Ahlgren's

Change is in the Wind

2012-02-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

Anyone who's been in business for themselves understands that changing with the times is a must to stay in business. Mika has definitely followed this mantra over the years. It's not just styles that change but what type of product customers pick up. I'm not going to go into the history of the stores, but suffice it to say that they look very different from the first couple of years we were open.

Today, we are moving more towards personal items. It seems that customers are spending money on themselves more than on their home or lake home. However, we are not going our of the home accessories business. On our recent buying trip to Atlanta we concentrated on boutique type items as well as home accoessories. This combination seems to be a winner as we move into the summer season.

Check out our Facebook page to see pictures of our new products. That is updated more frequently and you can get a head start over the summer crowd by coming in now.

Christmas Gift Idea

2011-10-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

Bookends! A perfect gift idea, this has been very popular over the years for Christmas gift giving. We have a large selection of bookends to choose from. Here are a few samples from our Old World store.

Customer Comments Today

2011-09-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

Two customer comments overheard today.

Well, one probably can't be classified as a customer as I heard the comment as I was walking into the Lodge store. A couple of ladies were walking by the front door and the one says to the other, "Should we go in?"

The other lady says, "Not unless you want to buy a $5,000 log bed."

This is just so wrong on a number of levels. We've never sold log furniture unless you count the hickory furniture. And, we've never had a bed or anything else for sale in the store for $5,000.

This is a problem for us. Not the first time we've heard something similar and both stores. Mika works hard to create a buying experience for our customers. That entails an atmosphere that may look like everything is expensive. But, once people are in the stores and looking at the products, the most common phrase we hear about pricing is how reasonable everything is. But, we have to work harder to get that message out.

The other comment was from a gentleman at the Old World store, "This is why you come to Hayward," he said as he looked around.

That is fantastic. Hopefully he'll go and tell all his friends.

Tremblay's Commercial at Lodge Accents

2011-07-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

Without a doubt the most successful store on Hayward's Main Street is commonly known as "the candy store", aka Tremblay's Sweet Shop. It is a family business that's been a staple of vacationing in Hayward for over 40 years. No trip to Hayward is complete without a visit to the store.

And, everyone does!

At least it seems that way when you work at Ahlgren's. If I had a nickle for every person that walked in our stores with a Tremblay's candy bag, why I'd be a .........

Anyway, today two young boys, about 4 & 6, walk into Lodge Accents with their father each one gripping a candy bag like their life depended on it. I've seen it a million times. And, of course, they proceed directly to the wing chairs like a magnet and pet the big bears we have on them with their candy soaked fingers.

I spring into action saying, "Hi guys, what's in the bag." Just to take their mind off of the bears. Sure enough they turn and you would've thought I just but a quarter in the talking machine.

The younger one, cute as a button, replies, "I have butterfly candy, candy corn and suckers!" As he's talking he has the candy bag in one hand held up so I can see. He keeps talking about the candy and the store and soon 4 or 5 other people in the store are engaged and listening, everyone smiling at this little boy who can't stop talking about the candy store.

One of the lady's listening says she has to go to this store and promptly heads out the door with two of her friends. Finally, the father ushers the boy out of the store, and I remark, "I think you need more candy." He stops, looks at me and says seriously, "Oh no, I have enough for now."

I wish I had a video camera, it would've been the perfect commercial for Tremblay's. Just one problem, it happened in my store! The influence of that little white bag is amazing.

Craziet Thing I've Heard in the Store Lately

2011-07-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

One of the areas of retail I enjoy most are the people. Great people walk through the door everyday and getting to know some of them is fun and rewarding.

I also like to walk around the store and listen to the folks as they shop to get a feel of their reactions to our product and displays. This real time feedback is important to us as we keep trying to improve the shopping experience of our customers.

Once in a while though, you get to hear some pretty funny things. The one I heard the other day put a smile on my face as a family was admiring one of our new beds. It is a big bed with a wrought iron section in the head board that has bear and trees carved in metal and is lit behind an amber covering. Anyway, needless to say, it is quite a bed. Anyway, the daughter was admiring it and commenting on how she liked the head board when, WHAM, the father says, "Oh, I can make that for you honey."

Now I've heard this before from men who are afraid their spouse or loved one is about to drop big dollars on a piece of furniture. But, this is definitely biggest, most complicated piece yet, that the guy dropped the, "I can make that" claim.

Ah well, I just smiled and moved on. Picture of the bed below:

The Most Common Question We Recieve at the Store Is........

2011-04-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

Are you going out of business?

Our reply, ''NO!"

Then we ask, "Why do you ask that?"

Customer reply, "Your store looks so empty."

Which is disingenious at best. Our stores are always a bit short of inventory this time of year. Why would we invest a lot of money during Jan - April? Anyone with any common sense would know that is a very slow time of year. We are busy planning for the upcoming season, watching our kids activities, and trying to work less than seven days a week.

Plus, lately, with the new inventory coming in, our stores are filling up fast. The Lodge Accents store is now officially ready for the season. Yet just Friday, a customer asked "The Question". The reason she gave was that the store looked empty. Mika and I are convinced that there is a rumor around the area that we are closing our doors. Why would someone ask that question otherwise. Makes one wonder who would do such a thing.....

Check out our pictures of the Lodge store I took this morning - Easter Morning, Praise the Lord - and you tell me that it looks like we are going out of business.

And, let me make this clear. We are NOT going out of business. We are looking forward to a great year.

God's Peace.

Watch the Husbands....

2011-03-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

Working the sales clerk position in the stores give you time and opportunity to observe people in different environment than usual. When people are making a decision to buy and spend money they are in a delicate frame of mind and need encouragement. We at Ahlgren's are very low key about selling. We are not in your face pushing products. We are there to help and inform so you make the decision on your own with a happy spirit.

When a couple enters the store whether they are browsing or looking for a specific item, usually the husband is the key. I've watched over and over again as husbands shake their head "no" when the wife points excitedly at a product. It is very demoralizing as an owner to watch potential sales thwarted by the "nod".

However, when the husband is excited about the product in your store, things happen. A couple today was in the store and the husband was picking up lamps, pointing at mirrors, and checking out the prints. They were both engaged and you just knew something was going to happen - and pow - a lamp was sold.

And, really, this goes both ways. When a couple is in the store, both of them need to be engaged in the process for a sale to be made. You can tell pretty much right away that if one of them is not interested nothing will happen. And, usually, that is the husband!

So, husbands, loosen up!! Your wife deserves that new print or end table. And while you're here, go ahead and buy yourself a new coffee mug.

New Products Pouring In!

2011-03-15T17:19:00.000-07:00

Our new 2011 products are coming into the store. We have new bath & body products, home fragrances, and jewelry line at the Old World Accents store.

Lodge Accents is full of new art work at great prices. We found a great vendor that is providing high quality art at fantastic prices and we are passing that on to you.

Also, we have brought some new hickory accent furniture such as coffee tables, bar stools, end tables, etc. Again, great pricing is available. These are limited quantity so come in now to get the best selection.

Santa's are moving fast!

2010-12-21T12:31:00.000-08:00

Our collection of Santa's has been a best seller this Christmas season. Unique and affordable, they are an ideal gift for anyone who enjoys decorating for the season.

Christmas Gift Ideas

2010-12-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

With Christmas just around the corner, here are the best selling gifts customers are buying now:

Annaleece jewelry
Home Fragrance
Picture Frames
Wine Accessories
Body & Bath
Scented Candles

We have all these items in stock now.

See you in the store!

Website update

2010-11-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

A new shopping site for Ahlgren's is in the works. Unfortunately it will not be done for Christmas shopping, but will be available this winter.

Stay tuned.

Stroll on Main Street

2010-11-18T11:43:00.000-08:00

Saturday is the opening of the deer gun season in Wisconsin. I will be in the woods with the kids and grandpa seeking the elusive whitetail.

In town, Mika will be manning the stores. The downtown merchants want to invite everyone to a stroll down Main Street on Saturday. Merhcants will have festive decorations on display, as well as coffee, tea, fancy treats, and cookies!

There will be plenty of in-store events and sales and the hours will be lengthened: 10 am to 7 pm.

Get a jump on the post-Thanksgiving crowd and stop on down this Saturday.

Gifts for Men

2010-11-02T11:35:00.000-07:00

The weather this week has been outstanding. Great opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

As the Christmas season approaches, I thought it would be a good time to profile a few gift ideas for the man in your life.

We have a variety of wildlife mugs including stainless steel travel mugs, large thermal mugs and thermos'.

Bookends are a great gift idea, we have them in stock with bears, antlers, and other rustic decor.

How about a sculpture piece, we have a few in stock featuring pheasants, wolves and bears.

Finally, we have a wide variety of picture frames that would be a complement to any man's home or office.

Sign Reaction

2010-10-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

We sell metal wall signs with outdoor pictures and sayings on them. The most commented signs are ones that say, "We Interrupt this Marriage to Bring you Hunting Season" and a sign with a squirrel on it that says, "Warning: Our Family Tree is Full of Nuts".

Many of us that live in the Northland are thankful to our wives for their understanding during hunting season. Mika is truely wonderful as the kids and I will head to the woods in search of the elusive whitetail.

And, I think we can all say that a portion of our family tree is a little "nuts". That just makes life a little more stimulating.

Halloween Treats

2010-10-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

We don't do a lot with Halloween gifts and accessories, but we do have a few fun items that will give your home a little Halloween flavor.

Try our Spider Web Candlabra wine bottle topper or "The Witch is In" doormat.

Our Fresh Pumpkin home frangrance line is always a fall hit. We have potpourrie, satchets, and candle tins.

Facebook

2010-10-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

Check us out on Facebook, I'm updating there a little more often.

Still working out all the technology, website, blog, and facebook. We'll get it all figured out over time.

Please let me know what you think.

Fall Products

2010-10-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

Table linens are popular items this time of year. We have a full line of place mats, napkins, table runners and table cloths. Fall colors are prevelant but we have items for year round.

Our potpourri line of sachets, candles, diffusers, and bags are a good way to remember summer and fall in the dead of winter. The product we carry is high quality and lasts far longer than most competitor brands.

How about a new mug to hold your coffee, hot chocolate or tea. We have a variety of mugs with up north animals and sayings.

The weekend looks great, come on in and check us out.

New use for Birch Sachet

2010-10-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

Wife liked the scent of the Birch sachet (as do a lot of people) and turned to her friend and said,

"I like the smell of this, think I'll use it in Bert's (husband) underwear drawer."

Out of the mouths of children . . .

2010-10-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

Mom and dad came in with their, oh I'd say 7 year old son. The parents were looking at our cabin signs. The mom says to dad, "Look at this one, it says 'What happens at the cabin stays at the cabin'".
The dad chuckles and the 7 year old looks at mom and says, "Mom, what happens at the cabin?"

new blog

2010-10-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't you know it, our old blog site closed shop. Sign of the times I suppose.

We are investing time, energy, and money in revamping our web presence. New facebook page, please check it out, new blog and we are going to reopen the web store.

The web store at ahlgrenshome.com will feature some of our best selling items. We'll have it open shortly so you can shop for Christmas.