Winter 2008

The Changing Face of Country By Heather Johnson Durocher

In the Mood for Country?

Perhaps you’re unsure about introducing country-themed items into your not-so-country store. Not to worry. Here are some tips to successfully include (and sell) country in your merchandise mix:

Consider different products. Take baby steps by experimenting with one product, such as plain plates. Start with basic colors like burgundy and mustard, says Mark Warren, manager at The Hearthside Collection in Everett, WA.

Next, try a product like barn stars. Warren advises retailers to look for items they can start to bring in and if customers grab on to those, to get more. One caveat: Don’t choose multiple products with design elements that fail to flow well together.

Demonstrate how to integrate “country” and “contemporary” styles in homes, advises Patti Kowalczyk, owner of Patti’s Country Cottage in Billings, MT. “You can mix wrought iron and those sleek looks with a touch of country by putting a plaid runner with it, or a colorful print of roosters and apples. It all ties together.” Since shoppers want to envision a clean look in their own homes, make sure to display items in this fashion to give them a clear idea of how to mix and match your products, suggests Lloyd.

Heather Johnson Durocher

Durocher is a northern Michigan-based journalist who writes frequently about business for newspapers and magazines. She has contributed to USA Weekend, Woman's Day, Parents and American Baby. Visit her website at HeatherDurocher.com