Monday, August 18, 2014

We Are In The Wedding Biz

One of the memberships we have is in the Tulsa Wedding Merchants.  We joined this group when we began our Candy Buffet service about 4 years ago.
Our hard working leader is Vicki Taylor of the Tulsa Wedding Show, an event which happens each January and August at (currently) The Renaissance Hotel.  All sort of vendors who somehow are involved in serving the wedding business assemble for a day long exhibit of our "wares". 
In between shows, Vicki arranges for meetings at different venues in the Tulsa area.  She also arranges for a caterer to serve some yummy goodies.  Sometimes other vendors provide demonstrations of what they offer, as well as donating door prizes for those who attend.
Earlier this month the Tulsa Wedding Merchants met at a new venue, Okapi Center on West Edison.  This new facility was put together by 2 doctors whose practice is just across the street from the Okapi Center.  They saw a need for a facility in Northwest Tulsa and by golly, they just put it together and did it.
Their story was very inspiring to us, along with the fact that each year they offer a day long health fair where 1,000 people receive free testing and referrals, if needed.  Can you just imagine what a day must be like where 1,000 people are given health check ups?  What a wonderful commitment from these 2 terrific doctors.
At our Merchants meetings a representative from each group speaks about the services their group offers.  The variety of possibilities is stunning.  I really don't think that the Tulsa community realizes how many vendors there are for the wedding business, not to mention the creativity involved.
We were asked to think about a Bridezilla story to tell at our meeting.  Most of those there had to admit that they have rarely, if ever, run into a difficult Bride.  To think that people can get through one of the most stressful and joyful days in their lives without offending anyone is miraculous.
Of course, since our business is Candy Buffets, how can we ever have a problem, selling sweetness and color?  We had no Bridezilla stories to tell.
Recently we had to bid farewell to Sarah, who for several years has been our lead on Candy Buffets. Sarah has gone on to a teaching position and we know she will do a great job.
As a result of her departure, Jesse has stepped up to take the lead on Candy Buffets.  Jesse is very enthused about this part of his job and since Jesse is a creative person, with attention to detail, we are pleased to have him as our "front man".
If you are thinking of a wedding, a birthday party, a corporate event, etc., give Jesse a call to see just how fabulous a Candy Buffet would go with your theme!

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Trending UP: Peeps and Frozen Candy

Some folks might think that being a candy and gift retailer is a snap.  Some might think we just unlock the doors in the morning, help customers, pay bills, do a bit of ordering and close up at night. 
Sounds a little boring doesn't it?
In reality, in order to create a "happy place" (have you been paying attention to our ads in Tulsa People and Intermission magazines??) a candy and gift retailer has to work hard to stay on top of what is new and exciting.
Recently I have noticed that Peeps Candy is multiplying like little cute bunnies.  Not long ago, Peeps were Easter candy, just a one of kind marshmellow-y confection.  Well buddy, that is not the case any longer!!  Peeps are coming in all sorts of shapes, colors and sizes, dipped in milk or dark chocolate and available more than just at Easter.  In fact, I am kind of excited about the Despicable Me Peeps we ordered for Christmas.
And what about that "Frozen" movie phenomenon?  It has moved over into clothes, shoes, purses, tins, jewelry and lo and behold, CANDY!!
We have been anticipating the Jelly Belly packets of Jelly Bellys with those loveable characters, Olaf, Queen Elsa and Princess Anna on the packages.
Truth be told, the packaging is great and maybe even worth saving for a while.  Inside you will find the new shimmery Jelly Bellys in ice-y colors and flavors.  Those little packets just flew out the door and now we are waiting rather impatiently for our distributor to get more inventory....we are temporarily sold out.
Wait until Christmas!!  There is a lot more to anticipate from the "Frozen" license.
How do we know about these things?  There are trade magazines, email newsletters and just general gossip which we have to investigate every day.  Can't afford to be 2 steps behind what everyone is looking for.
Just like any other profession, retailers should be educated, involved and investigating what is available in the world of candy and gifts.
Here's the tricky question:  how do you know if you have ordered a real bummer of a gift or candy?  Only time will tell.  Are the customers buying or turning away?