Margaret’s Fine Imports
I’m a big fan of tea. I’m sure that’s at least partially inspired by my mother, who so frequently has a hot cup of tea in front of her that my first words were, “hot tea!” So, of course, when I came into contact with Wick’s and Beans at some point last year, I was both intruiged and excited. In fact, I was so excited that it couldn’t be completely explained by some maternally-inspired appreciation of tea. I think it has much more to do with my love of small storefronts run by a connoisseur. This brings me to Margaret’s Fine Imports, which is nothing more than a bigger, better Wick’s and Beans in a new location.
Those of you that know me, probably think my small storefront excitement is contradictory: I have a huge respect for big business and what it enables. Massive storefronts like Target, Ikea, and Giant Eagle that have grown to become a part of our lives always seem to have what we want and have it at a good price (and are even open whenever we want it). Our lives have unheard of convenience and prices that is entirely attributable to the tremendous efficiency of these store. But they don’t really have everything we want, and they certainly aren’t going to take the time to introduce me to the stovetop coffee maker I just bought from Margaret (of fine imports fame). I didn’t even know that coffee maker was an option, nor did the average consumer. As a result, you can’t get it from Target.
That exposure to a new item that’s probably far better than what I could get at Target is the primary reason why I’m convinced that this type of specialty shop will continue to exist. When there’s a deeper level that you can dig into, that the connoisseur behind the counter can share, that’s when that small storefront will work. I’m convinced that it must be working for Margaret. She just moved her store to a new part of Squirrel Hill (she’s now on Forbes near Aladdins), and opened up an ever larger storefront. I have a feeling, she’s not hurting for business. She’s not drawing in a huge crowd every night or hiring a marketing department, but I bet she’s happy. Well, I’m then I guess I’m happy that her storefront exists.
While I’m on the subject of Margaret’s Fine Imports, the store is hosting a free coffee class on Friday (September 15). There are four different sessions: two in the morning and two in the evening (all presumably identical). If anyone’s interested, I’m hoping to hit up the 8:00pm class. Margaret prefer’s pre-registration, so you may want to call the store if you decide to go.
October 11th, 2006 at 8:40 pm
Way to reclaim your domain. I’ll admit, I went looking for you because I wondered if you were getting likeness rights for the PC guy in the recent smattering of Mac ads. Your picture and health-orientation have me beleiving otherwise, though.
The problem is when the connoisseur market is too small to support a single small storefront. They either of to diversify (losing their grasp of expertise) or fold. It’s too easy and profitable on a short term scale to fold, so we, as consumers are blindsided into mass-marketing and mass-production. A Virgin record store’s entire sales force couldn’t tell me who wrote “Sweet Home Chicago.” Their best guess was the Blues Brothers. As an aside, it was Robert Johnson.
Regardless, it’s good to see you happy and focused. Enjoy the variety of cuisine offered by a city, and try not to work for any government organizations who want to biometrically (sp?) register the enitre US populace. I just don’t approve. Cost-efficient or not.
October 12th, 2006 at 2:41 am
I love tea! I like them brewed and green. Thanks for recommending Margaret’s. My mother’s been raving about it and I have no idea what she’s talking about. Now, I do.
October 15th, 2006 at 4:56 pm
Wow…I’m impressed you decided to check out the old domain name after such long period of stagnation.
I agree with your point: markets too small to support a single storefront are doomed to failure. Fortunately, in the past few years, the ubiquity of the Internet has improved the situation for the connoisseuer market. Stores like Margaret’s fine imports and the like all tend to have online storefronts to go along with their physical space. Now my mother can order all the teas I write home about—as can anyone who happens to read my post. Suddenly, they have a much larger population from which to extract the audience they target. The biggest hurdle is convincing Joe User from out of town that Margaret’s storefront is credible and secure.
Then again, my mother could order teas from Margaret; she actually chooses not too. It’s that much easier for her to wait for me to bring her some tea the next time I come home. That could happen just as easily without a virtual storefront (though both scenarios are equally profitable for Margaret, give or take).
June 9th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
hot tranny mistresses…
Good information source for hot tranny mistresses….