Hello everyone,
Well, I finally did it!
After promising you last week that the windows were next on my list, the very first thing I did was change both the window and inside displays.
And oh, did that feel good!
The shop is looking lovely, the new Autumn collections are working beautifully together and, judging by what’s happened this week, the windows are definitely doing their job!
Two ladies, one dress!
At one point this week, I had TWO ladies wanting the very same dress they’d spotted in the window!
I wouldn’t quite call it a fight, but there was certainly some competition! 😂
Fortunately, I managed to help them both, so all was well.
And it didn’t stop there.
Later in the week, another two ladies were trying on the same dresses. One was successful with her first choice, while the other found something different that suited her beautifully.
And yes, one of those dresses was another window favourite!
Lyn sold one on Saturday too.
I’m beginning to think I should spend more time dressing the windows and less time doing everything else! 😂
Familiar faces and unexpected surprises
It’s been another lovely week of customers, both old and new.
Sandra came over from Southsea for a visit. She wasn’t intending to buy anything, but then she spotted a dress she simply couldn’t resist.
Well, it would have been rude to leave it behind, wouldn’t it?!
Another local lady, whom I introduced to Robell last year, was back for more trousers.
She originally wanted black but ended up choosing a lovely pair of navy needlecords instead – and in the shorter leg length too.
How convenient that we now have our dedicated shorter-leg Robell rail!
And Karen’s mum was visiting for a few days and treated herself to some new trainers and trousers.
Then came a rather unexpected reunion…
Don’t I know you?!
A lady walked into the shop and, as usual, I looked up and said:
“Hello! I’ll leave you to browse, but if you’d like any help, just let me know.”
She just stood there staring at me.
I looked at her.
She looked at me.
And then…
THE PENNY DROPPED!
It was the sister of one of my closest friends!
I hadn’t seen her for YEARS!
And would you believe, she was staying in Southbourne in her CAMPERVAN!
She knew I had the shop in Emsworth and had popped in to say hello.
Well, that was it. We had a wonderful catch-up, followed by a very useful exchange of campervan knowledge!
She’s already sent me recommendations for places to stay, we’ve swapped numbers and I suspect there may be a few more Vinny adventures on the horizon thanks to her.
Honestly, you never know who’s going to walk through that door.
A little Christmas shopping before Portugal!
Two lovely ladies came in together and had a wonderful time encouraging each other to try things on.
They ended up making a couple of purchases – Christmas presents for each other!
Now that’s my sort of shopping arrangement.
They also asked me to order a dress, which they’ll be collecting on Tuesday.
And the best bit?
They were leaving for Portugal within the hour to visit their brother!
Apparently there was just enough time to squeeze in a visit to Karen George before heading off.
Now THAT’S dedication to shopping! 😂
“I might come back…”
Ah yes.
Those four little words that every shopkeeper hears regularly!
A lady came in while her husband was at the dentist and spotted one of our gorgeous Cream faux fur jackets.
She tried it on, loved it, but decided she might come back.
I must admit, I thought that was probably the last I’d see of her.
But on Friday…
SHE CAME BACK!
And bought it!
She told Karen that she’d been in earlier in the week and said she might return.
I was so pleased to hear that.
Sometimes people really do need a little time to think, and that’s absolutely fine.
We never want anyone to feel pressured into buying something. I’d much rather you go home, think about it and come back because you genuinely love it.
Although, obviously, it’s even nicer when you actually DO come back! 😂
Two lovely new arrivals!
We’ve had two deliveries this week that I’m rather excited about.
First up…
SLIPPERS!
I’ve chosen three different styles – a cosy boot, a slide and a full enclosed slipper.
The ones I’ve chosen for this week’s photo are a lovely blue with little white daisies, fluffy edging and a practical hard sole.
They look SO cosy.
And we’ve already sold a pair, so I have a rather good feeling about these!
Perfect for keeping your toes warm as the evenings get cooler, or perhaps a lovely little Christmas gift.
Or, of course, just a present to yourself.
I fully support that sort of behaviour. 😂
And then there’s the…
NEW DANTE JEWELLERY!
Oh, it’s fabulous!
I’ve chosen some lovely chunky pieces that really make an outfit.
Rather than buying lots of random accessories, I’ve been selecting jewellery specifically to complement the clothing collections we have in the shop.
It’s all part of the changes I’ve been making – helping you see how different pieces can work together and making it easier to put together a complete outfit.
Sometimes a simple top or dress just needs the right necklace to make it feel completely different.
And I love being able to help you find those finishing touches.
What would YOU like to see at Karen George?
The feedback on our new collections and the changes in the shop has been so encouraging.
The handbags are still proving very popular, and the new gentle-grip cotton/bamboo socks have been selling well too.
I even popped a couple of packs into the window this week and you’ve been spotting those as well!
I’m already looking at what else I can add to our accessories and gift ranges.
So here’s a little question for you…
Is there anything you’d particularly like me to stock?
Perhaps a useful little gift, a particular accessory, something you’ve struggled to find elsewhere or an item you’d love me to source?
Please tell me!
I’m always happy to investigate and, if it’s something that would work for the shop, I’ll do my best.
After all, there’s no point in me filling the shelves with things you don’t want!
And finally… what was I thinking?!
No Vinny adventure to report this weekend, although I’m already plotting another little night away.
Instead, I’ve made the rather questionable decision to…
REDECORATE OUR BATHROOM!
You know when you start something and approximately ten minutes later think…
“Why on EARTH did I think this was a good idea?”
Yes. That. 😂
Still, I’m sure it’ll be lovely when it’s finished.
That’s what I keep telling myself anyway!
So there we are. Another busy, happy week at Karen George.
The windows are working, the new collections are being enjoyed, the accessories are selling and I’m absolutely loving the response to all the changes we’ve made.
If you haven’t visited for a while, please come and see us.
There’s plenty of lovely Autumn clothing to discover, new jewellery, cosy slippers, handbags, socks and, of course, lots of friendly help if you’d like it.
And remember, you don’t have to know exactly what you’re looking for.
Sometimes the nicest purchases are the ones you never intended to make!
Just ask Sandra. 😂
Until next week…
Take care of each other and, above all, be kind.
Karen xx
Open Monday–Saturday | 10am–4pm
