Type: Independent

Region: Southwest

Location: Downtown, in a revitalized shopping area

Five-star rating: Appearance

Inventory

Staff

External appearance: A huge banner on the side of the single-story, whitewashed brick building left no doubt as to the store's whereabouts. A row of neat shrubs lined the front.

Window display: Only one front window showcased various ornamental trinkets on cube-style glass shelving-tidy, but not especially eye-catching.

Entrance: At the front, double glass doors advertised the store's shopping hours, security-system logo and accepted credit cards. A non-tacky neon "Open" sign caught the eye. A small welcoming table offered complimentary hot apple cider-a nice touch. An open entryway inside connected with the store next door, selling baby products, so customers could easily drift from one store into the other to browse.

Layout and inventory: This small-to-midsize store made great use of its available space, neatly partitioning areas of interest and making it easy to locate items.

The book section was divided into clearly marked categories, with a step-stool making it easy to reach the higher shelves. The music section was small, but tidy, with a CD player and headphones available for anyone wanting to listen to demos. The small-but-well-stocked DVD/video rental section at the back of the store was only found by accident, hidden around a corner. It would probably be missed by all but the most nosy customers.

The children's corner was definitely colorful, hands-on and kid-friendly, with a cuddly Larry the Cucumber at tiny-tot level. VeggieTales dominated the display. Quite a few items were priced below $5, encouraging impulse buys.

The store boasted a large selection of ornamental knickknacks as well as T-shirts and ties.  It also offered a surprisingly large choice of greeting cards, well-organized on clean racks.

Appearance: Ultra tidy and clean, yet at one point, the assistant still got out the vacuum cleaner. The high ceiling with hanging candelabra and wall tapestries create an appealing and spacious atmosphere in the limited space.

Staff: About five minutes after I entered the store, the nicely dressed female assistant asked if I needed help finding anything. Otherwise, she kept a low profile. Another lady was efficient and businesslike in dealing with customers-courteous, but not much chitchat.

Verdict: A well-stocked store with a balanced inventory to satisfy most tastes. Excellent use of space and immaculately tidy. DVD/video rental section could be better signed, and more could be made of the front window display.

If this were your regular store? Easy access and ample parking out front are definite pluses. Staff members let you browse without hovering like hawks and were approachable if you needed something. The overall atmosphere was comfortable. I would be content.

Would a non-Christian feel comfortable here? No doubt about it. Lots of ornamental items and soft displays give the feeling of a cozy gift shop as much as a "Christian store." Anyone would be at ease here.

What will you remember of your visit a week from now? The store assistant vacuuming the already immaculate carpet. I'll take my shoes off at the door next time.

"How exciting for our little store to have had a ‘Mystery Shopper' visit. It reminds us of the scripture about ‘entertaining angels unaware.' This secret visit has helped us immensely. Your review was a great relief, and we were well pleased with what you had to say. Of course, we were trying to figure out which one of us was the vacuuming culprit (since none of us gets that kind of recognition in our own homes)! It has made us more aware of our customers and their needs. We will be more sensitive in the future. Our window display is now in the process of becoming a ‘beacon of beauty.' Thank you again for you help; we appreciate your time and energy-It will not be wasted."

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