Health & Fitness
OB to Close Brick & Mortar - A New Chapter!
This is a long post - but because we have told our family, our family of friends, and our amazing customer base -- I don't know how else to tell "more" of the people we love. Although this is a hard decision, it is the right decision at the right time. My energy will be re-focused towards my Cooking School and Events Company. My time will be better planned out for my family. What I have loved the most is the people who have come into my life. I am acutely aware that I/we did this for all of the right reasons -and the Olivia Browning will forever be in my heart. Join me for the next chapter. Below is the newsletter/press release sent out to my customers. We are planning the Gratitude Party! & Many thanks for the lovely and positive and happy emails many of you have sent already. xxoo
The Picture: This is where we started Olivia Browning! We started in our kitchen! We are starting in our kitchen again. We are launching our "Abby Gray Cooking School & Olivia Browning Events" -- However, in order to do that, we are closing our brick and mortar store, Olivia Browning. There are many reasons, but mostly, it is very difficult to make a living without parking and surrounding retail stores. Competition is GREAT for retail stores. With the lack of it in Charlestown, we feel that the best decision for our family, is to close the store. Here are a few things we want you to know & I have written the press release below to share with you! We love you -- and will be here for you! Read on and THANK YOU.
Our Decision and Why
Dear OB Friends and Family:
Richard, Maggie, Alice and I have decided to close Olivia Browning, as we know it, over the next several months. After many sleepless nights and a very long winter, we came to the decision that, despite all of our efforts, Olivia Browning is not profitable. This is not a rash decision, but rather, a decision, that has come out of a lot of consideration, examination and evaluation. In order to make a living owning Olivia Browning, we would, at the very least, have to double transactions. Without curb cuts and additional surrounding businesses for support, this is an impossible task. Knowing when to quit is as important as knowing when to take a chance.
The Charlestown Community will have to think very long and hard about what they want for retail. There needs to be a cohesive district so that stores can support each other and folks can "stroll". This is true of any community. As an example, look at the new Assembly Square! They have built condos, playgrounds, restaurants, shops, exercise facilities, and many other "options" (indoors and out). They also have a close-in T stop. This makes a huge difference in the life of a retailer.
Goals and plans have to be long range for a community, for MOST residents. Long term thinking and planning. Even if you are not a lifer in the city, what do you want out of your community? Cute stores, good bakeries, gourmet cheese shops, tween and teen safe hangouts, etc. all are great ideas - and need full community support once they are up and running. Folks cannot be afraid of competition. Communities with thriving business districts have "a lot of the same" - it is the owner and the staff that differentiate the business. A vibrant community has stores and restaurants and parking for businesses, guests, and employees who do not live in Charlestown.
We gave it our all - and tried very hard to be heard about parking and community retail growth. But the fact of the matter is, these laws and parking regulations are not going to change overnight. I give you my word that I will do all that I can to get the changes we need to help support the next wave of entrepreneurs. As the President of the Chamber of Commerce Charlestown, I will work hard to make sure that businesses have a voice with the city and we are heard.
Most importantly, we are not closing down our brand! The exciting news is that I will move forward with my Cooking School and our Events Co. We are working out the specifics now. We are not leaving Charlestown. We are firmly planted here and love our community. Richard HQ's his company here. I will continue to host Charlestown Live! and bring on as many business people and community people as I can. I will always work with the city to build a district for our residents, as I have mentioned above.
I would not trade one day of the last 6 years. I am smarter than when I started. I have learned so much. I am proud of what we have done here in Charlestown. I am proud that we partnered with as many businesses that would partner with us. I am proud of the charity work we accomplished and the relationships we grew. Richard, Mags, Alice and I have had experiences and days that will be in our hearts forever. I have seen your babies born, held them, and loved seeing them grow. I have seen you get married and helped you with your registry or invitations. I have helped you pick out "just the right gift" - and that has never been lost on me. It has been a privilege to be a part of your lives. Thank you!
I hope you will join me on my next venture. Our cooking school is going to be amazing. Partly, because I have thought of classes for all of our kids and YOU! In the next few weeks, you will learn more. I will also continue to BLOG about business and best practices and try to keep you informed about "what's next" for all of us!
Respectfully, I ask you to shop during the coming weeks! We will eventually have some great sales, but I want to make sure every vendor of mine is paid before we move ahead with sales. There is no magic, just selling through inventory! We will have a few more trunk shows and welcome back some of the people who have been with us since the beginning.
We will end with a "Gratitude Party" and an unveiling of the Cooking School and Events Co. I am an Event Planner, as well as a lover of fun events. Please consider me for your next big party or celebration. I will be keep our phone number and my email address the same so that the transition will be easier for all.
Our Closing Gratitude Part will be well publicized. I hope you will join me in celebrating a chapter in my family's life, and the life of Charlestown, with happiness and gratitude.
Carpe Diem!
With thanks and love and much gratitude,
Abby, Richard, Mags & Alice xo
WHAT WE WILL OFFER - AN EXCITING SNEAK PEAK!
ONE OF MANY COOKING CLASSES
Cooking with Kids - Gourmet for a Day Birthday Parties!
We are designing many classes and parties. We are talking to chefs about teaching you how to make Sushi & Vegan Dishes and Italian Pasta (Lorena!) & Pastry. I am going to be teaching weekday mornings and hosting fun parties for all us girls!
We think one of the BIG hits will be our Children Can Cook Class - or "Gourmet for a Day" Birthday Parties. Please share our newsletter with those that you think would like to be added. We will publish our Fall Schedule by July 15th. *Some classes will be offered in June/July. No classes in August 2014. Full schedule begins in September.