Jun 17, 2009

Buttercup saves by sharing with similar storesBy Adam BellCharlotteObserver.com

As The Buttercup stationery and gift shop celebrates its 34th anniversary this month, its owners are taking steps to ensure they can mark many more milestones.

In February, for instance, the store ended its Monday hours and remains open Tuesdays through Saturdays, said Stewart Gordon, who owns the store – located on Providence Road near Charlotte’s Eastover neighborhood – with Judy Woodard.

They have avoided layoffs for their 25 full- and part-time employees, Gordon said, although people’s hours have been cut.

Sales are off by 18 percent this year, said Gordon, who called the drop-off “not great but not horrible.”

One move that has helped is sharing ideas and resources with two other stationery stores in Raleigh and Winston-Salem.

A couple weeks ago, Gordon bought a new laser printer when the Winston-Salem store did, and by using the same salesperson got a discount that turned a $900 purchase into a $550 bill. Gordon also is splitting orders with the other stores at times when vendors require a high minimum purchase number.

“It’s great to have other shops and women to bounce ideas off of,” Gordon said.

The Buttercup also has kept a close eye on cash flow and inventory. It has staggered its merchandise orders and has rotated its stock more, which Gordon said gives the store a fresher look and helps move more products.

And The Buttercup is being more diligent about notifying customers by e-mail when sales are happening. Gordon is even keeping a closer eye on air-conditioner usage.

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