The competition between big-box retailers and local small businesses has been fierce since The Highlands in Ohio County developed into a destination for consumers from across a tri-state region.
And then, of course, add the coronavirus pandemic to the equation.
But it has long been Nini Zadrozny’s charismatic personality and her unique inventory that have been big draws no matter where Nini’s Treasures has been located, and those two factors played vital roles following the ordered closure of such shops in March. With precautions in place, Nini’s is open once again at The Highlands (355 Wharton Circle),/???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????//////??????¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ and the fashion boutique continues to offer jewelry, clothing, footwear, accessories, and even specialty baby clothes.
Oh, and yes, Nini’s Treasure’s now features Zadrozny’s twist on masks and her selection has proved popular with shoppers from western Pennsylvania, the Northern Panhandle, and East Ohio.
What was your first thought when W.Va. Gov. Jim Justice ordered your business at The Highlands to close down?
My first thought when Gov. Justice ordered my business at The Highlands to close down was that I knew that trouble was coming. For the safety of our employees and our customers, I closed down two days prior to the governor announcing. I knew I had to protect my employees and my customers.
How did you adapt to the situation in order to keep some revenue coming in?
After a week once the shock set in, I knew I had to do something. I went to the store and started posting pictures on Facebook, and decided I could do a Facebook Live video with the help of mannequins and outfits on hangers. I accessorized them with jewelry, handbags, and footwear that I carry within the store. I had great success with customers wanting to purchase these items. I offered curbside pickup, home deliveries, and free shipping options. We also started the process of building an online store.
Which of those new approaches worked the best, and why do believe it was a success?
The best new approach that worked for our store was without a doubt the Facebook Live videos because people saw I was still promoting my small business behind closed doors, letting people know they could continue to shop for birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions, or just because life happens.
Since the reopening of the store, what items have proved the most popular?
Since the reopening of the store the items that have been the most popular have been, take a guess … face masks! However, since we have our online store (ninistreasures.com), not only do they see the face masks, but they see other items also available.
Has the pandemic prompted some new things that you plan to continue?
I plan to continue doing a weekly Facebook Live video and to be more active with our social media accounts. Our customer base that follows us looks forward to these, and it helps me promote new items that come into the store.
