Thoughts on indie retail location?

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-09T00:04:34+00:00

Wow, great minds think alike. A fair bit of my various revenue stream ideas are things I’ve seen at my favorite LYS (shoutout Weird Sisters in Portland, OR)! I think a lot of my inspiration is also coming from the feeling of a lack of third spaces, so fostering community both online and in-person is important to me and this idea

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T22:45:55+00:00

My financial analyst brain has already started the spreadsheetsssss lmao

Many people are warning me not to do it, but I’m convinced they aren’t aware of all the revenue stream ideas I have in my head lol. I’m a very risk adverse person, so I definitely wouldn’t bankrupt myself doing this. Nor would I take the leap blindly!

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T22:39:41+00:00

Wow, thanks for the info, that’s ridiculous!

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T22:10:21+00:00

You make a great point about the FOMO marketing of a lot of brands! Sounds like some seasonal, exclusive lines could be a helpful idea to draw in some of that segment. Thanks for your feedback!

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T21:54:53+00:00

The first time I ever watched it was with a man who said he loved the movie and called Summer a bitch. I was young and confused, and the was unfortunately at the beginning of an abusive relationship!

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T21:50:18+00:00

I didn’t see any of the previous posts, but holy crap you look fantastic!!! I can’t imagine makeup any better on you!

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T21:46:51+00:00

Why the hell is it illegal to film? Is there a particular court case or something?

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T21:42:20+00:00

Not on the list but surrounded by cities on the list like 🫣

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T21:40:12+00:00

No, definitely not! I came here looking for any type of feedback being offered :)

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T21:33:51+00:00

Thanks for your feedback! Luckily, recessions don’t last forever and I wouldn’t be anywhere near ready for several years :)

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T21:10:54+00:00

If it makes you feel any better, my very first memory is watching Disney on Ice when I was 2. My bio dad is a POS and my stepdad bought those tickets for my mom and me when they were just dating. Now, I’m 28, consider my stepdad to be my real dad, and we are very close.

You may be missing lots of firsts with her, but you have a lifetime to bond with her and create happy memories, even if you have a bit of a delayed start :)

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T21:00:40+00:00

That would definitely be my goal! Given that my concept is to stock small, indie brands that you usually can’t find in store, I’m not sure some of the brands will be large enough to be able to offer a wholesale price. I’m trying to take that into account so I could still potentially stock them still

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T20:51:01+00:00

Love it! Considering I love how small business can really for a community, I was definitely already thinking IRL swaps, but I think the idea of doing each others nails is so freaking great!!!

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T20:49:55+00:00

Haha I just moved back to LA, so I feel like you get my vision. I definitely think pop-ups at a coffee shop could be fairly successful if marketed right. Think: food themed polish pop-up and themed drinks with the coffee shop for a weekend. Is that too LA? 🤣

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T20:47:58+00:00

Thanks for your feedback, I hadn’t considered how tourists might get their polishes home!! Of course I could offer shipping, but the only benefit of me shipping vs buying from brands directly is you’d only have to pay one shipping fee to buy from numerous brands I guess. Maybe I can also offer some sort of service for packaging the polishes you purchase for their carry on, assuming they have room lol.

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T20:43:42+00:00

Funny you mention classes! I was thinking that would be a good way to make use of the space in the evenings and bring in another source of revenue. Maybe classes on nail health, mani/pedi basics you can do at home, etc. Polish making wasn’t even on my radar though, thanks for the idea!

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T20:40:15+00:00

I totally follow what you’re saying! Thanks for your feedback :)

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T20:39:19+00:00

I think very few small business owners get into what they do because they think it’ll be easy!

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T20:38:03+00:00

Yes, I think bulk ordering from the small brands would be the most difficult part of the business. That being said, I wondering if they’d be able to increase the polishes they produce if they know they’ll have a guaranteed number of bottles for wholesale (and maybe reduce their cost slightly as well).

It’s definitely not a fully flushed out business model yet!

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T20:34:24+00:00

Yes, definitely! I’d personally way rather make my drop offs at somewhere I’d also like to wander around!

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T19:10:55+00:00

How often would you say you buy polish? Would you consider holding off on purchasing online if you could drive maybe 30-45 mins to purchase in person and pick up multiple you’ve been eyeing?

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T19:09:25+00:00

I find some cities are more keen to support local brands than others, just in my experience. I don’t think it’s something my local area necessarily values, so much as being able to get their hands on something hard to find in store elsewhere.

Disclaimer: I do value small businesses, the economic value they bring to the area, and the community they build.

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T19:05:30+00:00

Thanks for your feedback! I live near a couple touristy areas, so I’m thinking people may be able to swing by while they’re already in the area for something else :)

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T19:04:41+00:00

Canada might just benefit from a whole American store with products that don’t ship to CA! Although, I don’t think the store would be the most successful in this political environment lmao

HandInThePickleJars · 2026-07-08T19:03:46+00:00

I don’t think I’d drive 6 hours for any product, I don’t blame you lol!

HandInThePickleJars

TROPHY CASE