One Year Anniversary

Backroom Joe here again. Sorry that I haven't been blogging for a while, my business Capital Supply Management (www.capsupman.com) has been enjoying success and I've been busy. That's a good thing in this crazy economy, at least in my business.

Anyway, I'm not here to toot my own horn, there's a much prettier horn that needs tootin' - that being Rose Nihill and her wonderful store AddicTreasures! It's hard to believe but we are coming up on our One Year Anniversary this October 1st. Many of you know Rosie's story but for those that don't, here goes . . .

Just a little over 2 years ago, Rosie's friend, Mary McGreevey invited her on a shopping trip down the shore and they went to a place called Teaberry Antiques, just outside Avalon, NJ. Teaberry is a large multi-vendor place where you could find just about anything. When she came home and approached me with an idea - saying that she wanted to rent space at Teaberry and try to sell all that "stuff" that she'd been buying for our home that, after due course, made it's way up to our attic. Initially, I couldn't wrap my mind around the concept but when she put a "mock" booth together, I was onboard. So, we loaded up the truck and moved to Teaberry! After the 1st month, she sold 90% of her "stuff" so we had to start buying more stuff and so on and so on - you get the point. Along the way, she was mentored by our good friend, Sharon Huston Collins, the Store Manager at Teaberry - who eventually became a vendor at Addictreasures.

Last June, after her 3rd upgraded space, I told Rosie that it's time to take the next logical step and we looked around for a store. We actually had a deal for a store in Hatboro, but at the last minute, the owner sold the building. We felt bad but the "Big Guy" upstairs had different plans in mind and as I was driving home one Sunday afternoon, I saw the "Store for Rent" sign outside the Valley Courtyard on Huntingdon Pike in Huntingdon Valley, PA. I called the number and met with our (now) dear friend and landlord, Lou Ranieri. We originally took a smaller store in the Valley Courtyard but realized after the 1st month that "we're gonna need a bigger boat". As fate would have it after returning from picking up a load of home decor items from an estate, Lou walks in the store and before you know it, we had a deal for our current store location.

Now, keep in mind that (at the time) there was only Rosie, her wonderful cousin Theresa Van Dolsen, Mary McGreevey and Lisa Thomas. Unfortuantely Mary is consumed with family life and is no longer with us, Lisa's interest waned and Theresa (desipite my many attempts at begging) decided her heart wasn't in it anymore. I wish she would change her mind but our dear Cousin is still a regular at the store and we are happy about that.

Now, fast forward to today. Just one year later, we are thrilled; the store has exploded, now boasting 20 vendors and handcrafters with all their wonderful products for sale at AddicTreasures. It truly is amazing to see how the store has transformed from its humble beginnings last year. We were extremely happy with the immediate success through last year's holiday season and not knowing what to expect beyond that, we have been quite surprised when we finish the sales report each month. I was really dreading the summer months with visions of tumbleweeds blowing down the street and not a soul in site. Thanks to all our loyal customers,who have become our friends, and all the new customers (who have also become our friends), this past summer turned out to be more like the "promised land". Neither of us can believe how lucky and fortunate we are to have achieved this milestone - thanks to all of you!

We now have a waiting list of vendors who want to join us and we're hoping to accomodate all of them so we can continue our growth and diversity of great products for you. Our fall line-up includes some of our newer vendors that really compliment the core group, and we believe there are more to come - just in time for this holiday season!

Our weekly Wine & Cheese Friday evenings are a lot of fun, even if you just want to come out and socialize, we welcome you to join us. The front porch is a great place to hang out and that's where you'll find me. We will continue to feature new vendors, crafters and musicians, so stay tuned for upcoming events.

Another weekly event that we are starting is the Thursday morning Coffee & Conversation, a casual get together where you can take some time to relax, enjoy a good cup of coffee and meet new friends. From time to time, we'll feature subject matter experts ranging from Bonnie Gordon Marcu Greisler, the owner of the Men & Boys Store - giving tips on how to dress your men; Ellen Cox, Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics, who will be giving skin care, make-up and glamour seminars; CSM's HR Director, Mike Safchinsky who will be giving helpful tips on how to write a cover letter and resume for those of you interested in that topic; and other specialty handcrafters & vendors giving a talk on their respective products and services.

If you haven't been to AddicTreasures, please come see what we are all about, I promise you won't be disappointed.

Once again, many thanks to all of our dear friends and customers for putting AddicTreasures on the map!

1 Comment to One Year Anniversary:

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Bonnie S. Greisler on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 8:16 PM

Congratulations to Rose and Joe Nihill and family- for their amazing and creative- Addic Treasures. It is so inspiring to watch their talents and magnetism- in growing their business. As a neighbor.. I am excited for the wonderful opportunities for our Lower Moreland/Huntingdon Valley community. Friday nite is awesome.. great events.. from Pampered Chef demonstrations by Debbie Masgay-- to Mary Kay- Ellen Cox- and jewelry shows! All the best for many wonderful.. prosperous years ahead!!

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