Sunday, October 21, 2007

The ShopDrops.Com Story


Once upon a time, an idea came to me - why don't I create an online store? A little imp whispered in my ear and reminded me of the millions of online stores out there and how it would be almost impossible for my idea of a store to stand out. Well, a good little fairy whispered in my other ear that it was just a matter of giving a store more soul, more personality, more sincerity, better quality goods and most of all the best customer service there is, for people to come and visit it because they love it. The more I thought of what I can make my store to be, the better the idea looked. Again, I asked myself, what if I inject into my virtual store all the qualities that those lovely little shops in my old childhood neighborhood that I used to so love to visit, will it stand out from the gazillion big and small stores on the web? The good ittle fairy shouted YES! YES! YES! And I said to myself with my chin up, "Right . . . WHY NOT?"

True, I just so love shopping in small shops. Small shops are so very like home - cozy, much tended, much cared for, much loved. Before shopdrops.com came along, I was inspired by the love, care and hard work that small shopkeepers gave to their little shops. And so, using the valuable lessons from the original shopkeepers of neighborhood shops and my insatiable need to shop online, I fashioned shopdrops.com into this small virtual shop that it is today. Everyday, as I put up my virtual items on the shelves, I try new ways of doing things - arrange the shelves, change my shop decor, prepare a pot of steaming coffee (with the help of html) - in the hope of making this shop more welcoming, cozy and serene for visitors who drop in and browse among the delightful items that I have carefully selected and laid out for them.

The idea of an online store finds its roots from my love of shopping on line. Shopping on line is a breeze. You can do it anytime and within the comfort of your home. You do not have to drive to the mall and fight traffic and get tired looking for a space to park. It is just so easy and safe with the right store!

And so, www.shopdrops.com was born on October 4, 2004. The rest is history and this story ended happily for me. And here I am today, the shopkeeper of a little shop in the cyberworld - shopdrops.com, the little shop in the neighborhood that people do love to visit!

Monday, October 01, 2007

Countdown to the Gift-Giving Season Begins . . .

Well . . . the countdown begins. It is barely 84 days before the holidays. That really means you have at least 80 days to do all your shopping, decorating and gift-wrapping. Yes, I know - that sounds like so many many days. But you and I know that days have wings and before you know, the malls will be full of shoppers.

Do not forget that there is the comfort and safety of shopping on line. It is amazing how cheaper and easier it is to do your shopping online. I do not have to mention the TIME and EFFORT you save from shopping on line.

In fact, according to almost all my neighbors, and co-workers (both male and female) - online shopping is safer and easier than braving the malls. And you know what I mean.

Hey, this is the new way of life and we have to embrace it and be savvy about it.

By the way, watch out for new product lines at my shop, WWW.SHOPDROPS.COM - "that little neighborhood shop that you just love to visit". You will find all the quality gifts you want to buy for your friends and loved ones. Keep in touch and we will keep you informed.

Listen to this professional buyer/shopper. Do your homework. Make your list now and do not forget to include people who help you make your life easier - the poolman, the gardener, the baby-sitter, the cleaning lady, the postman, your neighbor who takes your kids to school . . . and the list goes om . . . Till then.
Shop safe. Shop smart.