How do you like our tree? It gets a little cuter every year. The striped Seuss type hat was Chris’ choice for a new addition. It was that or a red, sequined Fedora. I wanted the Fedora but I think he picked well. This blog entry is about our appreciation during this last but special month of the year.
I have been reminded quite a bit recently why it is we, as a car audio shop, may still be here while others aren’t as fortunate. First, Chris loves 12 volt. He loves car audio. He still has not grown tired of it or the challenges and innovations it provides. I know firsthand what it’s like to be in a store and deal with an employee who would rather talk about their hangover or hangnail than sell me what I need. Chris’ fire for car audio prevents that from happening.
Second, we are a specialty shop and truly care what our customers think and care about what they need. We often wonder if we over think that; if we ask too many questions or explain too much. We want our customers to know all their options. I have been graced by several returning customers in the past few months that have reminded me that extra care is appreciated. One of them is a customer whose permanent residence is in Maryland. He travels down here to Wake Forest often and that is how he found us. He will only bring his cars to us. That is a blessing. There are many other car audio shops between there and here but he chooses to wait until he is in Wake Forest to buy and to have car audio installs.
We have many, so many customers that return to us. They have kept us here and motivated us to keep going. We are thankful for every last one of them and for every person they have referred to us. So although this year may not have been our best, it could have been tougher.
So when one of Santa’s elves visited us this morning and granted us a wish for a gift we decided to wish for something to give our customers. This elf did an odd little dance, blinked, tapped, pulled off his elf hat, turned it upside down and out came a bunch of goodies all over the floor. He then scratched behind his ear, snapped his fingers 3 times and said, “Repeat after me. Ribbons and bows, pinkies and toes. Which bag to pick no one knows!” We repeated and “POOF”, all the goodies were in gift bags and placed beneath our tree.
Chris stared and said with astonishment, “St. Nick – o – what!” The elf giggled and said, “That’s a good one. I’ll have to say that next time Santa beats Dasher at the 100 yard dash!” He turned to leave and whistled as he skipped with delight to the back of our store. As he approached the back door he stopped, turned and looked at us and said, “You know, Santa is a reminder of all that is good and all that can be. He exemplifies the gift God gave to us in Jesus. Santa is grateful for that gift and every year wants to give thanks to Him by giving to all the good children across the world. Remember that in your heart and in your attitude and you and your store will be blessed.” Chris was speechless, not knowing what else to say he simply said, “Thank you and Merry Christmas.” The elf winked and said, “You are welcome and it will be a very Merry Christmas.”
The elf turned, opened the door and as he stepped out he just, … disappeared. I never thought to ask his name.
Well, manners aside. We have a few dozen goody bags under our tree. We will randomly select customers to choose a bag and the item inside is theirs. Oh and one other thing. The nameless elf said that whoever picks a bag had to repeat the same chant. So don’t forget. If you are chosen and don’t want to pick up an empty bag you must say, “Ribbons and bows, pinkies and toes. Which bag to pick? No one knows.”
Thank you to all our customers; new and old. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and may the joy of His birth be with you throughout the season.
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