Economy Requires Unique Retail Strategies
While major retailers are feeling the pain, independent boutique stores drive up sales through creativity, unique inventory and personal service.

BALTIMORE, MD, November 12, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Forbes.com reports retail sales were sluggish in October. Citing the ICSC-Goldman Sachs index, Forbes.com reported that retailers had their weakest October sales since 1969, with 60.0% missing expectations and only 33.0% beating them.

The pain being felt at the large box stores, such as Circuit City, is multiplied for small, independent, boutique shops. These "indie" stores are being forced to be extremely creative in what they stock, how they market their products and what services they will offer.

One such indie boutique store is Kir DeVries. Kir DeVries offers an eclectic mix of home, men's, women's and children products.

"We look for products that no one else is carrying, unique gifts, specialty home d cor, stylish items," says Kristen Becker, owner of Kir DeVries. "For instance, we carry Shinzi Katoh bags, totes and stainless steel water bottles. And we have Third Drawer Down kitchen accessories. Our Earthlust stainless steel water bottles are very popular because of the artistic designs and they are made in the USA."

Providing products and unusual gifts while keeping a keen eye on a fresh inventory, has allowed Kir DeVries to grow even in a sluggish economy. Sales at Kir DeVries are up over 25%.

"We are very aware that people are having to cut back and every dollar they spend must be a thoughtful purchase. Also, we know that people want to find American made products, so we search for products made in the USA. Right now, we have a beautiful line of girls dresses that are hand made in the United States, that's hard to find, clothing actually made in the USA," says Becker.

Besides the products, Kir DeVries offers gift wrapping service and an easy return policy.

"Our goal is to make the customer feel the way we want to feel so we offer personalized service and value," says Becker.

To see the store, go to www.shopkirdevries.com

To arrange an interview with Ms. Becker, contact Bunnie Riedel at 410-992-4976 or info@riedelcommunications.com

Press Release Contact Information:

Kristen Becker
kir devries llc
owner
PO Box 3813
Crofton, md
usa 21114
Voice: 877.260.4266
Website: Visit Our Website