Jenss Décor

When it comes to selling high-end gifts, Jenss Décor has learned a thing or two from a higher power: Mother Nature.

Even a snowstorm that dumped almost two feet of snow couldn't dampen the spirits of Marsha Dautch, vice president of the Amherst, NY, specialty store, which was gearing up for a special Wedgwood teaware event. If anything, the unexpected weather prompted Dautch and husband Larry to work harder to make the event a success.

To help publicize the November 4 event — at which Lord Wedgwood of Barlaston was scheduled to make a personal appearance — Jenss had taken part in the October Tablelicious program to benefit the Buffalo, NY, Council for the Arts. Jenss worked with a local opera house, setting its table in a 25th anniversary theme using Wedgwood china and giftware. There, signage and handouts were available to promote the store's tea signing scheduled for the following month.

Yet despite all of the advance marketing, Dautch couldn't prepare herself for a snowstorm that wreaked havoc on Amherst — a town not accustomed to 23 inches of snow in 24 hours. “Because the trees were still fully foliated, the weight of the snow brought down branches and power lines,” she recalls. “We were without power, and computer access in the stores was on and off for almost a week.”

Nevertheless, Dautch and company soldiered on, and with the tea signing only two weeks away, they had their work cut out for them. Once Jenss was back up running, an email and phone blitz went out to core customers. Various charities associated with the promotion were also contacted in the hope of making up for any potential business loss.

By the time November 4 rolled around, Jenss was ready. Dautch believes that cabin fever may have even helped make the tea signing a success. “Everyone just wanted to get out and join the celebration,” she enthuses.

Joining forces with a local tea shop, Tru Teas, added to the festivities, as owner Trudy Stern brewed unique blends that were served in Wedgwood teapots, cups and mugs. “We were convinced the tea tasted better in such fine china,” says Dautch, adding that the tea was also available for purchase.

Of course, the event's highlight, the appearance of Lord Wedgwood, stole the show. He, along with Stern, spoke to customers about the history of tea and today's resurgence of tea. “I now know the difference between High Tea and Afternoon Tea,” boasts Dautch.

Before Lord Wedgwood departed, he signed select pieces of china, which Jenss donated to the Children's Growth Foundation for its annual auction.

Doing good is its own reward, but improving your business in the process only makes the experience that much more pleasurable. Jenss sold over $18,000 in Wedgwood merchandise that day, which made it a hugely successful event.

Dautch believes that such extra effort for loyal clientele is what they've come to expect and value from Jenss. “When customers think of our store, they think of the best selection of gifts and tabletop with the best service anywhere,” she says. “We jump through hoops for our customers — and they appreciate it.”