2009.04.23
Claire V. sale and details about Market Street space
UPDATE: Claire V. spokeswoman Kelly List Zappia said the company still is working on future plans at the 212 Market St. space, which it is leasing. She did not offer details.
"We have a few unique and amazing ideas on what to bring to the Market area," she said. "Right now it is the perfect spot for our warehouse sale."
Roanoke-based handbag design company, Claire V., is making plans for its spring warehouse sale that starts this weekend. The big sale begins tomorrow and lasts until Tuesday. A preview of the sale, complete with hors d'oeuvres and refreshments, is today from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Here you'll find many of Claire V.'s handbags and accessories sold at significantly discounted prices. This includes limited samples of the company's newest line of corn husk handbags, called Lola Starfish.
The warehouse sale is located at a storefront at 212 Market St. in downtown Roanoke, the former home of Good Things on the Market. Its hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Friday, Monday and Tuesday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
This location isn't Claire V.'s actual retail shop and corporate headquarters. That's on Campbell Avenue and combined with Twist & Turns, a furniture and home decor store.
But a few more details have emerged about the fate of this former Good Things on the Market space. The storefront has been vacant since the owner announced that she was retiring and closing the shop in late December.
Apparently, Claire V. signed a five-year lease at this space in November, said Don Peterson, owner of the building. He told me that he doesn't know what Claire V.'s future plans are with this location.
Meanwhile, Kelly List Zappia, a Claire V. spokeswoman, told me in February that the handbag retailer planned to make its spot on 128 and 132 Campbell Ave. permanent. You can read a link to my past Sunday retail column with those details.
So, it's unclear what Claire V. will do with the Market Street retail space that it's renting, other than host the warehouse sale. I haven't yet heard back from Zappia on the future plans here.
They have beautiful handbags. Have any idea how deep the discounts will be?
Comment by Melissa — April 23, 2009 @ 1:04 pm
Melissa,
The spokeswoman told me the handbags will be discounted by up to 80 percent.
Comment by Jenny Kincaid Boone — April 23, 2009 @ 2:10 pm
Speaking of great deals...
Fun Times Party Warehouse at 1409 S. Colorado in Salem is having their annual Spring Sale this Friday-Sunday (April 24-26). Save up to 90% on party supplies. From wedding, anniversary and solid colors to holiday and childrens...and much more!
Looks like it will be a great weekend...for weather and for deals!
Comment by Craig — April 24, 2009 @ 7:13 am
And how many of you believe these businesses can sell merchandise for less than it costs them?
A $10 item is being sold for $1 or $2 ???
Why is it so cheap? Was it marked up excessively to start with?
Go to the bank & see if they will sell you Ten Dollar Bills for $1 or $2 ?
If they will, let me know where ? I'll go get in line !
When will you astute shoppers wake up !
How much does an item "COST"? The price the manufacturer charges (example: $1) + shipping (ex: $.30) + rent + utilities + payroll + benefits. All this is overhead. So now the item "COSTS" $2.oo & NO profit has been made. To just break -even- it has to be sold for $2. The retailer is entitled to a fair profit, let's say $2 for having put their money, time, & effort into all this. So "LEGITIMATELY" this item sells for Four Dollars.
Are you with me?
An item CANNOT be sold for less than it costs, & the merchant stay in business. (period)
Comment by Steve — April 24, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
Steve,
I can't speak for all places of business...however...
In a retail environment, a business purchases something for a dollar and sells for $2...however after a year or two of trying the sell the item, if it doesn't move, then it costs you money to keep on your shelves...the cost of having your original money tied up for so long and space being tied up to where you can't make money.
So, what do you do? You sell it at a loss and try to recoop some of your money. Then you take that money and reinvest into another product that will hopefully make money.
Retail isn't all about just taking a product and doubling your cost...it's much more involved.
So, in the case of Fun Times cleaning house and selling up to 90%...yes it's a loss of my original investment....but I certainly hope to gain some space and invest in a trend/product that may prove more successful.
Believe me....when I first started my business, I thought it was going to be simple as you explained....however I learned it isn't. There are many layers. So selling at a heavy discount doesn't mean the business was overpriced to begin with.
Comment by Craig — April 25, 2009 @ 4:10 am