This is 3Bits & Change, an email about building a service and retail business. This one was written to some groves overhead at a Lincoln dealer while the oil was being changed.
Good day,
I’ve had a chance to rest. It’s been wonderful. I’ve had my whoop on “vacation” mode.
Plan for more
Certainly, some of the performance increase comes from the fact that the brand is a year older. However, I was forecasting a 5x increase per the density of households inside 5 mile radius of the new shop. We experienced a 7x increase, year over year. The part I’m most excited about - that happened with 95% fewer marketing dollars.
Early data trends:
The two skyscrapers on the chart above are Saturdays with one person working. Wild. The middle Saturday was a Vikings game day. Note to self, check that schedule in the future.
Being open on Sundays during this period next year would likely serve more folks. Will aim to plan and staff differently next year. Will not use ZipRecruiter.
Load up on inventory!
I’m left to wonder how the snowy months of Jan-Feb and Mar will play in this location. We’ll be adding classes and backfilling inventory. There is a chance we’ll run some PR too. Standby.
There are 19 people in here!
It got busy. There were regularly times where up to four Vivront persons were serving groups of shoppers and there was still a line at the cash wrap. Wild.
We’ll soon have a new wall to split the sharpening noise from the shopping noise. They’re both noisy. Next year we’ll want a separate cash wrap as well as trays for folks to shop with. The shopping area/time was very gift focused. We’re gaining loads (~50%) of customers who walk by and stop after being seeing peeking in the windows.
Note, the cabients arrived! They’re both wonderful and I immediately have things I’d change if I ever build those again. We’ll grow into them as well as change the rest of the light in the space to match the 3500k. I’m so excited they’re here. They elevate the space.
Is that a “circle r” there?
We’re on our third physical address since filing for a registered mark on “Vivront.” We received word this month that we have the ® now. #win
Vivront®
Sum
That was a marathon of a few months. It started with the trip to Japan and immediately transitioned to construction and being open and the shopping season. I’m excited and optimistic about the business, the business in this location and the next steps on the plan.
Change
Rest. It took a few days to rest. It’s been a great change of pace.
We’ll shift the efforts on the shop to classes and sharpening in the coming months. Here we go!
On Your Way
We had a chance to witness the release of 72 black turtles at sunset. It’s an 8 mile swim to the rip current. They’re little but so clearly knew what to do.
Enjoy life!
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