Launching a Retail Business

This post is part of my series of articles with Staples and how they help small businesses do #MoreThisHoliday season. I chose to profile a local catering company, The Catch-y Caterer, as the owner launches her first retail store.  

Today is the day! Erin Cacciabaudo, owner of the Catch-y Caterer, is opening catchy. her first retail location. She was gracious enough to spend 20 minutes with me to discuss her journey from working for others to opening her own catering company to now launching a retail business.

Brian: Today is the day. How do you feel? How does THIS (her retail store) feel?

Erin: The emotions run the gamut. It certainly was a lot tougher than I imagined to get my store ready, but we did it. We are on the map!

Brian: Were there any pleasant surprises?

Erin: Definitely. Staples, for one, was a very pleasant surprise. I can’t thank you or them enough for helping me get my menus and flyers ready. James, Orlando and Luis (Staples employees) literally saved me hours if not days by helping me get the right equipment for my store (printer and computer) as well as formatting my menu so I could fit it on the front and back of one page. Don’t tell Staples but I consider those guys part of MY team now (laughs).

Brian: Your secret is safe with me. One more question about Staples – how do you envision using them as you move forward with your business?

Erin: Certainly for our store supplies—pens, white boards, envelopes, etc…but I love going to their Copy & Print section of the store. I get inspired just watching other business owners create collateral marketing material for their companies. I then scroll their computers to see what else I can use in my business. I didn’t realize all the items and support Staples offers small business owners like me. I’m like a groupie now. I get their weekly newsletters and search for things that I can use in my store or for my catering jobs.

Brian: Excellent. Can I share that point with them?

Erin: Yes…yes you can!

Brian: The holiday season is now officially upon us. Your store catchy. is open for business and your catering business is booming. What does the next 30 days hold for your company?

Erin: I will probably sleep 5 hours in December…seriously! The promotional efforts we did for the store reminded people to call us for their corporate or private events…and it worked! We have never been busier. For the next month, we will run at a breakneck pace to deliver top notch service. When I have time, I will work on my plans to grow the company. I want to work on my marketing materials as well as new items we can add to the store and to our catering company.

Brian: It sounds like you might get 10 hours of sleep in January. Thank you for allowing Staples and me to be part of such an exciting time in your business career. We are thrilled that things are going well for you and just call or email us if you ever have any questions about managing and/or growing your business. And remember, if your business needs anything from point of sale systems to retail supplies, catering supplies and restaurant supplies, the Catch-y caterer can get everything it needs at Staples. We can hop in the car and head over there 😉

Erin: I have you on speed dial! Please thank Staples again for me. They ROCK!

This post is sponsored by Staples.