stephen Covey

❤️AmyFay

Your future’s so bright — you gotta wear shades! 😎

Market Fun – Summer, 2025

❤ Vignette – Brentwood, TN

❤ Perch Home & Hospitality – Gallatin, TN

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