What is your experience this year so far? I'm finding foot traffic is down from last year. A lot more folks are shopping with cash and debit cards this year versus putting things on their credit cards. Year to year comparison, I'm experiencing a 15.6% increase in sales so far. I keep fairly detailed records so I can crunch the numbers later to figure out what to reorder and which item has reached the end of its life cycle. The information also records sales totals per market. The caveat is this weekend is Mother's Day weekend so folks tend to splurge a little for mom. I think the next couple of months will be telling for the status of the overall economy. Because I live along a river leading to a huge port upriver, I have personally noticed there have been no container ships arriving since May 1st which is unusual. There are usually 7-10 anchored in the river waiting their turn to enter the port. There are none now. This is why I'm curious about what the folks doing in-person markets are experiencing - without the filter of news media. I think we will be the first ones to experience hiccups with the buying public.   Bonny Wagoner - Artist/Illustrator ... View more

Retail members, we wanna hear about your "WHOA, I'M REALLY DOING THIS" moments. Maybe it was your first online order, first tough review, or the day you decided to go all in on your business and bet on yourself.   Share the moment it all clicked on this thread👇 P.S. If you haven't yet, make sure to RSVP to the upcoming Future of Retail online event  ... View more

Hi, everyone! Welcome to the Artists & Makers group in the Square Community! Whether you're selling your work or selling items made by others, this is the group for you. You can use this space to ask questions and share tips, knowledge, ideas, and more.    If you're new to the group, please reply here and introduce yourself or start a new thread about anything you want!    If you haven't already joined the group, visit the group home page and click the Join Group Hub button. We're looking forward to getting to know you and your business! 😊 ... View more

It's hard to practice restraint when you make something that's a little too perfect. 😆 What did you almost keep? And does it still haunt you? 😅 ... View more

Drop a pic if you have one! We love a good "cozy corner" or "aesthetic 'shelfie'" moment.    At the hair salon I go to, they added a small coffee station and gosh... it enhances my hair day! ☕ ... View more