Posts by Kathy Belcher
Really, I work with all the folks who support our customers
every day, fulfilling our promise of a hand crafted customer service
experience, whether they are in retail stores, in our call center, or
supporting our trade customers. I’m also
hot on the trail of potential new retail store locations for Rejuvenation,
getting the opportunity to bring more customers to our brand.
I’ve always worked in retail store operations and
management, for companies big and small, but Rejuvenation is a unique
experience for me. Its about products that matter and that are enduring and
endearing, to help make the home environment even more special. We attract employees that feel the same;
they’re here for all the right reasons and they really care about what the
customer experiences in our stores, or on the phone, or on a job site. That means that I get to be surrounded by
great people, in a great environment, talking to folks about our great
products, and helping them make their homes their own. I think I am pretty fortunate. And, while we are not a new company or brand
by any stretch of the imagination, we are still new to so many people – it is
great to be on the front line of telling them about our terrific brand.
I can teach you why we do what we do in terms of a store
experience at Rejuvenation, and maybe answer some questions you may have along
the way as we open stores in new cities across the U.S.
2 truths and one lie – let’s see… I’ve visited all 50 states,
I have 3 pug/terrier mix dogs that I dote upon, and I grew up on a farm and
raised polled Hereford steers for 4-H.
This year, we have been sharing our Labor of Love stories with you. Some have been about products and some have been about personal experiences, but they’ve all reflected on our appreciation for the handmade, the hard-won, and the heartfelt. For Father’s Day, we’re honoring the people who often work the hardest for the least amount of praise — dads.
My father was one of those hardworking Dads that you got to see if you were the first one up in the morning, but he was always home for a sit-down dinner every night. A self-made man from humble beginnings, he has been able to realize his wildest dreams for success – a 55-year marriage, four kids, health, and longevity (he’s 84 years old this year – same as my dog Boo in dog years, as he reminded me this weekend!). I fully expect him to live to be 100. He was in the grocery business for over 30 years and got to retire pretty close to 50. His dream was always to own land, be a rancher, and have farm animals, and that’s exactly what he’s done. One more wish: He always wanted to own an antique automobile, made the same year as my mom was born (1934). As we say in the family, he saved his paper route money until, finally, my mom relented and let him buy the Ford Coupe of his dreams.
the car of his youth!
I always felt lucky growing up – I had the kind of dad everyone dreams of – kind, understanding, appreciative, generous with everything, gracious, respected, and always there for us. Every year on my birthday my dad tells me the day I was born was the happiest day of his life.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
It’s official! After months of negotiating and, most recently, working with our business partners at Williams-Sonoma to finalize the details, we’re ready to announce our fourth store: The newest Rejuvenation retailer will be on 4th Street in Berkeley, California. It’s set to open in June 2012.
Berkeley Location Before
The Berkeley market is already a strong one for Rejuvenation, loaded with great customers who love and appreciate us. It’s also in the backyard of our new parent company, Williams-Sonoma. Plus, 4th Street itself is a great shopping area, especially if you’re looking for furniture and home accessories.
We’re so happy to bring Rejuvenation to a new neighborhood, less than a year after opening in Los Angeles. As we’re off and running to our future, we’d love for you to come along, so be sure to stop by when the store opens.
Rejuvenation is hot on the heels of another new store location for 2012. While I am not at liberty to divulge the exact location just yet, I can certainly throw out a few hints to test your knowledge of U.S. cities. Ready?
- This city is known to have a small population and a big reputation.
- It’s a location known for “bear sightings.”
Bear Sightings are Quite Common
- Two of its well known streets are College and University.
- Rejuvenation’s new parent company can easily visit on the weekend (get it? – Parent’s Weekends?)
- Since it is an election year, it may help you to know that 66% of all registered voters in this city are Democrats.
- 68% of this city’s population has a college degree.
Vista
Did I say too much? I bet you have it all figured outalready!
Festive Table Top
While racking my brain for inspiration for this month’s blog entry (and yes, there is blog anxiety around here), I decided to take 20 steps out to the sales floor at our Portland flagship for ideas.
Baubles
From there it was pretty easy to come up with some ideas for the holidays. Now the only issue is deciding which is my favorite.
Baubles, 2
If you are in Portland, Seattle or Los Angeles, come and see for yourself. We’ve got great ideas for gifting this holiday season. And if you are outside of our store base, hope is not lost. Just call any of our store associates and we’ll get what you see in these photos out to you in plenty of time for holiday celebrations.
Quick, look to your left!
Happy Holidays!
We’re officially open for business at Helms Bakery District in LA. Thank you for the warm welcome from our newest city. It was an unbelievable undertaking, but oh-so-rewarding once the doors were finally opened and we had a chance to meet friends old and new. For those of you unable to visit, here are a few photos of our new digs.
Hope to see you there soon!
