Retail profile: C.A.N.O.P.Y.

CARTERSVILLE, GA.

By Susan Dickenson -- Home Accents Today, 6/1/2009

Shopowner Carol Sandlin adheres to the KISS "keep it simple stupid" rule of merchandising with clean, organized displays the customer can see, smell, touch and relate to without being overwhelmed.

Carol Sandlin, owner of C.A.N.O.P.Y., in Cartersville, Ga., says one of the biggest advantages of being a small shopowner is that she gets to know many of her customers and their families so personally. "I can offer suggestions specific to many of my customers, remind friends and family of special occasions or alert them to an item that someone admired earlier." The disadvantages? "Well, you sink or swim on your own ... and it is hard to get away, both physically and mentally. I want to do it all and am not very good at delegating."

Sandlin adheres to the KISS, "keep it simple stupid" rule of merchandising and display, incorporating "clean, organized displays that the customer can see, smell, touch and relate to, but not be overwhelmed by."

At C.A.N.O.P.Y., merchandise is color coordinated and tells a seasonal story.

She describes the store as traditional, cheery and bright, with upbeat music played inside and out. "The merchandise is color coordinated and many separate groupings flow together to tell a seasonal story. I often leave my front door open to the sidewalk. The wonderful scent entices the customers to stop in... and they want their house to smell the same."

In business since 2005, C.A.N.O.P.Y. offers promotional to mid-priced lines in 700 square feet of selling space. Sandlin estimates total sales per square foot at $145. Home accents accounted for 40% of 2008 total sales. Merchandise categories include accent furniture, lamps, wall decor, decorative pillows, throws, tabletop and garden decor.

Key vendors: Bramble Now, Nadeau, Sterling Industries, Homart, Spode, Andrea by Sadek, Mud Pie, Art of the Spirit, Accents de Ville, Primitive Artisan, Linni Sisters, 123 Creation, Now Design, Right at Home, Oriental Danny, Artisan Spirit

What markets do you shop? Atlanta is very close so I go there to all markets, even between. I also try to go to New York once a year.

Do you see any trends emerging or remaining "hot" in home accents for your area? I see a return to traditional, useful, even heirloom or keepsake gifts. Cocooning, nesting... to bring comfort and support during trying times. Trending away from the frivolous.

What makes you different/sets you apart from the competition? I try to have something new in the store weekly; often changing and updating or adding to the displays. I try to limit the number of same items. In a small town, you do not want to over-gift.

How do you reach your customer? Hand-written notes, personal e-mails, phone calls. We support our favorite causes with beautiful gift baskets. My "Open" sign is a tent chalkboard on the sidewalk. Each day I write a short message, sometimes about the store, a special or new merchandise, and other times thoughts and communications about our community and activities.

How have you been affected by/responded to the economic downturn? Business is down about 15%. I have dropped my gift price point a bit, limiting the higher-end products, focusing a bit more on mid-price stock.

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