An Introduction to Vanness is in Order
Maybe we are more like a mini-department store? Our land lord and business associates call us a "destination retailer". The Vanness family can't even decide on a "tag line" (it's only been 75 years). Vanness is such a unique business that we defy description. No. REALLY.
At local events when professionals stand up and "tell a little about
your business " those who know our store- well- they laugh- and say good
luck describing your place in a few words. Not really a great
introduction for our little corner of the retail world. We found various specialty
niches with each generation;
the business afforded Orville the opportunity to feed 4 generations of
Vanness children.
Enough rambling. Do I list our merchandise alphabetically or by time period of introduction????
First and foremost we began as a Razor repair and Fountain Pen repair shop; before disposable razors or ballpoint pens- everything was built to last (or was repaired). Orville Vanness could not say no- so he began repairing anything that fit thru the door. He passed these skills to his sons and grandsons. Today we repair everything from Kitchen Aid Mixers to old silver Christmas trees.
Hallmark was new and relatively unknown (after WW II); Orville became one of the first Hallmark stores- and sooooo added cards and gifts. Eventually daughter-in-law Becky (the 1960's) asked for a small space for cake supplies (none could be found in Little Rock). Soon chocolate was added- and candy making classes followed. Did I forget to mention engraving was also added? Pens were personalized- and soon glass items joined the customization department. Eventually wedding and anniversary merchandise had their own space in one of the Vanness locations. Today we continue all the various aspects of this third generation family business- and have even added a website.
How do I tie these completely separate pieces of our store together? My answer is a blog.
With this blog I will attempt to put the pieces of this rare puzzle together. I hope you will follow me as I introduce Vanness to the blogging universe.
Lisa Vanness
