Thank you for all the great ideas you submitted. Ten minutes after the newsletter went out, I received a brilliant idea from Amy at Just Shoe and Me in Coral Springs, Florida. The following idea is in Amy's words:

"I just wanted to let you know of a promotion that was a big success and everyone had so much fun. I had a local photographer come to the store and set up a photo shoot for the neighborhood children. I put on the shoes that I wanted to promote and we then blew up the pictures and put them around the store. We did the children in black and white and shoes in color so the shoes really pop out on the wall. Everyone loves coming in and recognizing the kids from the neighborhood. The photographer promoted her business, moms got free picture and a chance to make my wall and it brought lots of people into the store. We called it the Just Shoe n' Me Next Top Shoe Model. It was a win win for everyone and did not cost me anything since I advertised it only to my email customers."

What a great idea to cross market two businesses. At a time when everyone could benefit from more traffic, we applaud Amy's initiative to get people through the doors. To Amy, we say "Atta Girl!"

This month's Branch of the Month is Sikes Shoes of Birmingham, AL. Sonya Jones has been buying for Sikes since 1995 after getting into the shoe business in 1988 while working her way through college. Sonya is a risk taker, who is always on the lookout for new product. Even though Sikes has been in business since 1954, Sonya knows that she must always look for ways to bring in new customers to her store. She knows her customers on a personal level, and has embraced technology (Facebook) to alert her customers to new product arrivals (follow Sikes on Facebook). Sonya's staff goes through extensive training on the proper way to fit shoes. The staff takes care of their customers and because of this, Sikes has the pleasure of servicing second and third generation customers.

We wanted to profile Sonya and Sikes this month because we are so very proud that Twig product is represented in her store. Sonya embodies the qualities we respect in a buyer. Fair, product savvy, business focused, but most importantly, Sonya supports new opportunities. For Twig, it is a privilege to be part of Sikes assortment!

Thank you for your ideas about new opportunities in the shoe business. One idea that came to us a few times was the need to go up in sizes rather than stopping at the "traditional" sizes. As Beth from Olly mentioned, "We are seeing a lot more younger kids with larger feet." Twig acknowledges this trend and is responding by making our product in bigger sizes. Many of our boys Velcro styles will go up to a size 35 and our oxfords will now go up to a 38 or 40. For fall, we will have at least 4 girls styles that will be made up to a 40 as well. Kelsey, our 11 year old daughter owns a size 7 (women's foot). As much as she would like to wear something with heels, we struggled to find "age appropriate" footwear.

Our company celebrated our three year anniversary in Mid-February (We took the board of directors out to Chick Fill-A and Baskin Robbins). As you all know, we are a small family business that sells to other small family businesses. Margo and I are incredibly grateful to you for your support, your business, and your feedback. Without you, this would not be possible. Please keep the ideas and feedback coming (ken@twigfootwear.com). Remember, our goal is to create a community where we all help each other to ensure our success!

I hope you're all gearing up for a strong 2010. Twig is!