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Talking Shop: Cool Scrapbook Stuff, Poway
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Gen, Gena and Lorie greet you at Cool Scrapbook Stuff in Poway, CA
When I dropped in the other day to see Gena Barney, owner of Cool Scrapbook Stuff in Poway, she was working with her dad on a fixture in the store. Jen, one of the two sales clerks working, was unpacking new product and Laurie was helping a customer at the register. The store was filled with every imaginable product for scrapbooking, paper crafting, rubber stamping and more. As I walked in I scanned the shop, trying to find the newest products Gena had on display – it’s a kind of I Spy game that is both challenging and enjoyable when played at Cool Scrapbook Stuff. But I only got a minute to play because Gena joined me and we walked around while I asked her about her very cool shop.
When asked where she saw the hobby of scrapbooking going in the near future she replied, “I see a ‘back to basics’ trend and that could be related to the current economy or simply the personal preference of our customers.” She added that she sees many families in the store, stating, “Lots of school projects are enhanced with embellishments to make reports, posters, etc., look interesting -- snazzier.” Gena said that card making is very popular because people like to be able to start and finish a project in a short amount of time with a dynamite result. Die cutting machines are really “hot” right now with several companies’ products evolving, such as QuicKutz’s Silhouette and Making Memories’ Slice. On the subject of looking to the future, Gena believes these large companies who specialize in die cutting should create a “universal system” by which customers who own a competitor’s machine could use any company’s die within that system. “Everyone wins in that situation,” Gena said. You heard it here first!
When I asked about her large, loyal customer base and why she thought the readers of this article should shop at Cool Scrapbook Stuff, a smile crossed Gena’s face and she simply stated, “We have everything.” And I would agree with that statement because this has to be one of the best-stocked scrapbook stores I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been in lots of them coast-to-coast. The store is also well organized with product for major holidays and events well marked and well stocked. Gena tries to showcase the newest product near the front of the store, so be sure to browse there first. One could spend hours browsing and possibly not see everything! Don’t have a lot of time? No problem, just ask one of the knowledgeable and experienced sales clerks to show you exactly what you need. Every Cool employee is a crafter, so asking one for a recommendation or suggestion is perfectly acceptable and encouraged. Another bonus is that Cool Scrapbook Stuff is open seven days a week for your shopping pleasure. In fact, they’re closed only five days during the whole year (New Years, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Cool Scrapbook Stuff has a huge customer base, which includes regulars from as far away as El Centro and Tijuana.
Want to learn a new paper craft technique or create a project that you’ve seen in a magazine? Cool Scrapbook Stuff is the place to go for the latest in classes taught by wonderfully creative instructors. How does she decide on class topics and instructors? “There’s really no system other than my intuition”, said Gena – that and her vast experience in this area. She knows her customers and the types of projects and products they want to learn about. Instructors interested in teaching at Cool Scrapbook Stuff must submit samples of their work and Gena decides whether the project offers the quality and style her clientele may want to try. Cool Scrapbook Stuff has a full calendar of classes with a wide variety of projects for anyone to love. Next month the store’s theme is “Christmas In July” so there are holiday inspired card-making classes and a Christmas Countdown advent project [taught by yours truly] planned. August offers plenty more classes including an awesome recipe card project taught by Katie Watson. Believe me because I know, classes fill up fast and you won’t want to miss any of these, so call the store right now at (858) 679-9100 to reserve your place.
Cool Scrapbook Stuff is a “green”, environmentally friendly store. Besides the fact that many companies she buys from now use soy-based inks in their papers, Cool Scrapbook Stuff is big into recycling, and offers customers a 10 cent credit on their purchases over $10 if they refuse a shopping bag. The store even pays extra for an additional recycling bin for paper, shipping boxes, etc. to keep from throwing them into the garbage bin. Gena continuously searches for products that are made from recycled content and to provide ways for her customers to “go green”.
“What’s the biggest challenge in being a scrapbook store owner?” I asked Gena. Because she believes hiring experienced crafters is essential to making Cool Scrapbook Stuff the best store in San Diego, finding people who have both a technical “head for business” and a love of paper crafting can be a challenge. However, Gena does a great job training and retaining good help. And while the store has a HUGE array of just about everything under the sun related to paper crafting, Gena stated that making sure she satisfies every customer by carrying a wide range of product can sometimes be daunting. I’d venture to guess that the majority of people who shop at Cool Scrapbook Stuff are overjoyed by the variety and content of the products and projects.
There’s never a dull moment at Cool Scrapbook Stuff, so be sure and check their website daily. For instance, Fox 5 News will be LIVE at Cool Scrapbook Stuff on July 6, so get over there and raise the roof! You’ll need to get up with the roosters because the camera rolls at 5:00 a.m. The So Cal Shop Hop runs August 8-23 and you can buy your passports at Cool Scrapbook Stuff. They’re on sale now and there’s a limited number, so don’t wait to buy yours. Amuse-a-palooza is being celebrated at Cool Scrapbook Stuff on July 12 with two great classes featuring the new Amuse products from their upcoming Christmas and winter release, drawings, prizes and make-n-takes. Here’s a scoop (and not of ice cream) – stay tuned to Cool’s website for a special event coming the end of August…
The above reference to ice cream made me think of cookies, so I inquired as to Gena’s favorite cookie. “What, allergic to sugar?” I gasped. Poor Gena’s not got a favorite cookie, but being the sugar goddess that I am, I had to find out her favorite dessert. Ready for it? Fruit...hmmmm. So, let’s try to embrace her {sweet} life by asking for the “sugar-free 10% off” deal on your next visit to the store. They’ll trim 10% from your non-sale items (see store for the fine print). Now that’s a diet we can stick to, so tell ‘em Shannon sent you! Don’t stay on the treadmill too long because this deal expires July 5, 2009.
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