Use Slow Season to Set Up Your Boutique for Spring — Weekly Retail Tidbits #234
Originally published as Tidbit #234. Lightly edited for the blog.
“For tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”
— African Proverb
I hope this finds you warm. It has been quite the weather week for many. It’s hard to believe that in 2026 some very populated areas will not have power for possibly another 2 weeks — stores and homes. 🙏🧡
It’s also typically a slower time of year. I remember January and February as a retailer. Over my 15 years I learned to use the precious gift of time to prep for the busier season I knew was coming. March would arrive and at some point customers just started opening the door more and more.
But as you buy and buy and stock and stock — sometimes it’s a little scary with so much coming in and not as much going out.
You are not alone. Spring will come.
And when it does, you’ll be busy again. Too busy to think. So now’s the time.
Time is your gift
What do you want to be different about your store (or you) in 3-6 months?
Maybe it’s finally getting that display wall reorganized. Maybe it’s training your staff on three key product stories so they can sell without you. Maybe it’s figuring out one new way to reach customers — an email list, a local partnership, something.
Pick one thing. Write it down. Put it somewhere you’ll see it every day.
Hold yourself to your agreement with yourself.
I was reminded of this kind of intentional thinking when I sat with one of you in your store this week, flipping through every page of the Compendium catalog together. (It’s so good, right?) On page 41 there’s a guided journal called
5: Where Will You Be Five Years From Today? I love that Compendium doesn’t just ask the big question — they give you space to actually work through it.
Start with 3-6 months. If that feels good, stretch to five years. Your path might change — but so will you.
Cheers to the gift of time!
xoxo,
❤️AmyFay
P.S. Compendium has a YouTube Channel with a wealth of information. I had fun watching the first video they posted – and seeing the first version of this book!
AI Security Tip
Those of you who have been reading awhile might remember my walking you through setting up ChatGPT. I am guessing that most of you have done that.
It might be time for a security check-up. In your ChatGPT account click on your name in the bottom left-hand corner, and when the little menu pops up, click on Settings. Go to Data Controls.
At the top, it says “Improve the model for everyone.” I recommend toggling this to off. If you don’t mind your data being used to train the model and possibly being public, then leave it on.
I also recommend having a more secure log on by using an authenticator app.
The Google Authenticator app is available in the App Store to download.
Go to Security, just underneath Data Controls. Turn the Google Authenticator app on and follow the directions.
It is mind-boggling how fast things are changing with AI. It’s scary, exciting, and fun all at the same time. Staying on top of your security measures is smart. If you need help from a human, I’m an email away.
Tango Tidbits
The Pet Industry 😻🐾
According to some quick numbers I asked ChatGPT to give me about the pet industry – specifically cats and dogs in the USA – our giftables spend alone is around $30B/year. That is such a big number it’s hard to even comprehend.
But I believe it. Tango manufacturers believe it, too.
We make it easy for you to take part in this MASSIVE industry. 🙀🐾
Here are some highlights!
Compendium
Compendium introduced 2 new blank spiral notebooks this year – shown above with our popular Cats Just Know and Dogs Just Know books.
Mary Lake-Thompson
Mary Lake-Thompson has multiple cat and dog towel units from which to choose – a popular way to get a great easy-to-display selection!
If you can think of a breed that is popular – Mary Lake-Thompson has some art you will love!
True South Puzzles
True South Puzzles loves pets! Shown above are the WOOF and MEOW puzzles introduced last summer – and our Caught and Collared hilarious puzzles have more detail than you can appreciate with these photos.
You’ll love the humor and the sales! 🐶😻
Other Tango manufacturers offering dog/cat gift products
- The Winding Road – felt in many formats – finger puppets for one!
- Waxing Poetic – gorgeous paw print charms
- Drinks on Me – some very funny one-liners on coasters, napkins and towels!
Update: Waxing Poetic has closed and is no longer operating. Find remaining inventory at these independent retailers.
a tidbit more
Find my free calculators — Margin Calculator and more. Plug in your numbers, get your answer!
Shop in Person at Tango Showroom
We’re open Monday – Friday, 10:00 – 4:00
AmericasMart · Building 2, Floor 10, Suite 1000b (by the round elevators)
Walk in anytime — or email me to schedule a visit!
tangoreps.com/shows
“Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
— Warren Buffett
And – remember – I LOVE to hear from you!
❤️AmyFay
AmyFay Chandler
Consultative sales rep helping independent retailers build smarter, more intentional businesses. Representing Tango brands to Tennessee and Kentucky retailers through AmericasMart Atlanta — and my own lines to retailers across the United States.
Also from AmyFay
Sweet Tree Jewelry — Handmade clay earrings in team colors, school colors, and everyday styles. Perfect add-on for any boutique.
Caroline B Cook Books — The Virtue Series: beautiful children’s books that make meaningful gifts.
Interested? These lines are available to retailers — email me and I’ll get you set up. If you’re already a Tango customer, you can use your same login at .
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