Tagged: retro
Time For A Change
It has been 17 years since I opened Mossy Cottage. I decided to specialize in vintage linens and costume jewelry with other items to “fill in”. I have been known as the “linen lady” in Fredericksburg for years. As I watched my sales decline over the last couple years I realized that the younger women today do not care about setting a nice table with linens. Most don’t even know how to cook a meal without using prepared foods or eat out for most of their meals. And although I am a staunch user of vintage linens I decided to make a change at Mossy Cottage.
I had a huge sale on the linens and sold most of them off. Then I refilled the booth with vintage and retro kitchenware, office supplies and industrial items, sewing and crafting items, clothing accessories and flower and garden items. Happily my sales have started to improve and I even get men into my booth now!
Here are a couple pictures of the new and improved Mossy Cottage!
DIY wedding and party items.
Vintage office supplies and industrial items.
Retro kitchenware and kitsch.
Vintage sewing and crafting items.
Vintage purses, gloves and some small linens.
Kitschy planters and garden items.
I’m excited about this change after 17 years and really enjoy my new merchandise (and hunting for it)! But one thing that will not change is my own love of vintage linens!
When One Door Closes…
We’ve all heard the saying, “When one door closes, another opens.” This has been so true for my shop Mossy Cottage.
As business expanded at my William Street location I was able to get a second smaller space upstairs. I called this space Mossy Cottage Too and it had more retro and industrial merchandise. For the last couple years, however, sales upstairs have not been so great, mostly because only about 1/4 of the people who come into the mall actually go upstairs.
To boost sales I started an Etsy shop several years ago but really didn’t put much effort into it. Earlier this year I decided to work harder at my Etsy shop and run it like the real business it is. Well, once I started to put some time and effort into it, my Etsy shop finally took off. I love that I can list items and run the shop in my pajamas from home.
That being said, I decided to give up my Mossy Cottage Too space upstairs at the mall, and concentrate on my larger downstairs space and my Etsy shop.
Here are some blurry quick pictures of my new business plan. Please notice that if I had one more item to squeeze into my booth downstairs I literally would have needed a shoe horn!
Out with the old.
The end of an era. Or at least a couple of years!
Pretty hand-made dress from the 1950’s.
Showcase full of yumminess!
Pretty linens.
Fun retro merchandise.
Baby and sewing items.
Shabby Chic china and glass jars.
More glassware and purses.
Hanging linens and wicker items.
Lace, lace and more lace!
So there is a quick tour of Mossy Cottage as it is now. I love having the retro mixed with the shabby chic mixed with the industrial. It all can coexist nicely.
I feel a sense of peace having just one booth again. Having an active Etsy shop helps with the sales, but doesn’t require another rent nor schlepping anything upstairs (which gives my knees a sense of peace)! If you would like to visit my Etsy shop here is the link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MossyCottage
Behind the Scenes
People love to attend flea markets, antiques shows, craft shows, art shows, etc.. But what many people miss as attendees of these shows only, is the glamour of what goes on behind the scenes. I am posting this quickie little blog to show you the glamorous day I had today setting up for this weekends Fredericksburg Big Flea. Before anything can be set up, it must be schlepped into the hall.
Here is Martin working so hard bringing me my goodies. Thank you sweetie!
Oooh, that looks like a lot of stuff!
First the “bones” need to be put in place.
And there’s Donna from Snow Creek Farm. Looking good girl!
The linens are hung and put in order.
Things are starting to come together.
Some cutsie stuff.
Some girly stuff.
An awesome hat!
Pretty glasses on a shiny tray.
And some retro fun!!! I’m sorry these pictures are so awful but my dad just gave me his old camera, which is still way better than mine, and I am not used to it yet.
As you can see though, it is pretty “rough” behind the scenes. Oh and did I mention cold? You cannot see from these pictures, however, all the huge loading doors on both sides of the hall were wide open, so we basically worked for 4 hours today in the freezing cold.
All that I had to do today was worth it so I can present a wonderful booth to my family, friends and friends to be. I hope to see you here this weekend!!!
glitteronmyface 
