2001-07-24

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2001-12-31

So I stopped by the mall today. There is a new store called Four Season. It's a Japanese gift shop. It has the nicest things you can have, and prices aren't that bad either. However, I'm afraid it won't work.

Meriden Square Mall is quite sizable, but Meriden itself is a small town. Furthermore, I don't think the demographics support this kind of exotic goods. Westfarm mall is probably a better choice. Hartford is a big city, and the mall is quite big. Alternatively, Main Street Middletown is probably good, assuming they can get the location between Washington and Harbor Park, and that the store is right on the Main Street.

The reason Middletown location will work is because Wesleyan University is a great cultural gathering place. Freeman Asian Center would provide a suitable focal interest. There's absolutely none in Meriden. Furthermore, students come in and out, meaning new people will come in every year, perfect for gifts.

That's another thing. The items are all unique, but not conducive for repeat buyers. I'm talking about swords, vases, and bowls. You buy one, that's it. At least with magazines, you keep buying them every month. No repeat buyers. That's a problem. There are too many japanese swords, also. Nice selection, but I don't think you need to display them all. Just provide a catalog order or something. They also have nunchucks, but I already have one. Nunchakus aren't something I buy every day, you know?

I hope the store will survive, but I'm not too hopeful. It seems to me the marketing people is sleeping on this one. It seems obvious to me, that the store is misplaced. I wonder why they don't think so? Maybe I should go talk to them.