| Buyer Certification |
Lincoln, NE
Ashley Beetem
Jaisa Douty
Sheila Ertl
Katy Keiter
Alexis Logan
Kelli Stevens
Becky Zatloukal
Katherine Fox
Lindy Duggar
Omaha, NE
Annie Collins
Raeann Swanson
Beth Fuhlrodt
Celane Smith
Melissa Bildt
Beth Fountain
Brenda Thiessen
Shakopee, MN
Danielle Ashwood
Alex Elliot
Sam Elliot
Mary Kathan
Kim Miller
Ilana Rosenthal
Karen Simmons
Surprise, AZ
Marcia Brought
Carrie Llamas
Gilbert, AZ
Connie Bisset
Shalana Vidal
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| New Websites |
We now have 109 websites up! Are you ready to get started? Log onto the Once Upon A Child Portal to get started.
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| Celebration! |
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Congratulations go out to the Talbotts and team of Wilmington, NC who won the "Best of Wilmington 2009" Award in the Best Kids Clothing Store class from the Encore Magazine, a Wilmington, NC based magazine. Rumor has it the party went on till dawn. |
| Recalls, recalls - read all 'bout 'em! |
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To view all current recalls, visit the extranet in the Product/Safety & Recalls folder. |
| From our Brag Book |
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I have an 11- month old daughter. With money being such an issue for our family, I thought my daughter was destined to wear her older brother's clothes. I am so glad to have found this store. Not only can she now wear girly colors but adorable outfits that would have cost me a fortune in other store. Thank goodness there is a place out there that understands how expensive it is to raise kids!Thank you very much!
These and more positive notes from your customers can be found here. |
| Opportunity Knocks |
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I went into the store after I got off work (6:10pm) to sell about a dozen garments. One of the two staff members nicely asked if I was there to sell. I said yes-she nicely said they stop buying an hour before closing. I asked if there was any exception and went on to explain I just got off work-I'm 8 months pregnant and for once was able to come to the store without my 1-year old, who normally destroys the store. The member on management who was at the register looked up and heartlessly said "no exceptions." I was pretty disappointed by her response.
I would say at least 85% of the staff I have encountered is unfriendly-never offering assistance. Most of the time you can hear them discussing their personal lives from behind the counter. If it were any other retailer, I would have never returned based on the bad/lack of service.
I know the stores are franchised but I thought you would still want to know as they are still representing the name. |
| Kudos from Customers |
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1. Just wanted to let you know how nice your employees were at the Mid Rivers store. They got a chair for my mother who needed to sit for a while. Your district manager Nancy was very nice. Great customer service under hectic times. Thanks again, Satisfied customer.
2. I am a regular at three of the Connecticut locations (Manchester, Wethersfield, and Bristol). I have to say that without a doubt the employees of these locations are the best! In this day I know how hared it is to find hard working professionals who enjoy their jobs. The ladies that work at the Wethersfield, CT location deserve a reward. They are super friendly, helpful, and dedicated to what they do. I have witnessed several "not so nice" customers speak rude to these girls and they handled it with the utmost professionalism and a giant smile. I love shopping at OUAC! You can always find the best deals and great items. Thank you! | |
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| Numbers |
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| The following sales results are now posted on the extranet under Sales Performance > 2008 & 2009 Sales Performance Reports.
Year-end Sales Results:
| Region |
YTD Sales |
YTD GM |
+/- YTD GM |
| 1-Northeast |
7.3 |
63.0 |
0.6 |
| 2-South Central |
6.6 |
62.0 |
1.2 |
| 3-North Western |
9.6 |
62.1 |
0.3 |
| 4-South Western |
3.9 |
61.8 |
0.5 |
| 5-North Central |
11.2 |
62.6 |
0.8 |
| 6-Multi-Store |
7.2 |
63.9 |
-0.8 |
| Total USA |
7.2 |
62.8 |
0.2 |
| Total Canada |
-1.2 |
56.9 |
0.3 |
Click here to see entire Top 30
Top 30 YTD Sales Results
1. 20032 Tevlin/Finger $1,780,743
2. 20002 Blum $1,370,768
3. 20344 Minney $1,317,084
4. 20260 Blum $1,231,213
5. 20691 Morris $1,213,185
Top 30 YTD % Increase
1. 20682 Hayes 55.3%
2. 20652 Yanda 53.0%
3. 20664 Gocinski 41.2%
4. 20545Valmassei 37.8%
5. 20665 Weston 36.9%
Canadian Top 5 YTD
1. 20395 Tainsh $1,154,923
2. 20622 Eccles $1,060,896
3. 20310 LeBlanc $907,362
4. 20213 Billes $870,884
5. 20221 Wright $807,188
January Sales Results:
| Region |
Sales |
YTD Sales |
YTD GM |
+/- YTD GM |
| 1-Northeast |
5.8 |
5.8 |
59.0 |
0.7 |
| 2-South Central |
10.4 |
10.4 |
58.1 |
2.0 |
| 3-North Western |
5.6 |
5.6 |
53.9 |
-1.6 |
| 4-South Western |
3.6 |
3.6 |
58.8 |
1.2 |
| 5-North Central |
26.5 |
26.5 |
57.1 |
1.3 |
| 6-Multi-Store |
2.8 |
2.8 |
57.5 |
0.4 |
| Total USA |
6.8 |
6.8 |
57.5 |
0.6 |
| Total Canada |
-1.4 |
-1.4 |
53.8 |
0.5 |
Click here to see entire Top 30
Top 30 YTD Sales Results
1. 20110 Burtner $107,818
2. 20423 Springer $94,600
3. 20002 Blum $89,464
4. 20615 Dutille $83,502
5. 20065 Dyer $82,866
Top 30 YTD % Increase
1. 20710 Cole 123.4%
2. 20545 Valmassei 101.6%
3. 20708 Weimer 95.2%
4. 20694 Staszkow 91.2%
5. 20660 Kloess 63.2%
Canadian Top 5 YTD
1. 20395 Tainsh $87,614
2. 20256 Wright $63,166
3. 20622 Eccles $62,228
4. 20310 LeBlanc $56,859
5. 20221 Billes $56,037 |
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From the Director... |
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Once Upon A Child Introduces "Gold Standard" Award
Creating an identity that customers recognize and value is very important to the Once Upon A Child brand. Many customers will visit various stores in their area, and our goal is for the customer to have the same positive experience in all of our Once Upon A Child stores.
Once Upon A Child has established a "Gold Standard" measurement. The "Gold Standard" is a formal recognition of a store achieving the goals set forth as standard by the brand. Brand identity, customer experience and operational standards will be used to determine whether a franchise location achieves the "Gold Standard" level for Once Upon A Child.
For more details, visit the Extranet at: Operations>Brand Standards> Introduction to Gold Standard.
For a copy of the evaluation form, visit the Extranet at: Operations>Brand Standards>Gold Standard Evaluation.
Gold Standard Mission:
Our stores will deliver the best consistent
brand appearance and customer experience in the industry,
which will assist us in getting and keeping
more satisfied and loyal customers.
Once Upon A Child Announces New Store Design
Once Upon A Child is excited to announce that a new store design has been developed to enhance the customer experience, and provides an updated appearance that focuses on a friendly parent-child shopping experience.
What's changed?
- Flooring: 2 options now available, vinyl hardwood and/or carpeting
- New paint colors for the walls
- New brand statement "Kids Stuff with Previous Experience" for the interior border
- Updated window treatments
- Updated counter front
- New Buy baskets and shoe bins
- Play Area now has vinyl flooring and laminate walls
To view the details go to the extranet under Store Development> Tradelook Standards> OUAC Introducing - New Store Design
Franchise Advisory Council Members/Meeting Date
The 2009-2010 Franchise Advisory Council is pleased to add 3 new members to the team this year:
Tracy Schrimsher - Mishawaka, IN & soon to be Elkhart, IN
David Manzi - N. Charleston, SC
Shorty Hayes - Amarillo, TX
They join:
Todd Valmassei - Monroe, MI & Canton, MI
Kelly Tainsh - Red Deer, AB
Don Burke - 4 stores in Chicago, IL
For contact information, go to the extranet under FAC.
There is an FAC meeting scheduled for March 10-12, 2009. Please contact your respective FAC member for any items you would like to address. |
| Monthly Operational Reminders |
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March
8 - Daylight Savings Begins
10 - Order White Tag attachers
15 - Print Bouceback Coupons
17 - St. Patricks Day
31 - 100% Spring/Summer backstock on the sales floor
April
1 - 2008 Year End Financials due to Winmark
12 - Easter
13 - Easter Monday (Canada)
15 - Taxes due
22 - Earth Day
Advertising Recommendations
Starting March...
TV - 2008 Variety is Awesome TV Ad Print - Most Wanted Ad Email - Spring/St. Patrick's Day |
| NEW PRODUCTS |
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Easter is on April 12th this year. Make sure you are in stock and featuring spring accessories in those Easter outfit displays. These accessories include hair bows & clips, purses, and hosiery.
There is still time to get basket items in as well. Zooflipz books from our Flipworkz CORE program are perfect basket items.
Little Kids bubbles have always been best sellers for us especially during the Easter season. The following testimonial from Diana Maunsell (Danbury, CT) should inspire stores that haven't placed their orders yet:
We just reintroduced Little Kids bubbles after a couple of years. We already reordered after 3 weeks on the floor. We only brought back 5 sku's and it seems like everyone is walking out with them. The Pop Up Bubbles are a hit! Happy Spring!
Suggested SKUs are highlighted on the Little Kids price list that is posted on the extranet. Orders of $350+ placed to ship by 3/31/09 qualify for the Early Buy Program. This is full freight allowed (in contiguous states) and 6/10/09 dating on the opening order. Then qualifies for full freight allowed and Net 30 on reorders of $350+ for the remainder of 2009.
Make sure you open one of the No Spill Bubble Tumblers to use as a demo in the store. Customers love to see the award winning "no spill" feature! (picture attached)
Make spring memorable for your customers with these great products! |
| Marketing |
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The yearly calendar was mailed last week, so keep your eyes peeled for your copy hot off the press. Remember to log onto the extranet -->calendar frequently to see any updates that have been made over the year.
The calendar is also posted on the extranet if you would like to print off additional copies.
Conference Logo wear
Once Upon A Child logo wear is still available to order from our new promotional vendor, Signature Concepts. Click here to download the order form, all orders need to be faxed in no later then March 16th. Orders will be shipped out no later then March 30th. 
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| From the Operations Department |
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Did you see the email sent out on February 19th that the corporate office moved? How does that affect you? If you mail something directly to your FOM, it goes to a new address, such as your financials or month end information.
Winmark Corporation
605 Hwy 169 N. Suite 400
Minneapolis, MN 55441
All the phone numbers and extensions remain the same. If you are in Region 4 (South West), these types of mailings continue to go to the Phoenix address.
-Did you know a new Brand Operations Manual was created? It's on the Extranet: under Operations, simply go to Brand Standards. There is a PDF at the bottom called the OUAC Brand Operations Manual. It's a 2 MB file, but for those of you that want a hands-on manual, it's now up-to-date and available. Print it yourself, or send it off to your printer of choice.
-Did you know a new Loss Prevention Manual was created as well? Under the Operations section, simply go to Loss Prevention on the extranet. Again at the bottom there will be a PDF. This is 6MB file, so print or save to your desktop. It's now up-to-date and a great tool for your use.
-Do you remember the Youth Styles guide was updated prior to the holidays? Have you printed off the materials and tested your team? It's part of the Buyer Certification program, so it's good to update your team annually as this category can be a challenge to manage effectively if you are not keeping up on the styles.
A lot of tools and communications have been coming and may have gotten lost along with everything going on including all the issues related to the Lead Law. Life probably won't slow down, but you should certainly make sure you are taking time out daily to plan your day, week, and month to organize things. A hard copy Once Upon A Child calendar was created due to popular demand, so that should have arrived by this time. The biggest favor you can do for yourself, is taking time out to plan. Review your emails, mail, and calendar and map out your training, delegation, and events. Success will only happen through planning. |
| A Tip from Winmark Business Solutions |
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 Managing Your Technology Needs
Most of us fall into one of two categories: either we love technology and desperately want every new gadget or we loathe it and want it to leave us alone. Both types of people often have trouble managing their technology needs. But the business owner who can handle basic technology will have the productive capacity of approximately five people, thus achieving significant savings on employees or outside service costs. To learn more, click here. |
| New "Loss Prevention Manual" Available! |
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Now Available on the Extranet
Internal theft is a big reason why businesses have poor cash flow, low sales, and in many cases, go bankrupt. Employees steal for many reasons (paying bills, peer pressure, supporting drug/gambling habits) but many steal because "it was so easy." The nature of our business is even more vulnerable to internal theft because we deal in cash and because of the temptation to conduct fake buys. Eliminating the opportunity of theft will help you reduce your shrink and loss. We have created a new guide available on the extranet (under Operations> Loss Prevention) called the Loss Prevention Manual that will give you knowledge and tools that highlight many areas of theft and details the preventative measures you can put into place to eliminate loss. |
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Winmark's Featured Artist |
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Angie Benson-Brieske
Training and New Store Development Manager
Greetings from the Training and New Store Development Department! I am psyched to be the featured artist. As you can see, the little things in life thrill me. I have been with Winmark for nearly four years. I began as a Field Operations Manager for Plato's Closet, and two years ago I was fortunate to be offered the role of Training and New Store Development Manager. My responsibilities include: leading our new franchisees in their initial two weeks of training (New Franchisee Orientation Training and Concept), monitoring their progress during their buildout, trend training, penning our fabulous publications, and numerous other projects. In this role, we truly wear many hats.
A fun fact about me is that I am turning 7 ¼ years young this year. Yes, I was born on leap year. In my spare time, you can find me running around the lakes, reading, adoring my fluffy cat (Kiki), spending time with friends, or shopping. Some of you may say that shopping is not a hobby, but c'mon, I work for Plato's Closet and teach trends- it isn't just field research. | |
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