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Through Which Lens Are You Looking?

ByAmyFay Chandler

“You’ll be more different if you learn from people
other than those near you.”

— AmyFay

Had some drama this week. Debated whether I should share – but I think we have all been there. So I am.

Have you ever had another store located near you come look at everything you carry and then try to carry it, too?

That has been happening to a new store on Main Street in a small town.
A nearby store has been blatantly walking in (saying nothing to the owners), looking at everything they carry, and even openly taking pictures.

It’s unnerving. Right?

As a retailer, I lived it, too. I have been copied, out-priced, and not supported by manufacturers from whom I thought I bought a lot. You name it.
I went through all the emotions that come with those experiences.

Through which lens are you looking?

  • store doing the spying/shopping 🕵️‍♂️
  • store being spied/shopped 😳
  • the rep 🧐

🕵️‍♂️ It’s a big world with a bazillion choices of things to sell. There are stores not near you that can teach you a lot. Neighbors do best as friends – not competitive enemies. You are both on your community’s team.

😳 Don’t let anyone steal your energy, time, focus – life. When things like this irritate the daylights out of us – it is easy to be distracted.
Stay focused. You are the best at doing you. Do it.

🧐 As a rep, I have learned nothing is black and white.
Things constantly change. Business is fluid.

Relationships matter. Dollars matter. It’s a delicate balancing act every day.

The chaos this week brought good things, too. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the new store owners – and even got to connect them with one of you across the state. I LOVE connecting y’all!!

Want to know something every retailer says? “We are different.”

Yes, you are. And you’ll be more different if you learn from people other than those near you.

This email goes to over 550 local retailers in TN and KY every week. I work with a team who covers the Southeast.
Want to visit a great retailer not near you? I bet I can help.

Life is more fun with friends!
xoxo,
❤️ AmyFay

Cheers, friend.
❤️ AmyFay

I’m AmyFay Chandler, a Knoxville-based wholesale sales rep serving independent retailers in Tennessee and Kentucky through Tango Showroom. I also represent Sweet Tree Jewelry and Caroline B Cook nationwide. Before I became a rep, I built two T-shirt lines, ran my own retail business, bought home and gift for Elder’s Ace Hardware, and worked with Werner Frank. I have been the maker, buyer, retailer, rep, and person at the register, so I evaluate every line from the store floor first.

I write the Morning Retail Tidbit and Friday Retail Tidbits to help local retailers buy smarter, merchandise with intention, and keep their stores valuable.

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