Cindy,
These are awesome questions. I have answered them, if you have any questions you can call me or email me. I would also like if you will, share any information you get that is not posting on here.
1. I don't sell scrubs. My shop is 325 square feet. The hospital is building on and a new gift shop will be included. Should be twice the size it currently is. However, the employees can purchase uniforms from First Uniforms online and use payroll deduction. We get a rebate from First Uniform.
2. I am in the process of purchasing LOGO shirts. I was asked to sell them in the new shop. I have gotten a few from Queensboro.
3. I do sell fresh flowers. The mark up is 30%.
4. I am with MM Hayes. They were able to handle out tier payroll deduction for the shop. The employee's payments are based on their balance. I can purchase a mobile unit but the cost is $3,000. a year. Means there has to be a lot of sales to comp that.
5. Best sellers: (not in order, just off the top of my head)
Clothing Flowers
Handbags Baby Bows
Jewelry Flags
Candy Over the counter Medicines
Balloons Cell phone items
6. Christmas: Water Lanterns have been a huge hit for the last 2 years. We also sell Grinh items really well.
7. Fall items will be going out in the next 2 weeks.
8. Christmas is always done the last week in October. We close on friday and empty the shop except baby items and reset with Christmas.
9. I have always gone to Atlanta in January. However, I have been to Dallas and Last Vegas Market and Las Vegas ASD show. Christmas is my primary purchases is Atlanta. But the ASD show is mainly closeouts. So, you have to be open minded on when it will sell and having room to store it until you can sell it. You have to take most purchases asap. But you can do a huge markup on the majority of the items from there. If you want to talk about it, call me I'll explain it more.
I hope this helps. Please share any info you get.
Thanks,
Nancy Rogers
Scotland Health Care System
910-291-7314
100 Bed hospital
1000 employees
Laurinburg, NC