The Power Up ⎯ SN.02/EP.04
Laurie Carter's Playbook For Small Town Stores
Apples to Oranges has reinvented its product line several times in the past decade. In fact, Laurie opened the store wanting to share her passion for yarn and knitting, but knew that probably wouldn’t be enough to succeed, hence the name “Apples to Oranges.” Now Laurie carries looseleaf tea, 3D wooden puzzles, and chocolates as well.
Laurie explains, “I cut way back to the yarns that I had experience with and that I knew would sell well. I’ve been selling jigsaw puzzles and the looseleaf tea but I added children’s toys and that brought in a whole different market.”
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About The Business
Business name: Apples to Oranges
Founded: 2013
Owner: Laurie Carter
Location: Silverton, Oregan
Website: https://applestooranges.net
Sales diversification strategy: Storefront, e-commerce
About Our Guest
Laurie had always been a passionate knitter and active member of the Silverton community. When she noticed all the locally owned stores downtown began shutting their doors, Laurie wanted to change that. Even though she had no prior retail experience, she had a close knit group of friends that would support a yarn store.
Quickly on, she realized that yarn wouldn’t be enough to become profitable. She began bringing in more product categories to the store that she enjoyed and found missing from local shops. Laurie is proud of what she’s been able to build over the years and that she has remained (mostly) profitable while representing her hometown.
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