By June Mathews After 23 years of building up one of the most well-known retail mattress companies in the Southeast, Keith Krininger was ready to sell. Neither health nor finances were a factor; he simply felt the time had come to give up the daily grind and reap the rewards of his hard-won success. Provided, that is, the right buyer came along. You see, Krininger’s company, … [Read more...]
Groomed for the High Side: Mountain High Outfitters Owner Reflects on Humble Beginnings, New Location
By Sarah Kuper Christopher Groom, founder of Mountain High Outfitters, is busy preparing a new space in a more prominent location at The Summit for his popular outdoor store. Groom is moving from his current storefront near Saks Fifth Avenue to the high side of The Summit shopping center. “After many years tucked in the corner, we are able to move up toward Urban Outfitters. … [Read more...]
Customer-Focused Service: It’s No Accident the Word‘Service’ Comes Right After ‘Guin’ in Company Name
By Sam PrickettOn a recent, cold January night, Joseph Braswell woke up to a ringing phone. Even though it was the middle of the night, he answered it.The person on the other end — a customer of Guin Service, Braswell’s family business — was having a particularly bad night. The freezing weather had caused their pipes to rupture.“So I woke up and found somebody … [Read more...]
A Doll’s House: A Childhood Surrounded by Fame and a Career Inspired by Beauty and Make-Believe
By Sarah KuperIt has been 40 years since 82-year-old Mary Charles Robbins opened her fine doll and miniatures store in Mountain Brook Village.Originally intended as an antique store, she and four other ladies opened the shop with no retail experience or seed money. They soon learned there was a high demand for antique dolls, accessories and doll repair … [Read more...]
A Season of Surprises: Shopping Is Child’s Play With Recommendations From OTM Toy Stores
By Donna CorneliusThe best Christmas presents often are unexpected treats, especially when it comes to a special toy under the tree. Sometimes, though, it’s not just children who are surprised. Even toy store owners can be startled when an item they hope will earn respectable sales flies off the shelf. Homewood Toy & Hobby owner Tricia McCain and manager Julie Marix … [Read more...]