Though I confess to being the ultimate creature of habit, I'm really big on surprises. The good kind, of course.

I love the thrill of the unexpected, and late this summer, I found the very unexpected in a cold, dark place, 100 feet underground.

My husband and I were lucky enough to take a week's vacation to Paris in late August. For a day trip, we took a train to Reims to explore the champagne region.

We wound up at the Pommery champagne house. As veterans of many a winery tour, we figured to zip through the usual wine-making process, see lots of barrels and bottles and such, then get on to the good stuff – drinking the champagne.

Then the element of surprise.

At the bottom of a very long staircase, between 100-feet-deep chalk caves dug out by the Romans, we pushed through some curtains into a brightly lit, warm room.

It was wild and weird and totally unexpected. But it made me know immediately that if I'm ever fortunate enough to get back to Reims, I would visit Pommery again in a minute because I would love to see what they come up with next.

Why should your store or showroom be different?

Good surprises are powerful things. They leave you wanting more.

Are you doing anything to surprise your customers? Do it right, and they will be back to see what you do next.

On a slightly related note, and because I can't let the results of the national election go unmentioned: I got an e-mail the morning after from some friends in France. The subject line: It's a Good Day for the World. This election has sent a message to the world, and the world is happy for us. I think that feels pretty good, no matter which side of the aisle you are on.

Cheers!