Linda Heard and my husband Owen Wittek

Kinderhook, New York 12106-0720

I have been in the “American Country Antique Business” for over 40 years~~always dealing in 1800’s original pieces in their original paint. We have done shows all over the East Coast and had stores in Maine, Massachusetts, Florida and New York, where we are located now. We specialize in original antiques and have wonderful, one of a kind accessories “made in America”~made just for us. The folk artists we have, have been with us for many years~~~and always make for us the perfect items to fit in with our antiques.

We have wonderful customers~~we all love the same things and we all become special friends. Having a small country store creates a cozy atmosphere where we all can enjoy each other’s company. Our wares are set up to give a customer an idea of how to do it in their homes.

We buy only what we would have in our own home~~quality antiques, all original, and special hand-mades that are only made in the USA!!!

We have been lucky that the economy hasn’t hurt us~~antiques are an investment as well as our hand mades. People invest in quality.

We do advertise some~~~in Early American Life magazine, Mercantile Gatherings magazine~~~our Picturetrail web site is a great showcase for us( http://www.picturetrail.com/lindowensamericancountry)

The best advertising is word of mouth~~~when you are loyal to your customers, artists and friends~~they are your advertising.

We live in the historic village of Kinderhook, New York~~~our shop is located on the street level of an 1830’s building and we live above the store!!! The atmosphere is “EARLY” and that is also what we sell!!

Our style is 1800 country primitive~ in the store and upstairs at home. I have a degree in interior design and have decorated this way both for ourselves and customers homes, restaurants and stores. It is most important to love what you do and what you buy~~your customers feel it immediately!!

Our American handmade candles, dolls and folk art sell out all the time. NO imports for us!! We only want special items that are not seen in other shops. We search far and wide for our goods. We also have our own wool yardage that was woven for us~~~copying early antique pieces of wool~~perfect for decorating in the primitive style. It is important to have wonderful old fashion smells going on in the store~~candles are always burning. Natural dried herbs, spices, gourds, garlands and wreaths add a special touch.

Our store is an extension of our home~~ we’d never buy anything we wouldn’t keep for ourselves.

We do have several open houses each year…coming soon is our Harvest Gathering in the fall and Christmas Gathering following in November. We look forward to participating at The Simple Goods show in Ohio in November~~just our style!!

Looking forward to your visit and welcome you to a simpler time of life!!!

Linda and Owen

120 W. Main Street
Turlock, CA 95380
Hours: Tues. – Sat. 10-5
Phone:(209) 668-1888

Website: www.americancountrydecor.com

Lori Barnard- Owner/Proprietor

Lori had an opportunity to start her own business, a dream that Lori and her Mother shared. Lori started the business in October of 2006 after the death of her beloved mother, Loraine, who also shared a passion for Antiques and Primitive Decor.

Lori grew up with Country Décor, as her Mother was an Antique collector for over 30 years.  Lori’s mother’s home was featured in two Country Magazines. Lori and her Mother would travel to the East Coast in search of Antiques. Loraine had a talent for Interior Decorating and Lori feels that she has inherited this gift.

Lori and her mother shared a love of antiques and country decor as well as a dream to one day opens a country shop.  Lori proudly stated, “All that I am, I owe to my mother”.  American Country has been open for 3 years.  American Country carries one-of-a-kind and unique American made items, antiques and great American made reproductions.  Lori has a passion for primitive painted furniture and has a wide variety of American reproduction furniture in her shop, American Country.  She takes great pride in supporting American craftspeople and in selling their wares in her shop. 

Lori also has a love for handcrafted, American made pottery and redware, which can be found at American Country.  While in American Country, you will find decorating inspiration at every corner as Lori creates imaginative and warm vignettes in her shop that assists customers with decorating their own homes.

Lori believes that developing a close and personal relationship with her customers along with a love for primitives is key to having a successful business.  Lori’s love and appreciation for American Country antiques and reproductions is found throughout her warm and wonderful shop.  Lori notes that she loves everything she buys as her love for her goods will undoubtedly be conveyed to her customers, which in turn, help sell products.

Lori believes that in order to weather this difficult economy, shop owners must advertise carefully and cut back on holiday items.  Advertisements she believes are well placed are with Early American Life and Country Sampler magazines because each issue specifically targets Lori’s customer base; those that love country furnishings and antiques.

When asked how she finds artisans and craftspeople to carry in her shop, Lori attends wholesale market shows, such as the Market Square shows, the Gallery of American Craftsmen, scours through magazines, websites and, perhaps most importantly, gains inspiration from talking with others who share her passion for primitives and hand-mades.  Lori also suscribes to Country Business Magazine, where she finds interesting articles and new vendors, on occasion.

It appears that American Made products are strong sellers at American Country.  Lori attributes the success of hand-mades in America to the customers’ desire to connect with and directly support American craftspeople and artisans.

American Country: Featuring a Collection of Primitive Country Decor for your home. Antique and Reproduction Furniture, Primitive Lighting, Upholstered Furniture, Baskets, Tinware, Vintage Candles, Rosehip Wreaths, Rugs, Redware, American Folk Art, Samplers, Vintage Signs, Quilts, Dolls, Pottery, Homespun Fabric, and Old Village Reproduction Paint Colours. Our inventory is always changing, stop by our location in Historic Downtown Turlock to take a look.

We’ve been in business for more than 20 years, but it was only about 10 years ago that I really got into country primitives. 

What type of experience are your customers looking for when they come to your shop?

     I think they’re looking to shop in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.  I also think they appreciate personal attention and knowledgeable answers to their questions.

Do you establish friendly relationships with your customers? If so, is that important?

     It’s very important.  A good part of my business comes from repeat customers and word of mouth.

What advantages do you believe a small country shop has over large shops?

     In my case, one advantage would be the merchandise we carry.  About 90% is made in America, and hand picked by me.  My customers know they can find items that they couldn’t find in larger shops. 

Do you have a guiding philosophy?

Being  honest and up front with the customer.  It may not always result in a sale, but in the long run, if a customer trusts your opinion they’ll keep coming back.

Do you have any advice for shop owners & artisans on weathering a poor economy 

For shop owners I would say to look for areas to trim, in ways that won’t be immediately obvious to the customer. I think customers expect to see something new and different each time they visit.  If nothing really changes, they’ll eventually just stop coming.

If it’s necessary to decrease inventory, try rearranging your shop to give it a fresh new appearance. 

What are some effective (& economical) ways to let customers know about your shop?

             I advertise in The Country Register, Country Sampler, and direct mail

Please describe your shop, what makes it unique?

      My business is located in a large 2 story barn built in 1850.    I specialize in  

      American made, hand crafted country primitive items.        

What is your decorating style?

Country Primitive               

Why do you think staging or creating vignettes are important? 

Sometimes people can’t visualize how something will look in their home.  Showing the item in a setting helps them to do that. 

Is it important to love what you do/buy?

Yes.  I think it’s especially true when you deal in a specific style, like country primitives.

I don’t buy anything that I wouldn’t put in my own home.

What American handcraft sells well in your shop?

Reproduction primitive furniture, lighting and candles

How do you find good American artists/vendors?

I go to several shows a year.   

Can you recommend any good shows, literature, magazines and books for creative inspiration?

Shows:  Market Square and Heritage Markets

Magazines:  Early American Life and Mercantile Gatherings

Books:  Judy Condon’s Country Decorating Books 

Name of Shop:  The Colonial Housefitter

Owner/Proprietor:  Chris Esposito

Telephone: (315) 492-1977

Q&W

How did you get started in retail/having your own shop? 

Chris

A vision and a passion for country antiques lead me to open The Colonial Housefitter when my youngest daughter went to college.  We started out with mainly antiques and quickly added quality American made reproductions. (We have been open for) 4 ½ years.

Q&W

What type of experience are your customers looking for when they come to your shop? 

Chris

Our customers are looking for a relaxing, inviting atmosphere, one that surrounds them with primitive antiques and quality accessories for their homes.  We want them to say “I could live here!”, which many of them do.  We want them to think, “ I want my house to look just like this”.   With that in mind, they feel a sense of relaxation and excitement;[ all at the same time!

Q&W

Do you establish friendly relationships with your customers? If so, is that important? 

Chris:

The relationships with my customers is by far the most important aspect of my business.  Without these wonderful people, I am not here!  I know most of my customers by name and have become “friends” with many.  We share much more than just the love of primitives!  I have to be careful not to chat too much and give them time to shop!!

Q&W

What advantages do you believe a small country shop has over large shops?  

Chris

Small shops such as The Colonial Housefitter, evoke a sense of home, gatherings, simplicity and friends.  We have become a destination for those who know us.  It’s hard to get that feeling in larger shops.

Q&W
Do you have any advice for shop owners & artisans on weathering a poor economy? 

Chris:

Retailers, artists, craftsmen and customers are all having a tough time.  Try to hold on to that pioneering spirit that inspired you to start your own business to begin with.  Be positive with your customers, price your items fairly, and service your customers, i.e., special orders, delivering large items and lay away.

Q&W

Do you advertise?

Chris:

Absolutely.  It reminds the customer that they might want to stop in to see what’s new in the shop.  (We advertise in) Local newspapers, mailers, word of mouth, and the regional Home Show all seem to work well.

Q&W

We have heard time & time again, that during this tender economy, handcrafted goods are still selling strong.  Has this been true for you & if so, why do you believe customers are paying more for Made in USA versus imports? 

Chris:

Now more than ever, buying from American craftsmen is so very important.  We sell only American made reproductions in our shop.  Most of our customers appreciate that and are willing to pay a little more to support these artists as well as the pride they may share in having items made by these very dedicated and talented craftsmen.  I think we are all very aware of the importance of “Made in America”.

Q&W

Please describe your shop, what makes it unique? 

Chris

The Colonial Housefitteris a small country shop located in the Hamlet of Jamesville, NY.  There is an unmistakable warmth that is felt upon entering.  The combination of antiques and primitive reproductions, lends itself to the most peaceful of shopping experiences.  One of our customers always announces “I’m home!” when she walks through the door!  I think that says it all!

Q&W

What is your decorating style?

Chris

Primitive all the way!  Is there any other way?!

Q&W

Why do you think staging or creating vignettes are important? 

Chris

We can give our customers a feeling of home and how to display or use an item in a way that they may not have thought of. 

Q&W

Is it important to love what you do/buy?

Chris

I only buy what I love or would want in my own home.  And as far as loving what I do, I look forward to every day I spend in the shop.  It gives me the same sense of peace it gives to my customers.

Q&W

What makes an artist stand out in your mind? 

Chris

An artist stands out in my mind when I see the dedication and pride they have in their work.  Also, the excitement they have when sharing it with the shop owners.  I feel so privileged to know so many of these wonderful and talented people.  I have also become friends with many of them which makes selling their wares such a pleasure.

Q&W

What American handcraft sells well in your shop?

Chris

Our shop does well with textiles, lighting, small useful wooden wares such as wall cubbies, shelves and of course all seasonal items.  Our shop only carries American made items.  It is foremost to our commitment as a retailer.

Q&W

Should shops keystone hand made items?

Chris

Absolutely, we have a responsibility to represent and showcase all of the very talented craftsmen we have gotten to know well through the shop.  They are wonderful people who work very hard to supply us with  products we can display and sell with pride.

Q&W

How do you find good American artists/vendors? 

Chris     

Wholesale shows, Early American Life magazine, internet and word of mouth.

Q&W

Can you recommend any good shows, literature, magazines and books for creative inspiration? 

Chris

Judy Condon’s books are a great source of inspiration.  Also, Early American Life magazine and the vendors at the wholesale shows, some of whom are so creative in displaying their wares.

Q&W

What do you think American artisans/venders can do to make themselves more marketable/sellable?

Chris

Quality is by far the most important factor that an American artist can have as his or her selling point.  Also, selling at a fair price to the retailer (is important).  Signing or branding an item also adds to it’s uniqueness and (drives home the) “made by hand” notion.

Owner/Proprietor:  Ricci Shuttleworth

Town/State: Geneva, NY 14456

Phone: 315.789.8562

___________________________________________

Q&W:

How did you get started in retail/having your own shop?

Ricci:

Owning my own shop was a dream of mine which my husband and I made happen!  (We have been open) 3 1/2 years.

Q&W:

What type of experience are your customers looking for when they come to your shop?

Ricci:

My customers are looking for that unique hand crafted treasures.  It is very important to establish a friendly relationship with my customers to keep them coming back knowing that I am here to fulfill needs/wishes they might have.  Also, I have made many close  friendships  with my customers whom are now good friends who share the same “love” and passion.

Q&W:

What advantages do you believe a small country shop has over large shops?

Ricci:

The advantages a small country shop has, I feel over a larger shop is the personal relationships with each person that walks through the door.  When that customer comes thru the door, I greet them with a smile and name, chit chat a while, and offer suggestions.  I just try to be personable.  I would say 90% of out treasures are handcrafted

Q&W:

Do you have a guiding philosophy? 

Ricci:

Be true to yourself, family and friends, and the great saying, live well, laugh often and love much!!!!

Q&W:

Do you have any advice for shop owners & artisans on weathering a poor economy? 

Ricci:

If you can, weather the storm, there is always a ray of sunshine at the other end.  Offer incentive coupons for percentages off.

Q&W:

Do you advertise? 

Ricci:

Yes I do local newspapers, radio and mailers.  The most effective & inexpensive ways are Word of mouth and mailers.

Q&W:

We have heard time & time again, that during this tender economy, handcrafted goods are still selling strong.  

Ricci:

Very much so.  They (customers) like knowing that great time and quality are put into each piece and knowing that they are not going to see their individual piece at a larger chain store…..

Q&W:

What makes it unique?

Ricci:

Our shop is in a rural setting, but on a main road.  We have a blend of primitives, antiques and country decor.  (Our decorating style is) Country/primitive.  (Staging) inspires customers with great ideas and enhances sales.

Q&W:

Is it important to love what you do/buy?

Ricci:

Oh yes, customers can see that and feel it when they come into the shop.

Q&W:

What makes an artist stand out in your mind? 

Ricci:

The uniqueness, the finish, the stitchery and the time and effort that each artist puts into each piece.  It just amazes me.

Q&W:

What American handcraft sells well in your shop?

Ricci:

There are many but I think I would have to say, wooden pieces, textiles, and lighting.

Q&W:

Do you have any advice for making creative displays in a shop?    

Ricci:

Blend your old and new pieces together.  I like to think for a while in  creating the perfect setting.  I try to picture what each setting might have looked like a long time ago.  I love staging my windows to draw the customer in.  I just have so much fun!

Q&W:

How do you find talented American artists/vendors? 

Ricci:

Word of mouth, magazines, internet and shows.

Q&W:

Can you recommend any good shows, literature, magazines and books for creative inspiration? 

Ricci:

I personally love going to the Valley Forge Shows, reading and looking at books from Judy Condon, Early American life and Early Homes magazines.  There are many references I use, but those are a few of my favorites that inspire me.

Q&W:

What do you think American artisans/venders can do to make themselves more marketable/sellable?

Ricci:

If possible, try to stop into some of the shops that carry their products so that the customers can see the faces that actually are working on their piece of furniture or lighting for example and sign the pieces of art work.

Owner/Proprietor: Judy Janzen

 214 Jefferson St
Ripon, WI 54971
(920) 748-5793

_______________________________________________________

Q&W:

How did you get started in retail/having your own shop?

Judy:

Owning my own business was always a dream of mine. I come from a family of entrepreneurs and very creative, hard working people….I’ve had some pretty good role models in my life. I’m a person that likes to be challenged and my career choices have always done that.

I had 3 career choices that I wanted to be successful at in my life and have to say I’ve been blessed to have been able to achieve them. My first was in Cosmetology ( hairstylist), my second as an Histology Technician (Pathology) and now as a business owner.

Q&W:

How long has your shop been open?

Judy:

We opened in May, 2001 and are now into our 8^th year of business.

Q&W:

What type of experience are your customers looking for when they come to your shop?

Judy:

Our customer for the most part looks for made in the U.S.A. They love the warm, yummy and welcoming friendly aspect that historic decorating be it primitive, colonial, or folk art promotes. They love the sharing of ideas. The quality of the work our craftsmen put into creating such great pieces for them to purchase and decorate their homes with. The list goes on and on…..

Q&W:

Do you establish friendly relationships with your customers?

Judy:

YES!!! How can you not… the people who create and decorate with this look are like family. They are some of the nicest and warmest people you will ever meet. If so, is that important? It’s very important!! It broadens your thinking….it helps with your creativity….it challenges you to always be looking for new ideas and new product. It also makes you challenge your vendors to make new and improved yummy goodies.

Q&W:

What advantages do you believe a small country shop has over large shops?

Judy: Ahhhhh, we don’t have that cookie cutter look. We offer goods that you can’t find just anywhere by some of the best craftsmen in the nation. We offer goodies that are original. We take the time to offer lots of free decorating suggestions. We take the time to educate and be educated. We offer a warm and friendly shopping experience…..

Q&W:

Do you have a guiding philosophy?

Judy:

Treat people like you’d want to be treated! Listen to your customer.

Q&W:

Do you have any advice for shop owners & artisans on weathering a poor economy?

Judy:

I wish I did….But there is no magic wand out there to wave, we all have to look at our own personal business and tweak it accordingly. It’s not easy and something we need to do on an on going basis. It’s something I’m learning as I go.

Q&W:

What are some effective (& economical) ways to let customers know about your shop?

Judy:

If you have a website….link with your vendors and other shops if you can. Know your customer base and advertise in those areas to remind them that you’re still around with eye catching ads. I’m a big believer in word of mouth so create a great shopping experience for your customer so they are excited to tell others about your shop.

Q&W:

We have heard time & time again, that during this tender economy, handcrafted goods are still selling strong.  Has this been true for you & if so, why do you believe customers are paying more for Made in USA versus imports?

Judy:

It’s true to an extent for us.  Our customer is either saving and buying that one big yummy item and none of the accents or they are buying the accents and not  spending the money on the bigger pieces right now. Either way I think there has been such bad press about imports lately that the customer is realizing the value of made in the U.S.A. Besides, they are creating an heirloom for the future by buying something made well by American craftsmen.

Q&W:

Please describe your shop, what makes it unique?

Judy:

Our shop is in an 1863 stone house so I think we’re able to display our product so that our customer can visualize how the product might fit into their own home. Everything we have in our shop from the paint on the walls to the curtains on the windows and the rugs on the floors, and the lights hanging from the ceilings, we sell. We take the time to greet each and every customer and we try to educate them on our product lines.

Q&W:

What is your decorating style?

Judy:

My personal decorating style is 1800’s antiques with some reproductions in the mix. Primitive and what I call primitive colonial. My store is Primitives, some colonial, and folk art. We are 85% made in the U.S of A.

Q&W:

Why do you think staging or creating vignettes are important? 

Judy:

It’s sooooo important. It helps the customer visualize and it broadens their thinking. Makes them think outside the box so to speak. We tend to throw things together that most people would never think of doing.  It’s because we want the customer to realize that you can mix it up a bit. Have some fun with your new treasures and experiment!

Q&W:

Is it important to love what you do/buy?

Judy:

It helps to at least like if not love what you do/ buy. We have to remember it’s not about us even though we spend more time at our businesses then at our own homes. What appeals to our personal decorating styles does not necessarily appeal to our customers. I like everything in my store.

Q&W:

What makes an artist stand out in your mind?

Judy:

One that offers great quality, a great unique look, a halfway affordable price ( I say this because I know that good craftsmen never get the price their time is worth), and offers great customer service.  Personally, you can have the best product out there and if you have crappy customer service you have just lost my business or will never have it. I want the best for my customers and I want an artist who appreciates me as a buyer of their product.

Q&W:

What American handcraft sells well in your shop?

Judy:

Just about any made in the U.S.A. sells well in our shop. It’s what we promote and what we educate our customers on. Right now the hot stuff is wovens, dolls, lighting, smaller homemade goods and some of the smaller cupboards.

Q&W:

What is your philosophy on Keystoning hand-made items versus imported items?

Judy:

Why wouldn’t you at least keystone hand made items? In my eyes they have more value because they are handmade and in some cases one of a kinds and not mass produced like imports. Only you know what your customer(s) are willing to spend on an item. Price accordingly.

Q&W:

Do you have any advice for making creative displays in a shop?

Judy:

Be inventive. Plant the seed of ideas into your customers’ minds.

Q&W:

How do you find good American artists/vendors?

Judy:

I hunt and hunt and hunt. I go to trade shows. I look on the internet. I look through publications. I listen, I ask.

Q&W:

What do you think American artisans/venders can do to make themselves more marketable/sellable?

Judy:

This may or may not be a suggestion……one thing I would like to see is the American artisans/vendors be more selective as to who they are selling their goods to. It’s very disheartening as a shop owner to find the product that you’ve searched so hard for, being sold on e-bay, at flea markets, people selling out of their houses to friends, etc for little mark up (as they don’t have the overhead that we do). There is NO way we can compete with that and as a result, we end up dropping your product in our stores and look for other vendors that have something different to offer us, that we’re not seeing everywhere. I know there is no great answer to this…..if someone has a tax number….they should at least have a brick and mortar store.  Because in the end, everyone looses.  To those vendors out there that do look out for us store owners (AND you do know who you are!!!) We love ya and truly appreciate everything that you do for the shop owner. We know it’s no easy task, but, we truly appreciate the time and effort that you take trying to protect us.

Some artisans/vendors could try to produce and ship their product in a more timely manner. If you can’t meet your ship times, be honest or don’t over book yourself. It’s tough placing an order at market in Feb and not seeing your product at all or maybe a year later. It makes it hard to manage cash flow and it makes us look bad to our customers when we are talking up your new product and we don’t get it in a timely manner.