As a long time fan of Altar’d States I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised to find their rapid and beautifully executed expansions throughout Houston. And then checking their website, I found their growth was not limited, but instead nationwide. For those of you unfamiliar, Altar’d States is a boutique, that originated out of Knoxville, TN, with unique southern styles and a vast selection of gifts and home decor. You may wonder, like I did, “what are they doing so different, to make their common concept work when all their competitors are quickly falling behind?” Well of course I hurried home to research; there is a point in time where we need to stop dwelling on what’s not working and begin brainstorming what is.
1. Forward Thinking- A strategy I have noticed that worked for Altar’d States up to this point was focusing on the midsized cities all the other retailers overlook, or consider as an afterthought. The strategy boils down to; are you going to find greater success as a big fish in a small pond, or a small fish in a big pond?
In 2012 no boutique would want to touch Midland, TX with a 10 foot pole, despite the giant oil boom causing a ridiculous influx of cash. To find help outside the oil profession was probably as likely as spotting a purple unicorn or even a rainbow in this dry desert, and the waves of boom and bust make the investment a real gamble. But like so many towns influenced by very specific and individual industries they saw the opportunity, took the gamble, and seized the day. “If you build it…” and boy has the support poured in. This sort of marketing takes foresight, and a patience to pace the growth of a company.
2. Philanthropy & Then Some– The entire backbone of the company is giving, as exhibited in the mission statement, to stand out for good and change the world for the better. In return for supporting their business, they will take 1% of your contribution and donate it to a local or international cause. This could be one of the 168 children they presently sponsor in Peru or some more pressing local matter. According to their website, to date Altar’d States has donated $3,257,226.
What other company offers 4 hours in compensation a month for employees to volunteer in the community?! There is a humbling sense of worth that comes from volunteering and reaching out to your community, and Altar’d States wants all their employees to maintain that mindset. According to their website, to date Altar’d States staff members have contributed 3,647 hours of outreach.
3. Hiring Knowledge- The biggest issue with growing boutiques is their inability to let go when they company has grown beyond their expertise. But Altar’d States recently recruited John Buelle, who worked for the past 13 years on the executive team of The Limited, ending his stint having made CEO. As Altar’d States grows beyond the borders of the small town niche they had created, Buelle will be the advisor on growth in larger ponds.
4. Training Staff- Training at Altar’d State is not a two day orientation but instead, with their investment and research in the great training resources available, all employees are trained each and everyday. Five minutes before every shift all employees utilize an app on their phone to find a bit of knowledge that will motivate them to strive everyday. What a great way to avoid burn out, and keep every employee current on all training.
5. The Experience- Since the beginning Altar’d States has offered a unique experience with open floor plans, and out of this world window displays. As they grow I have noticed that their trendy layouts have taken on a lush form of their own, and this Shopgirl is a huge fan! Each location seems to be uniquely different from the last. Making each new location and entirely new adventure for the eyes and mind.
Between the true successes of Altar’d States and Chick-Fil-A, perhaps the culture of kindness should be noted in all business plans.
Part of the April A to Z Challenge
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http://www.altardstate.com/giving
http://www.chainstoreage.com/article/01-breakout-retailer-award-winners-announced
Love your insight. Definitely going to check them out!
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Great read – are there any locations in NY? Seems like a cool store!
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No, I’m sorry. The furthest north they have reached is Pennsylvania so far.
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Oh ok – thanks!
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Never heard of it before! And reading your post was quite an insight!
Cheers
BoisterousBee
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I work for a big box retailer that is struggling and I find all the points made in this post reasons why the smaller boutiques are starting to outpace the big box retailers that once dominated the marketplace. It’s time for the big box retailers to take notes or they’ll be put out of business.
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You are sOoOoOooo right!
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I’m far away from Houston, or Midland, but I sure like a good shopping experience.
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they have a far larger footprint than Texas. They go as south as Florida and as north as Pennsylvania. They go as east as Virginia and as west as Colorado! And with all this growth I’m certain we will see them expand further west soon!
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I’m in the Mid Atlantic. But maybe in my travels sometimes
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First of all, thanks so very much for visiting over at Musings! I really appreciate your comment on my blog. Do you miss living in Alabama? I noticed that you were/are in Houston – my sister lives there and the Galleria is so big!! Very interesting information in your blog today about Altar’d States – I love that they are a good and kind retailer!!
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I miss Alabama very much. I miss my big green backyard the most. I actually have moved to Orlando, but I travel often and most of my family is from all over Texas. 😉
The galleria is huge, and was my stomping grounds growing up so I have a couple of blogs dedicated to its magnitude and magnificence. 😉
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I’ve never heard of Altar’d States. I love learning about companies that are focused on giving back. I’m profiling artisans and companies from Maine during my A to Z challenge this year. WeekendsInMaine
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I love that your blog brings things to my attention that I’d never have thought of! My mother in law lives in TX, I’m going to have to ask her if there’s one near her..she’s really into design. I LOVE the idea of the 5 minute training every day before shifts…Genius!
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Ya for those retailers that invest in it, there are some great training technologies out there!
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This looks really cool. Our mall is…transitioning for sure. A lot of the tried-and-true shops are shuttering and we’re getting stores that we never had 10 years ago (Urban Outfitters for instance). I live in Central Illinois, so we’re culturally landlocked haha.
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I empathize. The town I grew up in was quite culturally landlocked!!
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Actually the progress is quite appreciatable. I do like it anyway..
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Such a good company in my opinion, I will also seek one out my friend. (sorry but you misspelled the company name in the title, not criticising.) 🙂
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Lol of course I did
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I have an Altr’d State at my mall and it’s absolutely beautiful! They decorated it incredibly nicely
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I was amazed by how far they’ve come even over the past couple of years. I loved the way they were, and now blown away by the way they are.
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Time passes and we developped. It does not matter whether we like it or not. We just can not stop it but to accept it.
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Sounds like a great place. I will have to seek one out to visit. I have never heard of it before.
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Yes I imagine in a very short time you’ll see them popping up a little bit of everywhere!
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