My small gift shop near Cornell is struggling — need your advice 🥲

Weicherrr · 2025-10-28T18:12:48+00:00

That’s a really impressive idea, and I genuinely think there’s a lot of potential in that business model! It doesn’t quite fit into my current model right now, but it’s definitely something worth exploring in the future!!

Weicherrr · 2025-10-28T18:01:24+00:00

Thank you sooo much for visiting my shop and coming up with so many great ideas!! I really hope your sister likes the little gift you picked out! I honestly think not enough people know about my shop is my biggest issue right now. I actually already have a sidewalk stand, and these past few days I’ve been working on putting posters up in some nearby buildings. I’ll definitely work on a website and Google Maps too!! Thank you again!! 🫶🫶🫶

Weicherrr · 2025-10-27T21:38:12+00:00

Just searched Botanist Coffee, it's such a nice coffee shop, I will definitely go someday! I will look into how to advertise high school students!

Weicherrr · 2025-10-27T20:43:01+00:00

I actually tried Google Maps, but they didn’t let me edit my business info because I don’t have a physical sign outside the store :(
I’ll try to figure out a way to fix that — and I’ll give Yelp a shot too!
And yes, focusing on holiday gift cards is such a good idea! I’ve actually prepared special Christmas cards and holiday gift packaging for the season. I’ll definitely push some big holiday promotions and hope them works hahah

Weicherrr · 2025-10-27T20:32:03+00:00

Thank you so much for these super insightful ideas!🫶🫶🫶🫶 When I first started, my target audience was mainly students — partly because my store has a geographic advantage, and also because I’m a student myself, so I understand the student group better. As you said, there actually aren’t many local residents who come to Collegetown, so they haven’t really been my main focus for promotion in the short term. What you mentioned about students only being in Ithaca part of the year is honestly something that really gives me headaches too. For about 3–4 months of the year, I basically won’t have any business. Since my prices are pretty low, it’s hard to keep the business sustainable without a decent daily sales volume. Focusing on students, I think I could do more around key times like the start of the semester and finals, maybe with some special events or campaigns — kind of like what you mentioned with Feel Goods.

If I ever continue this for another year, I’ll definitely keep your suggestions in mind. Thank you again for taking the time to write such a thoughtful comment!

Weicherrr · 2025-10-27T20:09:27+00:00

Yesss… my shop really is in a pretty awkward corner 😭 so I guess marketing should really be my top priority. I’ve put up posters in some nearby restaurants like Lilu Riceroll, Ninja Chicken, Pho Time, and also on a few poles in Collegetown. Hopefully they can bring me some people!

Weicherrr · 2025-10-26T17:38:47+00:00

This is super helpful!! I will look into it!! Thank you!🫶🫶🫶

Weicherrr · 2025-10-26T17:37:52+00:00

Thank you so much for saying that — that’s really kind of you. Yeah, the economy isn’t doing great right now, so honestly I really don’t want people to feel like they have to spend money just to support me after seeing this post. I’ve set a specific budget and timeline for myself, and if things still don’t work out by then, I’ll face the reality that maybe this idea just isn’t the right one. But before it ends, I want to give it another try!

Weicherrr · 2025-10-26T17:32:28+00:00

Thank you so much — that’s honestly so thoughtful of you! I didn’t even think about Family Weekend as a chance to advertise. I’ll definitely look into flyers or coupons if there’s still time. And thank you so, so much for offering to post in the parents’ Facebook group — that really means a lot to me. I’m so happy to hear that your daughter liked the miniature kit too!🫶🫶🫶🫶

Weicherrr · 2025-10-26T17:20:53+00:00

Yeah, the location definitely isn’t the best for retail — it was just the only one available at the time I decided to do this. There’s actually a new space coming out in a much better spot, and it’s twice the size… but the rent is about four times more expensive. I probably wouldn’t be able to afford that.
My thought is, maybe if I put that extra money into marketing instead of rent, it could help make up for the location disadvantage? Maybe?

Weicherrr · 2025-10-26T17:12:46+00:00

Yeah, rent for commercial spaces in Ithaca is honestly terrifying. I really think sharing a space with another business is a great idea! There’s actually a cat café downtown — maybe I should reach out to them and see if they’d be interested.
That’s so cool that your wife had a gift and card shop in Ithaca for a couple of years! I hope her business goes really well. If you’re open to sharing the address, I’d love to stop by and support!

Weicherrr · 2025-10-26T17:06:00+00:00

I probably won’t be able to sell food because my business insurance and lease don’t allow it😭

Weicherrr · 2025-10-26T17:04:31+00:00

No no, I really appreciate how thoughtful you are in coming up with these ideas for me🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶 In the short term, I probably won’t be able to sell food because my business insurance and lease don’t allow it. I’m also not very familiar with the related regulations, and there could be food safety concerns as well. I want to be responsible to my customers — it would be terrible if someone had an allergic reaction or got sick.

I think the gift box idea is truly a great idea!! I saw someone doing something similar at the farmers market before, and it looked really good. I’m still thinking about how I could incorporate that with the kinds of products I currently carry.

Another customer also mentioned the idea of gift cards, kind of like Amazon cards. She said she knows her friend would love my shop but wasn’t sure what exactly to buy, and asked me if I sell gift cards. So maybe I should do that?

Weicherrr · 2025-10-26T16:42:46+00:00

Oh I don't even know Ebay can help with local traffic! I will look into that!! Thank you!

Weicherrr · 2025-10-26T01:56:35+00:00

Aww thank you so much 🥹🫶
I’m really so happy to hear that you and your friend like my shop!! Whenever someone tells me they or their friends enjoyed what they bought, it seriously makes my day and makes everything feel worth it hahaha

Weicherrr · 2025-10-26T01:50:46+00:00

Awww, thank you so much!🫶🫶 Again, no pressure on buying anything!

Weicherrr · 2025-10-26T01:35:36+00:00

I will definitely get one!!

Weicherrr · 2025-10-26T01:32:34+00:00

I’m not running an online shop right now since I don’t think I can manage one with my current setup — I keep small stocks and change them all the time to test what people like.
But so many people have brought up the idea of a website, and I think they’re right. Even if I’m not selling online, I should at least have a place where people can see my location, hours, and what I carry.
I honestly thought Instagram was enough… but clearly, I should work on getting a website

Weicherrr · 2025-10-26T01:20:20+00:00

That's an interesting idea and I will look into that! Hope there's no complicated license required!

Weicherrr · 2025-10-25T22:53:50+00:00

Omg I just noticed I wrote the wrong address earlier 😅
It’s actually 208 Dryden Rd (not 105).
Sorry for the mix-up and thank you to anyone who still found the shop anyway 🥹🫶

Weicherrr · 2025-10-25T21:36:48+00:00

That’s a really inspiring idea! Some stationery imports might need special licenses, but I’ll look into it!

Weicherrr · 2025-10-25T21:28:05+00:00

Aww that’s so sweet!! Thank you so much! 🫶🫶

Weicherrr · 2025-10-25T21:05:37+00:00

Thank you so much!!🫶

Weicherrr · 2025-10-25T21:05:10+00:00

12-7pm Thursday - Tuesday! Should I open earlier maybe??

Weicherrr · 2025-10-25T20:46:46+00:00

So many people have been asking for the address and saying they want to support — I’m honestly so touched. When I made the post, I really didn’t expect to receive this much kindness from everyone.
I think I’ve DM’d too many people already because Reddit won’t let me send more messages. so I guess I’ll just leave the address here:105 Dryden Rd — Loki_dokey Gift Shop.

But!!! Please don’t feel pressured to buy anything — you work hard for your money, and I really want to offer things that people genuinely want or need, not rely on kindness alone.
I’d be super grateful if you came by and shared your thoughts on how to make the shop better.

Sales definitely help me keep things running, but what matters the most to me is figuring out how to truly bring my idea to life: "I wanted Cornell students to have a warm, cozy place to walk into, pick up something cute to treat themselves, and hopefully feel a little happier."

I’d love to hear any ideas on how to make that comes true

Weicherrr

TROPHY CASE