Imagine walking into a real store and being warmly greeted by someone who is really excited about what they are selling. And I mean every item they sell. They give you space, but would be thrilled to guide you through offering concrete reasons why a certain product may be right for you. You’re in a place where the shopkeeper wants you to be really happy with your purchase simply because of his or her own passion.
Now, flash to a key board and a mouse. In just a few clicks you’ve entered that store. Take a look around. Each one of those products is something the shopkeeper loves and wants you to know about. It is something that works for them. You’re not getting a hodgepodge of unknown consumer reviews to help you make your decision. Instead, you’re getting the expertise of someone who lives and breathes what’s in their store.
Take Sharon Stiteler, a really fun and quirky bird lover. In fact, since she was 7 years old, she has surrounded her life with all things bird. She is clearly someone who would know what kind of bird feeder to use. Now, thanks to Open Sky, you can find the perfect birdhouse for you. That’s cool!
Now meet Kenny Point. He’s a completely obsessed gardening enthusiast with a pretty amazing garden on his own property. I met Kenny and he’s one of those people you just want to be near. He’s jovial, sincere and he oozes knowledge. He recommends products that, along with results, will hopefully bring you the same joy they bring him.
These shopkeepers are part of the Open Sky project, a brand new concept that just might change the shopping world as we know it. It adds a whole new category to online shopping, reminds us of the way people used to shop a long time ago. It is equal parts Mayberry, early 20th century lower east side and artist colony. It’s real people connecting human to human.
These are the shops at Open Sky and Cooking With Friends (http://cookingwithfriendsclub.theopenskyproject.com/) has just become one of them. We are really happy to be part of it, pioneers in a new venture.
Amazing post! Your words truly capture what we are all building together.
It was great to see you both on Friday night. Your energy and enthusiasm are contagious. We are incredibly excited/fortunate to have you in the OpenSky community.
Best,
Kevin
Incredible post (and great pic)! Loved meeting you guys on Friday. We are looking forward to building something great together!
-mike
Ditto. Thanks for taking the time to stop by on Friday.
Your post referencing your fellow Shopkeepers and linking to others is exactly the kind of communal generosity that defines the kind of people we’re happy to be working with.
In fact, I think I see a smiley face among those clouds. Or maybe it’s a bunny rabbit. Or maybe both!
Scott
You make me want to go shopping right now!
Hello Alison, and thanks for the kind words. It was great to meet you and Shannon this past weekend!
Your post sums up many of the things that make the OpenSky experience so incredible… especially its potential to interact on a personal level with shoppers and other shopkeepers.
Kenny
I don’t see how Open Sky can support over 100 shops when so many only have a few products and most in the high end price range. When I shop online, I like selection and a good price and maybe some consumer reviews. Good luck though. If it works out, that’s terrific.
HiZeb,
Thanks for your good luck wishes. As much as we like luck, we’re thinking the old expression “the harder we work, the luckier we get” applies. Over time, the various Shopkeepers we partner with will have products across many price ranges. The important things are the personal and useful aspects of the recommendation. And yes, of course, price factors into any buying decision. As with any shop, sometimes the prices will be a bit lower or higher. Our belief is that success comes from a good combination of the classics; product, place, promotion, price and people. (And people is admittedly a major focus of ours.) People like Alison and Shannon will help OpenSky and all the shops to find the best balance.
Scott
idea sound good but nothing much to buy there so maybe they could get some stuff and try again – much easier to go to Amazon where they have stuff you want too buy and not all those page to hunt over
Very interesting posts on your site. I keep on coming back to learn more.
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