Why I Closed My Brick & Mortar Store | Tips for Moving from Antique Booth to Owning Your Own Store

[@amydillardGypsySoul]

I think a lot of people have a very romanticized idea of what it's like to run a brick and mortar store. I used to have a children's furniture store and it's a lot of work!! The quote I heard that resonated the most was "Having a brick and mortar store is like having a baby that's chained to the sidewalk." Thanks for the honest video- cheers!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Absolutely! It can be a great and wonderful thing, but I do think it helps to be realistic and know what you’re getting into :)

[@thesentimentalsoul3683]

I too, closed my brick and mortar store. I was tired of working so hard just to make rent and a bit more (sometimes). I now sell at a local flea market. It's 30.00 per week and the traffic is always heavy.

[@rosemaryszynkowicz2379]

I've been tuned into you for a while now. I sell Vintage Home Decor from a booth in NC and have been doing well, thanks to your many tips. I've thought about expanding to a brick & mortar and appreciate your honesty about what it takes to run this type of business, as no one will be gut level real about the work involved. My business was a hobby that turned unexpectedly profitable. (I'm a retired professor...) My husband is encouraging but I'm still on the fence about opening a store as I'm not a spring chicken anymore and this industry is new to me. So, I appreciate your sincerity. I watch your videos religiously. Please keep making more. They are extremely informative and have helped this newbie immeasurably. Thank you!

[@LostFoundDecor]

You’re so welcome Rosemary! Thanks for the encouraging comment :) Views on my channel have been way down lately, and I have been tempted to think I don’t have anything else helpful or entertaining to offer! So hearing that I’ve been helpful to you is really great.

[@daynad8104]

Rosemary, I live in NC. Where is your booth? I'd love to check it out!

[@daynad8104]

@@LostFoundDecor, I think it's just due to being Summer. People are outside, going on vacation, and doing stuff with their kids, while their kids are out of school.

[@rosemaryszynkowicz2379]

@@daynad8104 Hi Dayna, I'm at Coop DeVille Mercantile on Hope Mills Road in Fayetteville. My business is called Vintage Rose: Sustainable Home Decor

[@daynad8104]

@@rosemaryszynkowicz2379, great! That's only 2 hrs away from me, and since my husband served in the 82nd, he goes down there once in awhile, to reconnect with his Sgt. Major, and some of his Vet buddies. I'll have to go with him, and check out your place!

[@ivawood8996]

Ohmygoodness you could be telling my own story. I opened my brick and mortar store in August of 2019. And bam! Just months later Covid happened. Only by the grace of God I am still opened today. I was determined to keep going and make my Consignment shop a succes. It has been quite the challenge and still growing my business. Thank you Melanie for sharing your story

[@responsibleregalia]

Super appreciative of your transparency telling this story.

[@LostFoundDecor]

I appreciate that!

[@rhondasales5176]

Thank you so much for sharing. You have given everyone alot to think about. 🤔

[@thesentimentalsoul3683]

TYVM for sharing your advice & experiences.

[@melanieberg8967]

Thanks so much, I needed someone who is honest on this topic. I'm closing my shop and have been so torn because I've poured my heart and soul into it. Your comment on great idea wrong timing hit home. Thanks so much! Melanie B.

[@LostFoundDecor]

I’m glad it was helpful, but sorry to hear you are in the same boat! I hope you are able to move ahead with confidence and perhaps find another opportunity in the future :)

[@Eva_SunshineThriftFinds]

Thanks for sharing your story

[@LostFoundDecor]

You’re welcome! Thanks for taking the time to watch

[@sunshinevibes4357]

Thanks for sharing. I have adult ADD too. It really does affect things!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Absolutely it does! Once I learned that’s what was going on, it helped so much to understand WHY I struggle with the things I so. I can better navigate the world now that I understand my brain needs breaks

[@ReinventedDelaware]

Great tips Melanie. Running a business is no joke - I'm not sure I could ever manage to have a brick-and-mortar store even at my age with kids grown! Knowing your numbers for your business is my biggest takeaway from your course! Thanks for your transparency and for sharing all that you do!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thanks Cindy :) The numbers tell the story, right? We gotta know them in order to make wise decisions :)

[@christinechapleau1275]

Thanks for sharing all this info with us!

[@christineschiebel2890]

God has a plan for all of us. Thank you for your honesty. I'm retired so my booth is my hobby.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thanks Christine! Wise words indeed :)

[@elisayager634]

Hi Melanie. I echo Rosemary’s comments below. I’m a booth owner, doing very well, thanks to your videos and advice, and I contemplated opening a store prior to watching this video. My biggest concern with a brick & mortar location is the state of our economy. I think I’ll opt for an online store. Thanks for sharing your pearls of wisdom!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Congrats on all your accomplishments Elisa! I certainly don’t want to talk anyone out of it… it was a lot of fun and there are many pros to it :) But I think having clear expectations at the start can be helpful

[@TateBugs]

Thank you so much for this!!! I’ve always wanted a brick and mortar but right now it’s not the time, so, we converted half the work shop into a store that I run as a pop up shop. Im working on building a customer base right now because I do t get the foot traffic that an antique booth would have. Currently working through the growth waiting for things to take off! Thanks a million for your videos!

[@LostFoundDecor]

I love the idea of a pop up shop :) My ultimate goal would be to purchase a space (as an investment), and use it to paint my furniture and host an occasional pop up. But gotta keep saving to make that down payment!

[@TateBugs]

@@LostFoundDecor that would be wonderful!!! I love that I don’t have to truck stuff back and forth and that I have no overhead costs, but It definitely has been difficult building that customer base and getting people excited to come out for my small event.

[@soniagrish4173]

You totally helped me make my decision on a brick and mortar!!! Thank you!!

[@LostFoundDecor]

I’m so glad! You’re welcome :)

[@susanmaxham8397]

Thank you for your latest video regarding owning a brick & mortar store and being so honest about it. I really enjoy your videos!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thanks for watching Susan :)

[@martywalter8918]

Thanks for being transparent and honest. Very helpful information. Hope you are now feeling a lot less stress!! 😊⭐️👍

[@LostFoundDecor]

I am! And my profit is higher, even with lower sales numbers. Thankful to have the flexibility to run my business in a way that fits with our family’s needs :)

[@denicenewton1200]

Great video! Hope you continue to do well with your online store and booth! Bless you this day!

[@Miaharmon86]

I can relate to ALL OF THIS!! I started my brick and mortar in 2020. It was really starting to take off but it was too much work for me to make so little money right now. I am a single parent, also work a reg job, and have 2 kids. It was a huge lesson learned and I met wonderful people but I was exhausted. We are currently closing it.

[@tannerpoole1988]

What a coincidence! I have been enjoying collecting vintage home goods/furniture for a few months now and thought “i wonder how to go about renting a booth in an antique mall” so i googled it and your KZbin channel popped up. I started watching some videos and learned you live in NWA- SO DO I! I’m familiar with somewhere in time and have probably shopped your booth. Such a fun serendipitous moment!

[@dcdszgage2125]

Fantastic video.! Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@doloresrose371]

Good tips.

[@VintagePrincess27]

I’m so happy I found your YT 💕👏🏻🙌🏻

[@LostFoundDecor]

Awesome! Thank you :)

[@VintagePrincess27]

@@LostFoundDecor- I see that great class coming up 🌼will you have another one in the future? I’m recovering from 2 spinal fusions right now…. Sadly I’m not able to take it coming up.

[@djbarton6126]

Thanks so much for sharing all of this great advice. You’ve helped confirm many of my nagging questions about just how big I want to go with all of this. I really want this booth business to stay fun and still leave room for time with of my grandkids.

[@louisesuffolk]

Love your videos

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thanks Louise :)

[@Wedge-jo4px]

Very good information. Thank you.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@george.carrasco]

Have been following you for awhile Melanie. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@LostFoundDecor]

You’re so welcome! Thanks for watching :)

[@natalierenee8311]

Great information. Thanks for your transparency!

[@Skylarkhouse]

I appreciate your honesty and advice. Thank you 🙏

[@LostFoundDecor]

You’re welcome :) Thanks for watching!

[@sweetgumlife5185]

Oh wow. Covid has affected so many people in so many ways. It was such a weird time (and still is.) Keep up the good work, and you'll never regret staying home with your littles. God bless you!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thank you! You too!

[@Mizfashionablylate]

Thank you Melanie! I appreciate your honest experience ❤️ the best businesses start unexpectedly. I enjoyed this video

[@LostFoundDecor]

You’re welcome!

[@michellemaxey8679]

Wow!! Great, practical business tips! The idea of running your own business SEEMS cool, maybe even somewhat romantic, but the reality is very different!! It’s a 24/7 job! Great if it’s a passion, but, it’s not for me!! Thanks for your story! It will help others to put more thought into their business ideas!! ❤

[@LostFoundDecor]

Yep, there’s no such thing as a free lunch, right? It’s always good I think to have realistic expectations and understanding of the work that goes into something

[@lynanmeredith6268]

Very helpful video. TFS

[@LostFoundDecor]

Glad to hear it Lynan!

[@sallymoffit3751]

Great information

[@LostFoundDecor]

Glad it was helpful Sally!

[@susan-thegracefullilymarke622]

I heard the oven alarm and it sounded just like mine and I was thinking, “I don’t remember putting anything in the oven!” Lol Then I saw your caption, phew! I’m not losing my mind, yet!

[@LostFoundDecor]

😂😂 Nope! You’re not crazy

[@clairetravers2400]

I’m in my first year of a brick and mortar store and I relate to everything you’re saying. Locked into a 2 year lease but will probably not renew that lease at the end. For all the reasons you say.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Hang in there!! Can you afford more help? It really is a lot to manage. Big hugs 🤗🤗

[@7thHouseStellium]

Officially diagnosed ADHD adult with one 8 year old here! I can hardly keep up with my 4x4 booth and the rest of my life. I commend you! Owning a brick and mortar is eventually a goal, but it doesn’t seem possible at this point in my life. Maybe someday!

[@LostFoundDecor]

I get ya! I wasn’t diagnosed until I had my third son, that’s when I went to see a doctor because I just couldn’t function and keep up. It does get a bit easier as they get older, less noise in the house helps my brain. Summers are hard, all the noise and action wears me out. But I’ve learned how to me gracious with myself and manage, I hope you find some helps too :) Hang in there!

[@sumijones]

Appreciate you making this video! It's not easy for people to pass along these msgs.

[@LostFoundDecor]

My pleasure!

[@JerseyGypsy]

I absolutely enjoyed this video… I’m with you and thanks for bringing up so much information that nobody thinks about…straight to the point no nonsense … new sub from Johnny’s live morning show!!! Looking forward to watching more of your content!!! My kinda gal!!! Keeping it 💯!!!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thanks so much! Appreciate the sub!

[@mylittlecoloradocottage]

Love the advice. I ran a store for a couple of year in small town. I would have to close the store to shop for inventory. It was difficult bymy self and two little daughters. My problem was not keeping enough new stock circulating in my store. Have been dragging my feet to get a booth.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Yes… the amount of inventory you need to keep is so much more! And if you’re looking to pick vintage items, then that takes a good bit of time.

[@chericandream]

Had a family built store, lost marriage, family, property in 2008/09. I couldn't pay people to help. They would vow, but found out there was a lot of responsibility to be there. Not a good idea. Mom and pops are on their way out, unless you are super-human and give up all your freedom, and are willing to give up what really matters!!!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m sorry to hear you had such a challenging experience!

[@margobelanger2923]

Great information!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Glad it was helpful Margo!

[@bohobellevintage]

Really great advice!!!! I must ask, where did you get your tee? I need a 1981 one!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thanks!! I’m pretty sure my husband found it on Amazon 😉

[@janechandler857]

I could relate to so much of this! It is very helpful information for those trying to find their path in business. I miss the creativity and community terribly (life got crazy for me) but I do not miss the stress of it all! It was never as easy as people thought it was! “How fun it must be to just sit and make and paint things!”😂😳But you also have to make a profit!! Wishing you the best![not so plain Jane Designs]

[@LostFoundDecor]

Glad you can relate and that it was helpful :) Work is always still work, even if it's doing what we love to do!

[@cassfonnesbeck8057]

Now I get it. People will keep asking so all you have to say is "covid". I know thats not the whole story but it's a big part. I like what you said that the right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing. Having a store is a big headache I think. I'm happy to have a booth! Im old, i dealt with paperwork for my job in the old days. I dont want to do that now. Thanks for sharing!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Yep, Covid really threw a massive wrench into it all. How different would it have been 🤷🏼‍♀️ I can’t say. But we make decisions with the reality we have before us :) Thanks for watching!

[@upclady60]

I love your videos and content. Do you recommend going on the road to sell or a booth?

[@LostFoundDecor]

I have a regular booth space, it provides more consistent shopping options. Traveling for shows can get expensive! But shows can also be quite profitable, you just have to know your numbers

[@thesentimentalsoul3683]

I'm desperate to build a website (on line store) but, I am completely tech illiterate. I've tried several platforms and lost $ trying. Needless to say, my frustration level is through the roof. Almost ready to give up. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. TY💛M

[@LostFoundDecor]

Hi! So my favorite is Shopify, but for non-tech savvy folks Etsy can be a great option. I actually have a video that walks through both option, I’ll link it here. But really success selling online comes down to creating a loyal customer base. How are you marketing your business? How do you create a connection with your customers? People buy from people they know, like, and trust, so building that connection is key. I say even more key than having a super sleek, great looking website :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHndp2lpZ8-Ep7s

[@thesentimentalsoul3683]

COVID killed so many small businesses

[@countrysister700]

My son is an age 29 CPA that's successful in life but that comes with a depressing daily struggle to put the pieces together. His problem? He's diagnosed as ADHD. Who in his family is like him? Me. Golly I feel your pain 😂

[@LostFoundDecor]

Yep! The flip side of the coin is beautiful creative thinking, but it comes with a lot of “Oh, I forgot I was supposed to do that” 😂

[@countrysister700]

@@LostFoundDecor exactly! I'm looking even in these weird times to open a booth (in a mall or out of my home using sm) because I AM vintage mid-century lol and the more I pick the more I love the freedom of this work. And you inspire me that you can make your work a ministry too 😉

[@seyyesclothing]

How are you doing now doing your business at home ?

[@lauraleederos5850]

You need to take care of yourself first otherwise life doesn’t work right.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Absolutely :) What’s that saying… if momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy? 😉😉

[@lauraleederos5850]

@@LostFoundDecor that’s for sure lol

[@mylittlecoloradocottage]

Thank you for sharing your journey