Dear friends,In the wide realm of the retail world Renee's is not a big store. Marlene and I are the only "employees." We don't sell electronic devices. We don't buy "off-price" merchandise to mark up and then offer you a "sale." We don't do much advertising. I'm happy if I have time and energy to publish an email once a month!
We DO offer quality, value and a pleasant shopping experience with us, people you know. And we know you, too! At Renee's you will find items I personally chose with you in mind: apparel, jewelry, accessories I think you will enjoy and appreciate for years to come.
Our customers (you) are like family. When your loved ones come in and choose a gift for you, we can make an educated guess about your preferences, colors and sizes. (We also have wish lists you can fill out to help us.) Both the giver and receiver benefit, and Renee's does, too. This fortuitous exchange is heartening, as it ensures Renee's future existence, even in a time when big box stores and Chinese-made products seem to be winning.
In that regard, I want to tell you about Lori, a friend of a friend who created some mittens we just received. Lori makes felted wool mittens from old sweaters, and lines them with soft fleece. When I saw her photos I immediately recognized that THIS is what you, my friends and customers, would appreciate. I asked her to send seven pairs.
Yesterday I tore open the box when it arrived. The mittens were even better in person than they looked in the photos. They may not be the least expensive mittens in town, but I can guarantee you will notice quality, recognize value, and immediately think "love and care" when you try them on.
I don't know Lori, the woman who made the mittens, personally, but I do remember when her first husband tragically passed away about fifteen years ago in a farming accident. Although this unfortunate calamity doesn't affect you much, rest assured that these mittens were made by a real person, someone like you who has experienced life's joys and sorrows. Since that heartbreaking time Lori has remarried and is taking care of the ones she loves. She is working at her craft, using her time and talents to the best of her ability, and helping to support her family, just like all of us.
Lori's story brings home what is important in life, especially during this holiday season: people. I hope anyone who darkens our door this season will recognize that everything at Renee's is hand picked with love and care, and chosen with real people in mind!
Thank you for your support. I know I will see many of you this holiday season, and I am grateful. I love my work, I love my customers (you!), and I look forward to offering you and your loved ones special items that become "favorites" for many years to come!
With love,
Renee
