A Problem We Don't Really Have

We are digging our way slowly out of the chaos that piles up when it's so busy that we don't have time to keep up with anything but helping customers find their gifts and get out the door!  And I do mean slowly; after weeks of rushing around like a crazy person, then slowing down for two glorious days on the 25th and 26th, I'm having trouble returning to a normal state of energy.  Naps beckon . . .  wine instead of coffee .. . . gift books instead of balancing books.  Anyway, I just returned from the UPS store on the corner and they had stacks and stacks and stacks of boxes waiting for pick up.  At first I was confused.  So many people shipping gifts late?  But then I realized - no.  These boxes are customer returns.  And I thought about our returns so far this week.  One woman bought a few too many hippie sticks and traded them in for a book.  One woman returned a snake top because - there was no top in the box.  (our fault - whoops!!)  Maybe another one or two, but we are don't usually have a lot of returns.  There will probably be the odd one in a month or two - someone trying to return some bedraggled piece of holiday merchandise, which even though we have no obligation to take back, we usually do.  And I remember once, years ago, having the bright idea to go clothes shopping the day after Christmas while visiting my parents.  The department store was a zoo - everyone trying to return things, lines of 20 people waiting to do so.  Happy to report that we don't have that problem at Joie !

For the Baby in Your Life!

My niece posted something on Facebook from the point of view of a baby - about what it really wanted for Christmas.  I kind of reluctantly began to read it, thinking it would be something along the lines of "don't buy me a present, give to the poor" (not that there's anything wrong with that - but it wouldn't really be that interesting to read) -- anyway, because she had recommended it, I read it - and found the list of things the baby really really wanted quite eye opening - and funny.  And - if you can't find it in your heart to give the babies you know any of their passionately desired presents - we can probably help you out at Joie de Vivre with something they'll like!  Here you go - "A Ten Month Old's Letter to Santa." !!  

Advance Notice Appreciated!

The Joie blogger was reading the Boston's Globe's last minute gift guide over coffee this morning.  She approached it with a bit of apprehension, not having been contacted by anyone there to see if Joie had any possible products to include, and felt she would see other, newer, stores listed and remember the days when Joie was likely to be there itself.  She was preparing to feel ill-used and yes, slightly jealous, as she began to look through - of course there were items fro Etsy, and various websites - and then, the Field Guide to Famous Felines poster caught her eye, one of our newer posters.  And, low and behold, there was our name and information, listed right above it.  So - yay!  Someone is still using us as a resource.  But - not yay - they didn't even tell us. So - now, I'm wondering, how many of the posters do we actually have in stock?  How fast can I get some more?  After thirty years in business, I feel entitled to say, "back in the old days" so I'm saying it now - back in the old days the writer including us in the article would have let us know so we could be prepared.  On the other hand - not complaining, and thank you for the shout-out, anonymous Globe sources!

To Quote A Joie Item . . .

"I'd like to take a brief moment to apologize!"  (imagine this said with a British accent - by our Sorry button, which says sorry ten different ways.)   The Joie blogger would like to apologize . . . for somehow thinking she could take a writing intensive course at Harvard this semester during the holiday season (the Joie blogger is a Harvard Junior, back in school after a 35 year hiatus.)  Why she thought it would be easy to write ten page papers and also keep everything rolling at the store, she couldn't tell you, but chances are good she won't attempt to do it again next year !  Anyway, the Christmas season is now in full swing, and we're enjoying seeing our many devoted once a year customers as well as our regular crew - but it feels like Saturday night at the most popular restaurant in town every day, so . . . we're just a little bit tired.  But - we have chocolate and coffee to get us through the day - and chocolate for our customers too - so, we know we'll make it!  Anyway, the last paper is due next Wednesdayand we look forward to resuming more regular posting soon!