Sad news today. Funky Vintage Kitchen will no longer be allowed to sell at Chef's Market due to a conflict with one of their existing downtown merchants. Because I sell similar items as a local store front (even though mine are all handmade) the Napa Downtown Assoc. has to protect their member's rights after the store complained that I was an outside vendor with competing products. I'll take it as a serious compliment and move on to different venues.
Classy is as classy does. Proud that you're taking the higher road!If a business can't handle competition, that says a lot about their level of confidence. Have a good day anyway :o)
ReplyDeleteLove, Mom
good for you...who knows what motivates people...you'll do great wherever you go....
ReplyDeleteI'm sad for you. You were doing awesome down there and obviously they can't handle competition, which isn't that what business is all about? Don't let it stop you. Your stuff is all so cute and completely hand-made by you. You never know...things happen for a reason and you will find new venues to sell your stuff at without the "exclusive" Napa people trying to run you out. Keep your chin up! You will do just fine...Good time to start your trunk shows all over Napa...with no restrictions of what you can and cannot sell! You Go Girl! This is the jump start you needed. This is just the beginning of good things to come for you.
ReplyDeleteWould love to hear your guest blogger's take on this one...although it might be too much for the blogging world! hahaha
ReplyDeleteJill
Bummer, but I agree, the fact that they see you as serious competition should be taken as a *huge* compliment. Your presence has been noticed, that's big. Keep up the awesome work.
ReplyDeleteC'mon, what's a little competition?
ReplyDeleteAt least now your Thursday nights are free. (or more free than they were)
Maybe they should look at everything else that it at the Chef's market too.....I'm sure there is some overlap of products to other stores located downtown. Wine alone, isn't that a conflict of interest??
ReplyDeleteYa gotta love Napa!?! Oh wait, no you don't. I feel your pain April. They make absolutely no sense and really just look out for their own. Maybe you and Merrill can start a business together. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteTaking your products else where is probably a better choice for you. You will most likely see more success if you are not selling the same merchandise as a store right down the street. Researching your items before hand may have been beneficial to you and not caused you this disappointment.
ReplyDeleteCompeting with already struggling downtown merchants in todays economy shows little compassion for other business owners. Sounds like the best route for you is marketing your items elsewhere.
Best of luck to you in your new adventures!!
So, should Dave quit doing construction since other contractors are struggling? It's the nature of the business world. I don't think she is struggling with success right now. Her aprons are one of a kind.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your well wishes!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome ~ and well deserved.
ReplyDeleteyou are handling this like a rockstar April! I need more of your influence....I'm still standing by with the eggs and stinky cheese hehe :) just kidding but you really are being very understanding
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