Stay Curious: What the Best Boutique Owners Do Differently — Weekly Retail Tidbits #236
Originally published as Tidbit #236. Lightly edited for the blog.
“Stay curious.”
— Mrs. Spears
Mrs. Spears was well into her tenth decade of life when our paths crossed. I remember her loud, raspy voice, the blue polyester pantsuit and white blouse she always wore, and the way the left side of her face had completely fallen from a stroke.
And I remember two words she used to say to me. “AmyFay, stay curious.”
As Valentine’s Day approaches and we think about the people we love —
I loved Mrs. Spears. And I’ve never forgotten her two words.
Curiosity.
Children are naturally curious. But as we get older, we find a thousand reasons not to follow our curiosity like we once did. It involves our brain. Sometimes it involves moving our bodies. It’s work.
And it’s easier to stay the course, do the same things, stay comfortable.
But here’s what I know about some of the best retailers — they never stop being curious. They’re the ones walking the aisles at market asking “what’s new?” They’re the ones trying a different display, testing a new vendor, rethinking how they use their floor space.
Curiosity is what separates a store that feels fresh from one that feels tired.
Right now, the world is handing us a new tool. AI makes it easier to learn, easier to be efficient, easier to find answers.
But it’s not easy in the beginning. It’s a muscle you have to move because you choose to move it. You have to be curious — and intentional.
Remember learning to ride a bike? It’s so hard when you’re going slowly. So easy to fall over. But once you pick up speed, it gets harder to fall.
AI is like that. The people who are pedaling — even wobbly — are the ones who are going to find their balance.
So here’s your small pedal stroke this week. Open up ChatGPT (or whatever AI tool you prefer) and type this:
“I own a [gift shop / boutique / home décor store] in [your town]. Give me 5 creative ideas for a spring window display that would stop someone walking by.”
That’s it. One question. See what comes back. You might use one of those ideas. You might not. But you moved the muscle. And next time, you’ll know what to ask.
Mrs. Spears didn’t say “know everything.” She said, “Stay curious.” That’s all any of us has to do — just keep asking.
Happy Valentine’s Day — Cheers to loved ones past and present!
xoxo,
❤️AmyFay
AI Tip for Merchandising
Here’s something most people don’t know you can do: take a photo of your store — a display, your front window, that corner with which you’ve been struggling — and upload it to ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini.
Then ask:
“What’s working about this display?”
“What would you change to make a customer stop and look?”
It will actually look at your photo and give you specific feedback.
Do you have someone in charge of displays? Encourage them to add this step to their creation process. It might be surprisingly helpful!
Think PINK! 💗
Cobblestone Living
Drinks on Me
Meghan Browne Style
a tidbit more
Find my free calculators — Margin Calculator and Sale Price Calculator. Just plug in your numbers and get your answer. Use them on your phone, at market, behind the counter!
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
“The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.”
— Ellen Parr
❤️AmyFay
With heart eyes on – finding things we ❤️!
Market Fun – January, 2026
❤ Luna’s Cafe – Nicholasville, KY
❤ The Persnickety Pig – Cadiz, KY
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. Before repping, I spent 15 years running my own retail business and nearly four years as the home & gift buyer for Elder’s Ace Hardware — up to 100 lines at a time, each in as many as 23 stores.
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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