So many projects to tackle and complete! I’ve managed a lot of tackling, but not so much completing… Here’s the late April update:
There are still a few more boxes with books to be unpacked and shelved. The majority are in place – although not necessarily the correct one. From the front counter I can spot piles of books stashed in the General Vicinity section, to be moved to the Right Spot later.
About a third of the shelves are sporting tags that indicate what books are in that section. I hope to be forgiven for hand-lettering the signs, but the little printing machine ones have such an industrial appearance. Maybe the lettering will get finished this afternoon.
The images in today’s episode are to illustrate that I’ve actually gotten a couple of framed items on the walls. Three, actually. I’m hoping that they’ll also serve to dampen a little of the sound that continues to bounce around. There was a distinct echo in the building before I moved anything in, and the shelving itself did little to reduce the reverb effect. Adding the books has absorbed most of the reflected sound, but the front of the store can use a little extra baffling.
The Open sign is plugged in and flashing in the front window.
Not that anyone has missed the Grand Opening, or the ReOpening. That elusive date is the subject of most questions. When I was delivering boxes regularly though the day, the front door was locked during excursions to the storage unit. With most of the boxes inside the store, I’ve been spending more time among the shelves and have left the front door unlocked.
I’ve been pleased to see some regular customers (with a great thanks to the ladies at Hairs To Ya beauty salon next to the old location for letting people know where to find the new spot). Some books have been sold and traded. Some browsing has been accomplished. I hope you’ll come in soon to check it out!
As to the official opening, I figure it can’t be too Grand if I don’t even have the store name on the awning yet, or if the interior arranging is not yet finished. I was hoping to have every little thing in its place and then throw open the front door with a shout.
That hasn’t proven to be practical.
So, rather than keep folks out until such a time as I consider the place sufficiently completed, I’m going with the term I’ve heard used and invoking the Soft Opening privilege. That allows me to conduct some business while I’m still working out the details.
When the Tulsa Health Department inspectors came through this week for the final formal inspection of the on-premise kitchen facility, they agreed to the idea. When I have the rest of the supplies in, I’ll be able to fire up the coffee maker, and as soon as I get the commercial-grade refrigerator installed I can roll out the menu and serve up your soup.
For now, it’s back to the labeling and the wall work…