"If any shopkeeper above the level of hobbyist misses Conference for any reason less than a birth, marriage, or death... s/he is doing her/himself a terrible professional disservice. In fact, I'd go so far as to state that "Conference Week" should be an inviolate block on the business calendar. There is no better way to rejuvenate yourself, your staff, and your store than gathering with hundreds of other resalers—some JUST like you, some incredibly-interestingly different—at NARTS Conference. The range of experience and focus is exceeded only by the warm welcome of your peers. There are 312 business days per year, if you're open 6 days a week. If you utilized even half of the great ideas from Conference, you'd be taking in over $31,200 a year more the day you got back from Conference... Everything from good ideas from the bus tour shops, to suggestions at the workshops, to hints given to you over scrambled eggs at 8 a.m. or the beverage of your choice late at night... there is no way you could FAIL to turn attendance at this event from FUN to PROFIT."
Kate Holmes - Too Good to be Threw - Recognized as an Industry Icon
"I look forward to conference every year! It pumps me up, reminds me why I love this business, and keeps me infused with passion for what I do. I have had the privilege of meeting people I truly admire and respect, and have been able to learn from them."
Cathy Yeomans - Volunteers of America - Rochester, NY
"It is so important to learn what not to do as well as what to do. You can save yourself so much time, revenue, and worry by learning from each other. If you want to maintain a successful business you can't afford to miss the conference. 'If you think education is expensive, try the cost of ignorance.'"
Howard L. Manning - The Dorcas Thrift Shop - Cary, NC
"After 5 years in this business, the 'new' was beginning to wear off. It was getting a little tougher to maintain my energy and enthusiasm as day-to-day challenges became routine. It seemed that I struggled with a few persistent issues over and over without finding a really good solution. I was beginning to think that, since I was now an 'experienced resale professional', that I would just have to accept the status quo. Not True! At Conference this year, I had several 'aha' moments that allowed me to see those challenges in a whole new light and provided me the tools to finally resolve many of them! I feel renewed, energized, and ready to take my business to the next level!"
Lisa Gaynor - Design It With Consignment - Austin, TX
"This conference was unbelievable! Now I know exactly why I was encouraged to go by other NARTS members. I can't believe I haven't attended before this year."
Katie McKinstry - Honeysuckle Quality Consignment - Arnold, MD
"As a future owner, attending the NARTS conference was an invaluable experience. Since returning from Scottsdale, I've already recommended joining NARTS and attending future conferences to shop owners I've met (strangers) while on my subsequent summer vacations!"
Laurie Werner, Future Owner - Silver Springs, MD
"Our only regret with the NARTS conference was that we hadn't gone sooner!! We most definitely would have been much further ahead."
Kathleen Markee, Project Dove's Unique Boutique - Ontario, OR
"I think it's vitally important for consignment store owners to belong to and participate in the NARTS organization. With hundreds of members, you're sure to meet someone who's experienced and dealt with the same issues that you're having, and who might have great ideas that will increase your sales. NARTS is a great way for a business owner to feel like he/she is a member of a team when it can be so easy to feel isolated as an owner."
Casey K. Dunn - Finders Keepers Boutique - Decatur, GA
"I am thankful that my boss believed enough in me to invest her hard earned money in taking me to the NARTS Conference. That investment she made is motivating to me and has generated a sense of ownership within me regarding our store success. I hope that I can repay her through my hard work, commitment and excitement!"
Heidi Adams - Alaskan Dames & Gents - Juneau, AK
"Everyone looks for that excuse to not go to conference. To go? Not to go? What about the shop? Should I close it? Keep it open? Is it worth it all? We almost fell for it too! But the reality is that whether this is your 1st time or your 15th time, you WILL learn something new, meet new friends, and come away with answers to those burning questions - even if you don't know yet what that is! If you are truly serious about growing your business, then you must attend!"
Corey De Roo - French Cuff Consignment - Sacramento, GA
"People on the message boards of tgtbt.com spoke very highly of conference. I just knew I had to find the money to attend. I am so glad I did! I kept a notebook with me at all times and jotted down notes of every good idea I saw or heard. The bus tour is a must, workshops were great and the net-working sessions were invaluable. I had such a great time!"
Mandy Lewis - Small Wonders - Portland, OR
"I look forward to conference every year. To be able to go to one place and talk with so many other shop owners who know and understand this business is invaluable. Learning from others at conference saves me time and money and makes me a better shop owner. I love coming home and making changes to my store based on what I have learned at conference. This year's resort was the best one yet. I loved to be able to network in the pool. Thanks for another great learning experience!"
Julie Jablonowski - Repeat Street - Gurnee, IL
"My first conference was in Atlanta and my husband and I have not missed one since. We have made great friends that we stay in contact with throughout the year. I always leave conference with a wealth of information, a renewed commitment to my store and a revitalized spirit."
Kaye Lynn Hatley - Growing Kids & Adult Consignment - Tulsa, OK
"I opened my store about a year ago and this was my first NARTS conference. It was a great experience and opened my eyes to the countless possibilities for improvements at my shop and in my bottom line!"
Christine Schauer - My Style...Your Style - Battle Creek, MI
"If you are looking to open a consignment shop.... attending a NARTS conference is the best investment you can make towards your success. The knowledge you will gain is Priceless!!!!!"
Debbie Burgess - 2nd RIDE Around Consignment Shop - Jacksonville, FL
"I was a little anxious attending the NARTS 2009 Conference by myself, but the camaraderie amongst fellow NARTS members eased my fears. Your kindness will always be remembered. Thanks again!!"
Rochell Thomas - Curve Appeal Inc. - Millersville, MD
"This conference exceeded my expectations. As a future shop owner and new member of NARTS, my decision to attend this conference was to validate my concept of opening a consignment shop. All I can say is "WOW"! The people that I met and networked with were incredible. Not only did I talk with people that were just getting started but those who have been in business anywhere from 2 months, 2 years to 20 years. Everyone was so friendly and willing to offer words of encouragement, advice and plenty of Lessons Learned. Bottom line is that this group is here to share information, learn from each other and offer support to help your business grow. I am so glad that I attended this conference prior to opening my business as not only did it validate my decision to move forward but also gave me many things to think about that I never even considered. I highly recommend attending future NARTS conferences and take advantage of the tremendous support group that we all have by being a member of NARTS!"
Michelle Renda - Trading Places - Powell, OH
"You will gain enough ideas at convention to more then pay for the experience. You will also return to your shop with renewed excitement and energy."
Joanne Nusbaum - My Sister's Closet - Chicago, IL
"This is just an important investment for a future store owner. It assures that you get off on the right foot!"
Nancy Alinovi - ADORE Designer Resale Boutique - Cary, NC
"I can't believe I waited this long to attend a National Conference! WHAT was I waiting for??? It was a great experience to take time to really look at my business from arm's length and analyze what's working and what can be improved. I will never miss another."
Chris Gauger - Here We Go Again - Portland, OR
"This was my first conference and it was priceless. It made me realize there are so many ideas out there that I haven't even thought about. There are so many people out there with great ideas. It made me excited to go back home and get back to work with all the vigor I had when I first bought the business. I can't wait until next year!!"
Kimberly Smith - Retail Therapy Boutique - Houston, TX
"It is amazing that having attended 17 conferences, I always learn something new and inspirational to take home to my store. I was able to bring my manager with me last year and this year!!! Wow she was so impressed she is making all kinds of changes, and taking the initiative from what she learned."
Mary Kaye Weekley - Lads & Lassies - Pensacola, FL
"NARTS Conference is no longer an option--It's a must. Once I experienced it, I just can't do without it. Each year, I bring back pages of great ideas, concepts or eye openers that are very profitable to myself, staff and customers. WOW!! Thanks NARTS--Keep up the Great Work!"
Paulette Baker-Name Brand Consignments - Brunswick, GA
"Once again I've come back from conference feeling rejuvenated and refreshed! My staff always anticipate hearing the new ideas I come home with. The enthusiasm becomes infectious not only to my staff but even customers have commented on how they can feel the energy and enthusiasm in my e-mail promotions and when shopping in the store."
Glenda Polak - CapriceWest - Edmonton, AB, Canada
"It was a last minute decision to go to the conference this year. I wanted to attend last year in Indianapolis but we were opening around the same time and we were just so busy. This year I kept thinking about it and saying we really can't afford either one of us to go. But then on Sunday before the conference we decided that one of us needed to attend and neither of us had the money but we knew that what we learned would be priceless from what we had heard from others. And from that we knew we couldn't afford not to go. All I can say is that it was a fantastic experience not only for workshops and networking classes but for all the store owners you meet and spend time and become friends with. It was a fantastic experience that I am glad I got to be a part of. And I can't imagine not going next year or any other year for that matter. See you in Palm Beach in 2010."
Kimberly Way - Crazy 8 Boutique - Indianapolis, IN
"This was my 1st conference! I was feeling kind of discouraged before going. I felt like I was swirling around the drain waiting to go down the hole. Ya know, dealing with the phone company, the bills, stale displays, personal stuff, etc. It was the twilight zone and couldn't get out of the rut or escape my town. At the conference I got some really great ideas. I was a bit overwhelmed by all the information but I got it together and prioitized. I can't wait to implement some of the ideas and plans."
Rebecca Beardslee - Little Pumpkin - Cortland, NY
"Things are tight for everyone and my shop is no exception, so I considered not coming to the conference this year. What a mistake that would have been! From all the contacts I made this year, to the lessons I learned in the workshops, all the ideas that were sparked, and the motivation I feel from all the energy of the amazing women I spent the time with, I realize now that not attending would have cost me more than I ever could have afforded! I can't WAIT until conference next year!"
Shadoe Gray, ReCouture Resale - Torrance, CA
"The information available at a NARTS conference is invaluable for all resale professionals, large and small, consignment or non-profit. You can't afford to miss it."
Dorothy Toney - Hospice of Yuma Thrift Shop - Yuma, AZ
"Wow! What was I thinking? This was my first conference in many years and I came away with so much more than I anticipated! Worth every dime I spent and much, much more. I'll be a regular from now on."
Sue Hater - 2nd Chance Upscale Resale - Cincinnati, OH
"This experience was the best thing our agency could have paid for. I feel we learned ways to bring life and integrity to our store. THANKS!!"
Adela Herrod - ACO Resale Shop benefiting Allen Community Outreach - Allen, TX
"Every year I learn something new, or a fresh approach to a familiar challenge. Networking with other NFP's is invaluable for me."
Harold Elixson - The Dorcas Thrift Shop - Cary, NC
"This was my first NARTS Conference. In my store's early years, I didn't think I had the money. In these past few years, I didn't think I had the time. Now I realize how foolish that line of thinking was. This has been the single most motivating experience related to my business that I've ever been a part of. I am so grateful for this experience."
Sonya Nix - Better Than Before Consignments & Upscale Resale - Cullman, AL
"I discovered NARTS on the internet while I was researching consignment shops for my business plan. I immediately joined as a future business, and changed my membership to active as soon as I opened my shop. Attending the NARTS conference just seven months after opening was priceless. I came home excited, encouraged and re-energized; the conference reinforced what I was doing right, helped me see what I could improve, and most importantly, gave me dozens of ideas to streamline my procedures, bring in more customers, and improve my bottom line."
Alyce Taylor - Green Door Consignment Company - Forest Lake, MN
"I went to my first conference as a Future Owner. That has been the single most important thing I have done for my business. Now, after a 3 year hiatus from going to conference, I must say that I will make every attempt to never miss another conference again. The amount of free flowing information, comradere and energy you get from every conference is Priceless!"
Kim Kovach - Fair Trade Consignment - Peoria, AZ
"What my business partner and I learned at our first conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, was invaluable to our business. We came away with 3 pages of great ideas and have already implemented over half of them with immediate results. We would recommend the NARTS conference to everyone involved in the resale industry!"
Christine Seitz - ReDesign Consignment Home Furnishings - Eagle, ID
"For those who feel that you've been in business so long that 'there isn't anything I could possibly learn from one of these conferences!' think again. There's a lot of young blood in the organization with a lot of great new ideas and concepts, and they're willing to share them if you'll just take some time out to attend. Bounce an idea off of one person, and the results can be blah. Bounce an idea off a dozen or two people and the results can be amazing, if you're just willing to listen and share. And there's no better place nor time to do this sharing than at the Annual NARTS Conference, where 300+ of your peers are assembled to discuss, and share, and bounce ideas and experiences off one another. Don't miss this opportunity. It only happens once a year - the last full weekend of June. The payoff far exceeds the expense."
Rick King - ARound Again Consignments - Raleigh, NC
"I guess if I could write a love letter to NARTS, this would be it. My experience at conference was life changing, heart-opening, hope-inspiring, and rejuvenating. I crawled out of my little black hole of despair and discouragement and came out swinging in defense of my business and the reality that it can be successful. I wonder how many other people were in my shoes over the last few days. I certainly hope not many, but the people I did meet and talk to are all responsible for my renewed outlook and positive movement forward. Today I can't imagine NOT staying on touch with the women I met because not only are they my new friends but my new family. I cannot express in words truly, what this conference means to me and how it will carry me through the tough days and be behind the awesome ones. Thank you from the bottom of my ever-so-grateful heart for being the people and organization that you are. I would love to write an article for the newsletter may be from the perspective of a struggling, discouraged new business owner and how the interaction with others in our industry have made such a difference. Thank you again!!!"
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