Friday, April 13, 2012

Some good news and some bad news























Hi all,

I will hurry up and get the bad news out of the way first so we can talk about more fun things (i.e. KEEP READING... hint, hint).

Everyone likes the bad news first, right? And I hope this news isn't too bad...

Effective starting May 1st, we will no longer be able to permanently offer the "Soulemama" discount to our online customers, nor our in-store customers.

About a year ago, I had made an announcement that the "Soulemama" discount would be permanent, but unfortunately I find myself in the position of having to retract that promise.

The reasons behind this decision actually have a lot to do with our in-store discount policy.

We have always, for years and years, offered a 10% discount to guild members, but also to "frequent flyers," small-business owners and recently, to Soulemama readers who knew about the promotional code as well.

Our intentions with this discount policy were good.

But you know what they say about good intentions...

The discount unfortunately caused some hard feelings and confusion with our in-store customers, and after a lot of thought and discussion, my business associate (Mom) and I decided it would be best to discontinue all 10% discounts.

So there's the bad news.

Cat's out of the bag.

Are you ready for the GOOD news?

The good news is as follows:

• We are currently working on a discount program that puts everyone on an even playing field... something like a "punch card" that all of our customers can partake in, whether they are local, online, guild members, small business owners, "frequent flyers," Soulemama readers or what have you.

• We are not *quite* ready to put this new plan into action: we still have some "tweaking" to do, but it's gonna be good for all concerned.

• We will also still be offering the Soulemama discount on a promotional basis, probably for a period of about one week after a featured giveaway on Amanda's blog.

• Even though the in-store discounts already ended on April 1st, you can still use the promotional code "Soulemama" until May 1st to get 10% off your entire online order (does not apply to shipping), so use it 'til you lose it!

• Tomorrow is my birthday (#33) and as I am in a particularly good mood and haven't done a giveaway in a while, I thought I would give you, my readers, a present because I am that kind of a girl...

Leave a comment on this post (I will close comments on Tuesday, April 17th) and you will be entered to win one of our new "Itty Bitty Bundles" of Flea Market Fancy... (21) 9" by 11" cuts, one of each print from the collection.

























I love the Itty Bitty Bundles... I like making them, I like using them, I like looking at them.

They are just so darn cute (and perfect if you like scrappy projects and/or paper-piecing hexagons like I do).

So please forgive me for the bad news and if you have any questions and/or suggestions please do let me know.

Good luck with the giveaway!

XO,

Rhea

37 comments:

Tamie said...

Those little bundles are so cute and I don't have any FMF. Thanks for the giveaway.

Michele said...

That fabric is really beautiful :-) What a sweet giveaway! Enjoy the weekend.

Joan and Kevin said...

Have a Super Birthday!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Love the fabric!

Pamela S. said...

Well it sure is sweet of you to give one of us a present on your birthday. Thanks for the opportunity to win and enjoy your special day!

Anonymous said...

Ooh, Happy, Happy
I am a big believer in the un-birthady gift. little bundle is perfect giveaway
kbeck

Freyja said...

Happy birthday!
I think your bad news is good news if it makes running a great store like yours more sustainable for you.

Densews said...

Happy Birthday. Hope it was as nice up in Maine as it was here in CT today. Thank you for the giveaway. The little bundle sounds like fun.

Emily said...

Happy, happy birthday!! I hope you have a wonderful day.

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday! Have agreat day!

AmyM said...

Happy Birthday! and thank you for the nice giveaway.

Jill Dater said...

Happy Birthday and I'm sure that everyone would buy fabric with or without that discount because you have the most wonderful fabric.

Cheri said...

happy birthday! :)

Chloe said...

Happy Birthday! Love the little bundle, would love to win it, thank you for he chance x

Jodi said...

In today's economy, it's tough to give ANY kind of discount or even a giveaway! Thanks for the chance, and happy birthday!

Rebecca said...

Happy Birthday Rhea. I hope I win.

Kyra Alex said...

Girrl! Happy Birthday!
You are a cute little bundle!!

Jenny said...

happy birthday Rhea! thanks for hosting a party with giveaways!

Chris@Cats On My Quilts said...

The bad news was not so bad and perfectly understandable. And the good news was great-Happy Birthday.

Catherine said...

Happy Birthday! Looking forward to the new discount plan - good news that all can share in. Love the bundle!!

maxine said...

Happy Birthday to you! Thanks for a chance to win such fun fabric! I am counting on a Alewives visit this month with my shop hopping friends! Can't wait!

mommyk8 said...

Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful weekend in this gorgeous weather!

Maggie said...

Have a wonderful birthday! It would be a wonderful that to receive this fabric

LYNN said...

Happy Birthday!!! Thanks for the giveaway - I don't have any FMF. Enjoy!

AP said...

Hi:
I so enjoy coming into your lovely shop; it really is an inspiration-so discovering your blog is a way to get a little without leaving the house!
Enjoy a glorious Bday on this most glorious day!!

Mareenchen said...

Happy birthday! And the ittybittyness of the bundle is too cute. :)

Kay Mishkin said...

I would love more itty bitty pieces to add to my stash. All my work is scrappy and gonna stay that way.

Margaret said...

So would those be fat 16ths? Happy Birthday!!

Bree said...

OMG, that bundle is to die for - it's so petite and cute!
Happy Birthday!

Sara said...

So cute--happy birthday!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! Those bundles look to cute to open.

Anonymous said...

happiest of birthdays! thanks so much for offering the giveaway, we'll all still shop with you-you are the Best fabric shop around!

Liz Horton said...

Yay! what a great giveaway!! I hope I win, I hope I win, I hope I win!!!!

Anonymous said...

I too love Itty Bitty Bundles and would love to win it. A very Happy belated birthday to you!

Anonymous said...

It's very generous of you to give the opportunity to get some much coveted FMF! Thank you. Jennifer
jen_richardson8@hotmail.com

Sue said...

Happy Birthday, Rhea.... a bit late.... discount or no, Alewives is always my favorite :)

Bobbie said...

I understand completely about the discount issue. It's difficult for everyone these days! Happy Birthday - love your blog

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