2020 was a challenging year to say the least. While there are aspects we would like to forget, there were some positives along the way. Here are just a few of the things we learned in 2020:
1. Our customers are hands down THE BEST! You stuck with us through thick and thin. You responded to our video shopping events, our Facebook and Instagram posts. You called to shop. You embraced curbside pickup. You wore (and continue to wear) your masks. You bought gift cards. You sent gifts to friends and family near and far. You loved on us. You told your friends about us. You shared our story. You made sure we would be around in 2021 and beyond.
3. Live selling on social media is fun! We were nervous when we started (and still are), but add a theme, a cocktail, corny jokes, your cute family, and away we go! Special thanks to Terry @ Visit Fairfield for getting the ball rolling on the Facebook Live Events. Look for more of these in 2021, just because they are fun to do and we have some fans outside of Fairfield we want to interact with!
4. Our business community is awesome. When the shutdown happened, several businesses in town rallied around us and other retailers and restaurants. They purchased gift cards to give away in prize drawings, as well as partnering with the Chamber of Commerce to offer deals on Chamber Bucks. This infusion of cash and business came at just the right time!
5. Adela’s is more than a store. I’ve known this since before I bought the store. Dorian always said many tears and stories were shared across the counter. That has continued this year and we are humbled that our store is a place of joy and solace for so many. Retail therapy isn’t about making a purchase (although we appreciate that!), it’s the calm and peace and joy you feel when you walk through the store. We hope if you are having a bad day, you see a quirky sign or a beautiful Pandora charm and it perks you up a bit! Our customers share their lives with us and we are privileged to have your trust and support.
So what’s next? What are we planning for 2021?
2021 marks the 15th Year of Adela’s!
Here are a few things we have planned for 2021:
• More videos showcasing our product lines and the stories behind the creators.
• Seasonal digital catalogs featuring new arrivals throughout the year
• New designs and items from your traditional favorites like Studio M Garden Art Poles, Mudpie Home & Dishware, Sullivan’s Florals and much, much more!
• New finds including: leather upcycled handbags, more Fairfield items, fashion jewelry, more baby gift items, and much more that we can’t share quite yet!
We want to say thank you to our seasonal holiday staff: Judy & Dorian. These ladies stepped in and helped us and our customers during the busiest season of the year. And kudos to Grace and Audra. These ladies all make my life easier! It takes all of us to run the store! I am lucky to have such a wonderful team!
Finally, as we pause to reflect and regroup for another year, we are ending 2020 on a note of gratitude and appreciation. We are pretty lucky.
