To the Rescue!

In my search for new product lines, I'm always on the lookout for young start-ups and/or companies that give back to good causes and charitable organizations.  This week we brought in leashes from Resq/Co.  The "Resq" is actually pronounced "rescue" which leads (no pun intended) to the fact they really do rescue animals.

One leash equals one donation which equals one life saved.  Ten percent of every purchase goes to animal shelters and animal rescue facilities.  The company donates to a different shelter every month and asked me to let them know of any animal shelters that are in need of help.  Hint:  Seriously, let me know of any animal shelters that might benefit and I'm more than happy to pass the info on to Resq/Co.

But back to the leashes....they come in two diameters, 3/8" for the smaller pooches, 1/2" for the big guys, and the length varies from 4 to 4 1/2 feet as a result of being handmade (in the USA).  The three strand premium grade line features a five tuck hand spliced handle with secured ends. Each leash is outfitted with a solid brass swivel clip that will withstand the elements and evade corrosion, a hand-stamped leather tag, and a solid brass key ring for holding waste bags, tags, keys.  We currently have stock in the natural and navy colors. 

On a personal note, I'd like to thank Finn (and his Mom, Lyn) for posing as our poochi model (get it...poochi instead of Gucci...what do you expect?  I was a fashion designer for 25 years).  He's a very handsome boy, I'm sure you'll all agree!

Let's Hear It For The Boys!

All too often, in the world of boutique retail, men are....sadly.... forgotten.  Relegated to the "bored husband chair" or biding their time just outside the door, shifting their weight from one foot to the other as they periodically glance at their watch, they have accepted the fact there isn't anything fun or manly inside.  We here at Lucky Hill have set out to change that antiquated retail model.

 A few weeks ago I started to compile a list of products men use that might be appropriate for our little shop.  As soon as that was in place, I went to work scouring the countryside for the best products in those categories.  Trust me, men have not been forgotten when it comes to product development.  Shaving and grooming have been elevated to an art form and there are now candle lines with fragrances specifically tailored to turn any man's head....be it bald, bearded, or burnished by the sun and sea.

Over the course of the next month or so, we'll be introducing these new product lines.  The first one to arrive was Prospector Co. out of Savannah, Georgia.  I think it's fabulous that the company also embraces men who have chosen to limit their degree of shaving.  Having married a bearded man, I love the fact they carry a beard oil.  A few drops massaged into the beard moisturizes the skin, softens the folicles, and conditions the beard.  As an added benefit, it can be used as an oil-based cologne. 

The descriptions of each product reminds me of the J. Peterman catalogue, the best of which being the Miss Annie Jones Shaving Oil.  As the story goes, Miss Annie Jones was the foremost bearded lady who capitalized on her unconfirmed case of hirsutism.  Born in Virginia in 1860, her "affliction" was evident even at nine months old at which time she was being paid the hefty sum of $150 a week by P.T. Barnum.  By the age of five, the patches of hair had blossomed into a mustache and sideburns.  Absolutely priceless!

In addition to the Beard Oil and Miss Annie Jones Shaving Oil, we stock the Peary & Henson Aftershave, K.C. Atwood Aftershave, and Brummell Shave Creme.  If you're curious and want to try an assortment, we offer the Tester Vials Kit ($16) of all the products with the exception of the Brummell Shave Creme.  Products range from $16-$28.

 

This Is What It's All About

I just have to share the best morning any shop owner could have.  Mornings at Lucky Hill are great because we get to smell all the yummy aromas coming from Bah's and see everyone walking down to partake in the delicacies.  A few minutes ago one of my customers was walking by with her family....which included her adorable 4 year old daughter.  The tyke stopped in front of the door.....decked out in pink with matching pink sunglasses.... waving happily to me.  And then she called out to her Mom, "Look Mommy!  It's the soap lady!"  Yes.  I couldn't help but burst out laughing.  These are things that made me miss having a shop all those years I was away from retail.  I wonder just how long it's going to take to get me to stop smiling about this one today!

What's Up Doc?

During my eight year hiatus from retail, I kept files, tear sheets, and notes about great products I happened upon.  Knowing it was only a matter of time before I found myself behind the counter again, I wanted to be ready for that eagerly awaited moment.  Happily, here I sit at Lucky Hill surrounded by many of those lines that piqued my interest.

One of the companies that never failed to bring a smile to my face was Maileg.  The Danish design brand of contemporary lifestyle concepts was established in 1999 by Dorthe and Erik Mailil.  For those familiar with Maileg, the mice families and bunnies most often come to mind.  The first time I caught a glimpse of a Maileg bunny was in the French magazine Marie Claire Idees.  While I was unable to read the copy, I couldn't help but fall in love with the adorable creature.

The bunnies have arrived at Lucky Hill!  As soon as I opened the box and saw the little bunny noses peaking out, a smile spread across my face....accompanied by a giggle.  I challenge anyone to look at the little Danish bun buns and maintain a straight face.

Sleeping Beautifully in Needham Lane

You always remember your first....sale that is.  Lucky Hill's first sale was a pair of Needham Lane pajamas in the beautifully elegant "Pagoda" pattern.  Needless to say, the line was such a hit I had to place another order after our first week of business.  The new order is here!  In addition to our initial offering of silhouettes and patterns, we've added boxers in the adorable "Shrimp" pattern, lounge pants in the swirly "Isabella Blue", and new prints in the long sleeve pajamas and nightshirts.  All silhouettes are 100% cotton.  Sweet dreams are made of this.

Flying Fish

During a conversation with a sales rep regarding another line, she suggested we carry GurglePot.  Gurgle what?  I assured her I would check out their website and let her know if we wanted to place an order.  Based on her brief description, I couldn't imagine what would make this a "must have" for Lucky Hill.  On the website, there was a link to an audio clip of "the gurgle".  I played it once.  Then again.  And again.  I couldn't help but smile.  When Dan came into the room I played it for him.  Then again.  And again.  He couldn't help but smile.  We were hooked.

So what is a GurglePot, you may be asking.  It's a pitcher that can also be used as a vase.  You can use any liquids, with or without ice, and when you pour.....it gurgles.  In addition to the basic utility, it's a clean, modern design that would compliment virtually any decor or tabletop.

When the GurglePots arrived, they were fun, colorful, and perfect for our coastal town.  I sold two little ones.  Then a big one.  And another.  I quickly came to the conclusion these fish not only gurgle....they fly....right out of the shop.  At this point we only have one left.  A big white guy.  But have no fear!  Another order, chock full of fun colors, is due in next Tuesday.  Stop by for a demonstration!  Gurgle, gurgle.

Up & Running

It's pretty safe to say when the moving truck backed up Main Street (don't ask) Thursday afternoon and I assessed the stacks of boxes, never in a million years did I think we would be open and doing business by today....but we are.  I'm not sure how we did it, but I know there were no little elves who came in while we were sleeping so it must have been Dan and me.

This morning Dan was still carrying boxes upstairs and I was placing product.  Paintings were being shuffled from one location to another and spotlights were being added.  We're still waiting for a few product lines and I now have a better handle on what the space can accommodate, but in many respects it feels like I've been here for months.

Don't ask what the rest of the house or Dan's studio look like right now, but the most important thing was to get Lucky Hill up and running.  The day the movers were here, a woman walked past and we chatted briefly about the delayed moving truck.  She told me "this shall pass".  To which I replied, "kidney stones pass too, but with a lot of pain."  When I walk around the bright rooms that contain beautiful product and ethereal fragrances, I don't remember any pain at all.  Lucky Hill is open.