Show Us Your Shop: Halle Sophia Gifts By Debbie Eisele

With so many retailers facing similar challenges right now, we encourage you to Show Us Your Shop so we may share your story and help other independent retailers.

Halle Sophia Gifts opened about 2 years ago and operates its online business in Washington. It offers unique gifts for all occasions: weddings, anniversaries, new babies, pet and human birthdays, corporate events and more. Its niche is offering special gifts to help create a memory by offering kiln-fired handcrafted items created in its shop. Personalization and customization is also available, providing clients even more one-of-a-kind options. Michelle Ceccarelli from Halle Sophia Gifts shared that her favorite item is the custom heart pin/magnet, which offers text customization. She even has a shop pet, Jojo, to keep her company while she works. Ceccarelli shared how her business, is adjusting to the current retail climate.

How have you transitioned your selling strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic?

We’re offering discounts and sharing our story each and every day on social media so people know what we’re up to during this time. We’re also donating $2 of every sale through May to No Kid Hungry, an organization delivering breakfast and lunch to kids in need during COVID-19.

What special services, such as curbside pickup or delivery, have you implemented?

We are happy to deliver in our area for a small charge. Your gift will be left on the doorstep and a notification will be sent so you know it’s there. No physical contact is needed. We are also happy to ship gifts directly to the recipient with a gift note so your gifting needs are still taken care of.

How are you reaching out to customers during this crisis?

We are reaching out through our newsletter so customers know they are supported and that we’re all in this together and we’re also reaching out and staying connected on social media.

What are your social media handles?

Facebook: @hallesophiagifts 

Instagram: halleshophiagifts

Are you creating any grab-and-go type solutions to help sell through existing inventory and to provide merchandise customers need in today’s environment?

We have ready to ship items available and we’re currently brainstorming air dry clay packs that can be put together for kids art class at home or just to stay busy (and get creative) during this time.

What helpful tips would you like to share with other retailers during these unprecedented times?

Use this extra time to learn new skills or catch up on stuff you’ve been putting off. Take a creative class or business class. Think of creative ways to connect with your customers during the time. Remind yourself it won’t be like this forever. This too shall pass.

Debbie Eisele

Debbie Eisele is the former managing editor for Gift Shop Plus, Stationery Trends and a variety of special issue publications, including: The Guide, Holiday Shop, Celebrations & Occasions and Waterfront Living.