In April, we had more letters than normal because we held a contest for what you like about the store and another for what could be improved (or what you don’t like). Here are some of the responses:
I have a positive testimony for your shop, my girlfriend came in last weekend and purchased a darling yellow and black wallet, and was thrilled with the customer service and loves your inventory as well. Just thought I’d share that with you! – Ricky R. (this letter came after and apart from the contest)
I love your store and did buy a gift for my daughter-in-law who lives in the Spokane Valley. I live near Vancouver, WA and thus the reason that I have not been in your store this past month. I received a double lung transplant in Dec. 07 from a young woman from Coeur d’Alene. Her mother brought me to your store. We had a fun day and when I go back to visit my donor family, we will be sure to stop by your shop again. – Judy P. (this was an amazing story and these are amazing people)
Good Morning! I was just in your store this past Saturday, I love your store, your prices are very reasonable and when I come in I always leave happy and satisfied. Thank you for such a wonderful store. – Valerie S. (you are welcome, come see us again)
My favorite piece in my home is from your store. – Anne M. (this is our goal for every home)
Sorry, I haven’t been in . . . with 4 kids its hard to get in there and look. But my birthday is on Friday so I hope to be able check the store out again soon. – Dianna S. (happy birthday!)
If I had a steady income . . . I would shop at your store several times a week! I thank you for being so diligent in your emails and discounts in these trying times. – Philis G. (our hearts go out to those who are struggling at this time and we try to have good deals available, even for limited budgets)
You are Fantastic . . . give Robin my best – I can still remember the lovely coffee aroma in your store and her wonderful laughter & giggles. – Margareta L. (thanks, again)
I was in your store, but once I discovered a scarf that was made out of REAL rabbit fur, I was not only offended but horrified as well. I cannot and will not endorse a store that carries this kind of merchandise. – Susan S. (sorry, I guess we cannot please everybody and sometimes we have strongly held differences in our beliefs)
I love your store. I would buy more if I could . . . Unique Motif has many beautiful items for the inside of the house. Now that spring is finally in the air a lot of the neighbors are thinking about being outside and enjoying their patio and yards. It is just a suggestion to see if other people would be interested in you selling more decorations, furniture and accessories for the outside. – Katie B. (took your suggestion and have garden arbors, trellis, plant hooks and holders and more)
I love you guys and your store and can hardly wait to come back and buy some of my favorite things! – Joy C. (hope to see you soon)
Hi!! I love your store . . . I love your candles and I really like your clocks. It is fun to walk around and look at the new things you have. If I come in around pay day I am more apt to spend money. – Sandy R. (please come in around pay day!)
We are from CDA, but recently moved to Oceanside, CA with the Marine Corps. I discovered this store when we were visiting for Christmas last year. It was a fluke. We were killing time before while we waited for our pizza to be made. The lady working (Robin) was so nice. I was mostly touched by the personal service . . . This is one of the stops I look forward to when I go home next. – Alison S. (thank you for your service to our country. You and your husband will be in our prayers)
I have had some things on my heart concerning you for some time, and after reading this new issue of your newsletter, I just find I must send you a note . . . I am sorry your business is down, but you may have more luck bringing people in the store if you are more positive in your approach. You need to uplift the attitude of your newsletter . . . but it feels very negative to the reader! You have a wonderful intent for your message, but instead of making the reader want to rush in, we read this real, real long message about people not coming in . . . You could have a wonderful, cute, uplifting message with bright happy text. I really believe it might make a difference! People are in need of uplifting. Again, I feel like short and to the point will get the most interest. You have a wonderful store and products at great prices, its just hard to become known. – Richard A. (I am really sorry this is the way you see the newsletter – I don’t remember any of those negative messages but will look at it and work on it)
I just want you to know I do not have any complaints or suggestions. I read your newsletters. I just like to stop in occasionally and see what you have. Sometimes, I buy something and sometimes I do not. Money is tight but I love your offerings. Thanks for caring about your customers! Lois W (thanks, and come see us when you can – even if you are not buying anything!)
We enjoyed your e-message . . . Jean finds so many interesting gifts at the store for friends and family at reasonable prices that fit our budget. Fondly, Jean & Hal (thank God for good friends and regular customers)
Why is Unique Motif my favorite store? The name says it all, I love the uniqueness! Your products range from practical to decorative and everything in between, starting at just $1 and up . . . I have purchased from you an Idaho metal sign with cowboys . . . a metal sign with Chief Joseph riding an appaloosa . . . three garden frogs, “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.” Where else could I find such unique one stop shopping? – Kathy S. (another great fan!)
A little over a week ago, a customer came in to have her son’s old skateboard made into a clock. She told us WalMart wanted sixty bucks for a skateboard clock – and she found plenty of skateboards just like it for ten dollars. She figured it couldn’t cost fifty bucks to make a clock and her son’s old skateboard had sentimental value.
