Monday, December 10, 2012

How much online shopping is hurting Small Businesses !

How much online shopping is hurting Small Businesses!!



Honestly how much online shopping is  hurting my small business! 


Christmas is exactly 14 days away. I would expect business to be booming, however sadly its quite the opposite.  As a Small Business owner, in a small remote rural town i am feeling the major impacts of online shopping and the effects it is having on my own business. 

Don't get me wrong, i don't condone ALL online shopping, Rhubarb does online trade, however we are a small business and the profits go towards our bills in store and to provide new stock, not to mention our income.  I am all for supporting Australian Businesses whether it is online or in store. 

I am as guilty as the next for purchasing online from a major organisation such as Amazon etc, however i could count on 1 hand how many times i have and it was most likely because i couldn't get it elsewhere.  I am the type of person "I want it and i want it yesterday" which makes it hard living in a remote town which is 2.5 hours away from a major city, so again there is another reason to do online shopping.  When did we become so impatient and lazy? 

I posted a status on our Facebook page yesterday about this and had such great response and feedback. A particular lady stated that she is 100% guilty of doing her Christmas shopping online this year but simply because she had a toddler that was near impossible to face it in the shopping centre which she lives 2 hours from and would have to do a round trip in the day. I totally get that and understand why she would go that way, however this is what is starting to kill the small businesses. She didn't state if she purchased from Australian Businesses or major organisation, but she did also state that is was simply and purely because it was easier and less hassle to do so and she did her shopping in Rockhampton throughout the year. 

I am posting this as a message to you all to stop and have a think before you "Click and Save" online and to have a look around you and see what is at your front door or a small business in a neighbouring town. I spent the weekend in Rockhampton and i remember 4 or 5 years ago it was absolute CHAOS to go to Rocky from about November onwards to do the shopping, and every year we would say "i am going to be much more organised next year and do shopping earlier or throughout the year" and every year we would face the major crowds. Sadly this year was no different then any other weekend in Rocky, well  that i noticed. Malls, Shopping Centres and Shops were all sadly quiet. I spoke to a few owners as i was purchasing my Christmas Gifts and we discussed how quiet the trade was and how scary it is. Without them knowing i was also a small business owner they would comment that they are finding people are doing a lot more online trade.

As a business owner, i don't completely blame people for wanting to avoid the Christmas rush and Chaos in the stores, so we as the owners need to think what we can do to get the customers back in our doors and how to make it easier for them. So i ask you if you have any feedback please comment and let us know. ALL feedback is welcome! 

This year at Rhubarb we are offering complimentary glass of Champagne from now until Christmas to our browsers, what more could a girl want! How much more blissful can Christmas Shopping be. 

So please remember to consider our Australian owned Small Business before you purchase from elsewhere. The industry is extremely struggling and its certainly going to be a case of "you won't know what you have until its gone". Remember this throughout the year not only just through the Christmas Period. 

What is your opinion? If you can help spread the word or interested in taking this further to shout it out please contact me! 


Yours in Style, 

Caitlyn McLeod
Small Business owner 
Rhubarb Boutique
Theodore Q 






Wednesday, September 19, 2012

YOUnique Style

YOUnique Style

Today's post is all about you and your style.

As the manager of this fashion store, i love seeing every human body create their own style in "fashion". We each have a different understanding what is fashionable and whats not. 




As ladies reach a certain age, we tend to be more fragile about their body, what they wear and what is shown. "One persons long is one persons short". I giggle quote often when a customer comes in looking for a certain something and they inform me they don't like anything shorter then here or they have to hide this and that. Its funny what we all become self conscious of. When i say i giggle, i giggle in a way that we all have bits we think that should be hidden from the world and i know for a fact, some of those bits you are hiding, someone would love to have to show!Some Ladies prefer to have knee length dresses, sleeves, or pants. Its what we feel comfortable in that we wear with pride and confidence.




I am guilty of it as well and I'm only 23! When it comes time to order the stock for the NEXT season, i sometimes struggle with the upcoming fashion. 
I am a size 10 sometimes an 8 and this often works against me. In the store that is, i tend to find people don't quite take me serious when I'm giving advise on a size 14-16 and what looks good. I actually admire how clothing looks on a healthy size 14 /16 and i personally prefer some of today's fashion pieces on these ladies.


I don't get to head down to the label showings and trade fairs as often as i would like or need to, so i find myself always ordering out of a catalogue or any form of images sent to me from my supplier.
 Its so very hard to pic and choose what to purchase from these images for a number of reasons.

Whats it feel like? 
How does it really sit if your not posing? 
Looks great on a size 8 6ft model but what about a 5ft size 14?

Most of my customers are sizes 10-16, so i often struggle with this and trying to figure out what is going to sell and compliment all body shapes! I sometimes get it wrong, and don't order enough or too much!

I often comment that if i was to too a designing degree in fashion, i would design a plus size range and in the mid $$ range.  I am constantly on the look out for a great plus size range that isn't too mature or too expensive. 




As you probably read in my last post My Mr Rhubarb Right, that i am a Bride to Be, and this means we must locate a Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom outfit. Again this has started to become a challenge, everything is either too old, far too expensive or overseas. Now i am a very big believe in you buy cheap you buy twice, so when i say far too expensive I'm talking $800 - $1000. Again we each have a different opinion on what "look" the MOB or MOG is. 

Rhubarb Boutique likes to stock a mid range market in store, and this is simply my personal choice. From owning Rhubarb i see so many customers walk away because they can't justify spending the money (and that is fine, as we are all in a financial position we don't really like to be in) but ladies if there is 1 piece of advice i can give you when you are shopping for your outfit, stay true to you and spend a little bit more for the quality. You will find it washes so much better and last so much longer. If you can't afford to purchase today's fashion pieces, purchase neutral items and splurge on accessories every now and then. 

Accessories are a great additive to an outfit. You don't have to spend a lot of money on them, but not only that, when we accessorise that's when we tend to put our own YOUnique style to the outfit. 



All images can be found on Rhubarb Boutique Facebook page where you can purchase the items.

Yours in YOUnique Style.
Caitlyn McLeod


Tuesday, September 18, 2012

My Mr Rhubarb Right!

My Mr Rhubarb Right...



I would like to introduce you to my much better half, Finley Hewitt. 

Finley is also Rhubarb's better half, although i am really selfish and don't like sharing! Finley and i brought Rhubarb together 2 years ago, i never actually thought i would have any chance of this "cowboy" rough rider going into business with me, in a female retail industry. Surprisingly Finley was/is actually the person that pushed/s me and helped me through to times when business goes a little bit pear shaped! 
He is the perfect business partner! I'm not being soppy by any means, I'm really serious, because he is much like a silent partner, but he always seems to appear when i need him and is sitting silently in the background when i don't need him .  Fin has a great financial and business mind. Unlike myself, that has the "i want to do, i don't care how but i want it and want to do it now" mind. Which isn't always good. 





Finley and i live together on his parent's property which he helps manage, don't even get me started on the "cattle, crops, fencing" discussions that go on every "get together" we have. Finley's Mum Tracey Hewitt, and i often start our own little "she woman cattle discussion haters club!" We love our farm boy's to bits, but they L.I.V.E. and B.R.E.A.T.H.E it! 
Finley and his 2 other brothers will be the 3rd generation Hewitt's on "Charvel" when and if it comes time to pass it on. When i say "when" i mean if the mining doesn't take over before hand. 

I am often told by Mr Right, that he doesn't care where he is, as long he has his cows he will be happy.. hmmmmm i don't know about you but WHAT ABOUT ME!! :-) He then very quickly adds "oh and you too of course.."  I'm not sure if it's ever quick enough to save himself!  




Finley and i celebrated our engagement earlier this year. We were engaged 12 months yesterday, (18.9.2012)  that is. Time has flown,let me tell you! 




I class myself as very lucky, blessed and i cherish what Finley and i share. I always remember someone telling me, when you find love you will know, its different. It sure is different. 
To have someone that has the capability to pick you up, carry you, support you, lean on and most of all accepts and loves you is pretty amazing. Rhubarb is very lucky to have this man in her life, and not many of us small business owners have someone like Fin in our business. I can tell you know, if it wasn't for my Handsome prince, I'm not sure Rhubarb would have survived the floods and been here today! 

Each day is a battle in 1 way or another, but it's all worth it to see what joy Rhubarb brings to the ladies of the Rural! 




















Thursday, September 13, 2012

Spring INto Rhubarb



S P R I N G has arrived! After our colder months, filled with layers and layers of clothes, cozy socks, bulky jackets, soft knits, warm hot chocolates and most of all, our wardrobes filled with all those warm deep dark colours and lets not forget our snuggly scarves!  
Isn't it GREAT to finally see Winter* out and Spring arrive?
I love getting all warm and cozy in winter, and every year I'm glad to see it arrive, crazy i know, but I'm not going to lie. This does only last for roughly 27 and a half seconds! 
As a clothing store owner, i love the beginning of Spring, although when its time to order the spring stock, I'm usually just getting into jackets and boots and all the above that i mentioned before and i have to order for spring. It messes with my mind, i just cannot seem to get my mind around it every year.
 August arrives and so does our Spring stock, and by this time, its so great to see some colour pop up throughout the store. 
This year's Spring/Summer fashion is B.R.I.G.H.T.S . Bold and strong!  Im sure you have all seen these colours in the stores around you by now.  We have had a few cold snaps up this way (well what we class as cold) and we just haven't had the chance to fully embrace the spring fling! 
Today is the day! The day Rhubarb transforms her from window into a Spring Sensation! 





I love to get creative with my window displays. I always have a lot a fun! 
People often walk by and wonder what on earth i am doing, i always seem to have "things" everywhere and then BAM all of a sudden it turns into a piece of "WORK". 
This years spring themed window, which i am pretty impressed with, is all about "pops" of colour. I have bright bits and pieces tied from a curtain rod which i have threaded through some fishing line hanging from the ceiling. Everything is tied on with fishing line so it gives a "floating effect". 
I then laid fake grass down and then popped some mirrors down inline with the floating effect above it, so when people walk by they will see the reflection of the hanging feature. 
Rhubarb's window is a low window so its quite easy to do these effects and features.

I then tied black, white and silver in with the theme down the bottom. These colours are always a wardrobe essential as they are very versatile with any season and outfit. 
When decorating my window, i always keep in mind that its the first impression of your shop. It will either turn people away or bring people in. Your window is an "appetiser", gives you a little taste of whats inside. 
How many times have you walked past a shop and walked away as there wasn't much that grabbed your eye in the window or at a first glance??  Very often i bet! 
First impressions are the most very important! 

I wish i could show you a front on picture, unfortunately the lighting doesn't work in my favour at this time of the day.  If anyone has any photography advice - I'm all ears!

Does this make you want to go put those brights on? Bright Lipsticks ? Bright Jeans? Bright Shoes? Bright Jewellery? Hello 80's! 

I am often asked if i have done a designer course in decorating.... The answer is no, but i take this as a huge compliment, as i never considered myself a creative person, i  really just match it all together and add a twist!  I'm sure there are designers out there that would totally disagree with my way of decorating, and thats ok!  It works for Rhubarb, and if it catches your eye, its done its job! It our way of displaying our stock and inspiring you in your home or with your outfit or style. 
Happy Spring!  If your around, Spring into Rhubarb and have a look out our stock we have in store, if your not around the store, spring onto our Facebook site and check it out! 
We do post to anywhere in Australia. 

Yours in Spring Style, Caitlyn! 

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Living and Running Rural...






Rhubarb Boutique is tucked away, much like a buried treasure. She calls Theodore Home.

Theodore..... Regional QLD...... Moura, Banana, Taroom.... about 2.5 hours south west from Rockhampton... is usually how that conversation goes. You with me??? You know where i am??

Just in case.. here is a map. 


As a business owner that felt the direct impact of the 2010/2011 Floods, i had to put my mind to work and hatch a plan. A plan that allows me to do what i have grown a passion for and earn a living and keep Rhubarb alive! 


Rhubarb on the Run was born! 


A lot of Ladies are missing out on retail therapy or are getting their retail fix on www......! Its just not the same as touching, smelling or trying (Unless its on www.rhubarbboutique.com.au

Rhubarb on the Run is the next "Tupperware" Fad! 

Living in a Rural town, doesn't mean we have to live like mushrooms and not keep up with the trends and purchase all the pretty things that make us happy! 

Who are we kidding! How great is it to be able to wear your daggiest clothes and not have to worry about anyone coming knocking! GUILTY!

Rhubarb has already had the privilege to provide this service to a number of Ladies and their Friends already. It's such a great time. It gives Rhubarb a chance to tell her story and explain a little more about the products we sell. We have also been very privileged to attend Fundraising events, Community events and Sporting events such as Campdrafts etc. 

Later next month we are attending an "Open Day" at a property, offering all the ladies attending something a little different to look at other then Cattle & Horses!

Would you like Rhubarb to come along to your event? 

The ladies sit back with a glass of wine, nibbles and shop away at their own pace! 

As a host, you are entitled to a Reward!


You just never know how far Rhubarb will Run! 

Rhubarb was lucky enough to be published on BushBelles blog back in February this year. Check it out! 
http://bushbelles.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/rhubarb-boutique-in-theodore.html

If you would like more information about our Rhubarb on the Run Parties or becoming a host, please pop a comment and we will be in touch! 



It's all about making do with what you have where you are!

























Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Discovering, Experiencing, Loving

Discovering.... Experiencing.... Loving....

As the owner of this gorgeous boutique, it is my duty to share the LOVE! Right??  Rhubarb is most likely very knew to your eyes, probably as new as this blogging is to my eyes.  So as i become familiar to the world of blogging, i would love for you to become familiar with the world of Rhubarb! 

Rhubarb Boutique is small boutique, as much as i dislike calling her small, she is. She is compact, cute and unique. Thats what make her the boutique she is i guess. I keep referring to Rhubarb as a human, I'm not sure why but by the end of this blog, I'm sure you will see she has much personality like a human. So stay with me here.. 

Owning Rhubarb is bliss! Pure Bliss! I can style her with all the pretty things i wish to have in my life and what i think is essential to have in your life. You and many other people I'm sure would disagree with me on some or most items, but i have a theory. 
My theory is that we all need something sweet and special in our life, that doesn't age and we can treasure for a very long time. 

I know in my own home, that things quickly become stuff and that stuff quickly becomes something to dust! Its a never ending viscious circle of life. BUT thats ok, because yet be keep buying all these pretty things! 



When buying all these pretty things for Rhubarb, i keep in mind that we all have different styles, tastes and price ranges. I always try to have something in store or available for each and every person that shops here at Rhubarb.  

We always shop for something pretty, some shop for that something pretty to help our house be our home, some shop for that something pretty to turn an outfit into your style. No matter what sort of something pretty you shop for, its always something different from the next person. 
Isn't that AWESOME when you think about it! 




On a weekly basis i always here a repeated comment, "You have such a beautiful shop with so many unique bits a pieces". When i here these words i think, well i am doing my job! 

My job is to provide you with unique bits and pieces. 

We have such a wide range, the most popular i would have to say would be our eel skin collection. YES EEL SKIN. Have you ever felt it?? Its amazing.  I have added a picture of a couple of there clutches in there bright colours. What are your thoughts?? 


I will do a blog on the eel skin range, so stay tuned! 




Is this painting you a picture of what Rhubarb is all about?? 
I was never much of a painter! 

To have a look at our products please head over to our Facebook site.www.facebook.com/rhubarbboutique

Rhubarb boutique has her style and you must help me create it! So please be sure to post your thoughts and "LIKE" our Facebook page.