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Don’t Worry Or Be Fearful. Be Proactive.
January 13, 2008

When I first started writing The Landfair Retail Focus I wrote a piece entitled Six Suggestions For More Business.   Maybe I was anticipating tougher times in the retail business. 

Some areas of the country have been hard hit, some may have escaped so far.  However, when you read about the large furniture chains that have gotten into financial difficulty, like Levitz going bankrupt and recently Wickes asking its vendors to wait on payment until 2009, it may cause us some sleepless nights.  I’ll be 64 on Tuesday and let me tell you, I need all the sleep I can get.  One of my suggestions in that piece was this:

Don’t worry or be fearful.  Be proactive.  Keep your chin up and concentrate on doing the best with all who come into the store.

In the last few posts I have written about seminars.  I did some homework in my hometown.  I pulled up all the web sites of the furniture retailers that advertise a lot.  Right now most everyone is having a clearance sale with prices marked down 40 to 70%.  None were offering seminars.  In the Pearl there are 60+ furniture and accessory stores.  I found two that were offering outreach programs and with Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery, that makes three.  Here are the topics:

Design Within Reach - Wednesday, January 16, 6:30–8:30pm

DWR Portland invites you to the first of our bi-monthly architecture and design lecture series, Designs on Portland. Topics will vary, but stay topical as we take the pulse of our thriving design community. The first lecture will focus on Portland’s growing reputation as an architectural center and how we can all play a role in the media’s perception of our progress.

Randy Gragg, former Oregonian architecture critic and editor-in-chief of Portland Spaces magazine will join us to discuss the surge in media attention and the portrayal of Portland in the press. Local journalist (Metropolis, Dwell), author and blogger Brian Libby (portlandarchitecture.com) will serve as moderator. Refreshments will be served.

Versailles in the Pearl – Thursday, January 24, 2008, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

“An evening with” one of the region’s foremost experts in the art of Faux Painting, Lorie Wolff, One Horse Studio, demonstrating the art of adding texture and patina to interiors to complement eclectic and traditional European settings.

The latest innovations and study of the oldest techniques will be demonstrated by transforming a showroom wall.  A variety of techniques will create a historical “story” of a (newly) aged and layered wall that, if viewed in a century old European building, could have taken years to develop.  Champagne, Hors d’oeuvres.  RSVP’s appreciated (222-2387)    

Landfair Furniture – January 26 10:00 to 11:00, January 29 10:30 to 11:30 and January 30 7:00 to 8:00

Learn the Art of Flawless Accessorizing!

Landfair Furniture is proud to have JoAnn of JoAnn Rouza Interiors sharing the tips and tricks that Interior Designers use to put the finishing touches on their clients' projects.  In just one hour, you will learn how to perfectly accessorize a fireplace mantel, tabletops and bookshelves. If you have a particularly challenging area to accessorize, bring a digital photo and JoAnn Rouza will offer suggestions as time allows. You will be able to go home and immediately apply your new knowledge for stunning results!   The program is free, but seating is limited, so call to reserve your spot today!

February 23 10:00 to 11:00

"Designer Secrets".  How to's on making your home one you want to come home to!  Kimberly Jaynes of Kimberlee Jaynes Interior Designs Inc gave this same seminar at the HOME & GARDEN show.

I am more convinced than ever the public wants personal help not just the lowest price.  92% of furniture purchases are made by women.  We want women and their friends to share where they had their best experiences.  Give them something they can use.

Posted by Mike Landfair on January 13, 2008 | Comments (0)