I want to really applaud those retailers who utilize cross marketing. One such retailer is Wee-Soles who is featured in this months "retailer spotlight". Twig is on Wee-Soles email list and periodically receives promotions going on in the store. One such promotion that really caught our attention was when the owners decided to give away a free scoop of gelato with the purchase of a pair of shoes. The gelato shop was close by. The promotion caused a spike in business for both. Apparently, a gelato cone is more meaningful than a $5 off coupon. Way to go Darci, Tamsin and Joanna!

Wee-Soles is just plain cool! Begun by three Moms who wanted a different kind of shoe shopping experience, Darci, Tamsin and Joanna set out to create not just a store, but an atmosphere, vibe, and experience. They built a shoe business around this idea. By their own admission, Wee-Soles concept was to be a "neighborhood" store. The surrounding area lends itself to this concept as it surprisingly void of "chain" stores. The last time I was in the store, Tamsin was helping a Dad who was wearing a kilt and had tattoos all over his legs. Quite a diverse customer base. The threesome tries to buy product to hit a varying range of price and style, but fit and quality must be the hallmark of the product. The owners admit to a steep learning curve, but feel strongly that their customers are incredibly loyal.

Twig really applauds Tamsin, Darci and Joanna, as they are not afraid to step out and try something new. They sometimes buy only a few pairs of the style but they TRY. This is what differentiates the store, and sets the owners apart from other more predictable shops. If you look at the reviews on the store, they are overwhelmingly positive and as one reviewer states, "A true Indie Shoe Store". What a compliment!

Several people have brought to my attention that many vendors are really cutting back on width selection. For Spring, Twig will introduce a very small collection of Toddler sneakers available in medium and wide widths while still employing European sizing. Should the program be successful, Twig will be expanding the collection for Fall 2011. We have also been told to continue to try and use "interesting materials" that make the product jump off the shelf. I can promise you that while creating this next line, I thought of this frequently. We will not have a "Keen" sandal, or an "Ugg" boot, or even a Twig version of "Crocs". For this brand to be successful, we must create, not duplicate!

Twig finished its fall bookings, and Margo and I are humbled by the support you have given brand. We were quite pleased with the bookings but we promise to practice only humility as the brand grows. It is fair to say that Twig has stepped in every pot-hole there is to step in as we have built this brand and we have the shrapnel wounds to prove it. We sometimes feel as though we are climbing Mt. Everest and we can barely see base camp one. However, with your help (your business, your suggestions, and your encouragement), we will continue the journey upward. We are incredibly grateful to you!

Have a wonderful May!