Shirley, you need to franchise!

[keenercam]

Shirley, you know that Howard and I adore you, right? You and Norm and everyone at your store are absolutely wonderful (how will we ever repay you for tracking down Howard's prescription sunglasses and sending them to us?), and we are going to save the bottle of wine until Andy is an astronaut working on the ISS pictured on the label.
But--here is the big question! How are we going to have truly wonderful vacations at Hilton Head or Beach Club Villas without your special creations?
I am sure that the hundreds of DISers whose lives have been touched by your kindness also think we need Shirley franchises in every state and you will have to travel to all of them -- 52 weeks= 1 week at each state store and 2 weeks vacation. sounds fair to me! I am sure Joanne and all your wonderful staff can handle your well-established cape canaveral store.
love,
Cam

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Cam -

As fond as I am of Shirley, I have to disagree with you. She absolutely should <b><i>not</i></b> franchise. The reason we love her and her work so much is because of the personal touch she puts into everything she sells. It's not an impersonal, take-a-number transaction when you deal with her and her associates. That's what makes <a href="http://www.theperfectgift.cc"><font color=blue><i>The Perfect Gift</i></font></a> so special. That would be pretty difficult to duplicate if she were to franchise.

 

[keenercam]

But, DAVE . . . . (read "whine!")
okay. I guess you are right. But just remember that, the next time Shirley can't be "johnny on the spot" because she is 3000 miles away. Did you hear this story? Howard left his $360 polarized prescription sunglasses in our rental car when he turned it in at the Radisson (it was pouring torrentially so he didn't think of them). Shirley & Norm went and picked them up and were going to fed ex them to us in Grand Cayman or Cozumel so he would have them for the rest of our trip. Isn't that wonderful? DH decided to just make do with a clip on and let Shirley and Norm ship the glasses to our home address for when we got there--geez, I just remembered! I don't think DH sent her a check. Really want to take care of that.

And the baskets she did for DH and me were absolutely beautiful--mine had a mini beach chair with my name on it (!) and my favorite bath & body works scents and DH's had every single little thing I asked for.
How cool is that?!!

 

[atigeg]

I agree with Dave...Shirley is one of a kind!! Although maybe franchising would work when they perfect cloning technology
That story about the glasses is amazing, but it doesn't surprise me. Shirley is such a sweetheart!! And her creations are the best...after the Chicago Bears basket for hubby, I order two gifts for a crew member and she came up with the best ideas. I haven't seen the photo of the second one yet, but I know that the person who received it LOVED it.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[wovenwonder]

Shirley did tell me that she would be willing to ship a basket to any location. Ofcourse you could not order chocolates in August. She did mention that she thought the shipping would not be worth it --- but, it can't be a whole lot more than the charge that DCL makes to deliver it to the ship. Can it? I know alot of people that would be more than happy to pay the shipping to have one of her custom baskets for a special occasion at home.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Ok, I keep reading about this wonder woman's fabulous creations...anybody have pics on their website? My curiosity is definitely up.

 

[atigeg]

She has pictures of the standard baskets on her website, and I have some of her custom creations on my site at: www.castawayclub.com
Barb

 

[Ginny]

Oh, sure you guys!! Get me all excited, fill my tiny brain with ideas about future plans when I retire and then take it away

I read Cam's post and thought I could take the Northern Virginia franchise for all those many DC visitors!! But, you are right - There is only one Shirley and one Perfect Gift. And, when I thought about all one would have to learn: design, creativity, kindness and compassion, conflict resolution, resourcefulness, a sense of fun and GREAT TASTE, I realized that some things just can't be taught - you either have them or not. And, Shirley has all that and more in one package. I guess I will revert to my "Home Depot" plan!!

Shirley and Norm have been the highlight of a very grueling week (that is a HUGE whine) for me and I know that her efforts will start MCazer and her family off on a great week (since my family can't make this cruise)!! Thanks for everything, Shirley!!

 

[snelsonbrown]

Cam - first I want you to know and understand one of the reasons why we do what we do is that those that find themselves in a "hot spot" can call us and we do what we can to help - I am glad norm and I were able to help with Howard's glasses, just so sorry we couldn't get them to him to enjoy on the cruise - as for a check - forget it - I would like to know the favor would be returned if I was ever in your hometown and need a helping hand -
Second remember Norm and I are just getting up just a little bit in age and to take the shop any further --naw - If I was younger - what a pleasure it would be to meet all of those that have become a part of my memory bank for later years -
As long as we have the one shop - then there is a place for all of you to come to, visit and just chat - baskets, flowers are not the important thing in this life of mine - the fact that we can offer a heart of friendship out there is what my goals are -
These are my thoughts and I too want to take the time to say thank you for caring about Norm and I.
God bless each of you super good.
Luv ya
Always
Shirley and Norm

 

[prymsu]

Shirley, you truly are a one of a kind gem, and I will surely make a point to stop by your shop and meet you! Thank you for all you do!

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Thanks for the link. I suspect I will be in touch with Shirley as the time for our cruise draws closer.

We've always had something in the stateroom from the Magical Treasures (DH and kids never know what Mom Mickey will spring on them!) and I was a bit concerned when I heard about the changes.

This sounds like a "perfect" solution!

 

[Mom411]

Hi Everyone... it's been so long since I've posted that I forgot my password and had to get a new one.

Every now and then we come across very rare individuals in our world... Shirley and Norm certainly fit that bill... Such giving, caring, down to earth people that anyone could have the pleasure of knowing. I have a story to share that gives a small example of the kind of people Shirley and Norm are.

Over a year ago, the evening before our second Disney cruise, our truck was vandalized while staying overnight at a Cocco Beach Hotel (to remain nameless). Our family had plans to meet Shirley and Norm that morning for breakfast, ( we did basket business 6 months earlier) but instead, I had to call her at 7:30 AM after being called by hotel security at 4:00AM to inform us that 4 of our truck windows were busted out with a shovel (it was left as a souvenir). Shirley and Norm went quickly into action!!! They were completely amazing!

These two angels, let us use their personal vehicle to get to breakfast, allowed us to drive the damaged truck to their store, they took us to the port that morning, saw that our truck windows were fixed while we were gone, had the truck detailed (you can only imagine the glass particiles everywhere), paid the
deductable for the window damage so that we didn't have to use our vacation cash and let us give her a personal check AND picked us up at the port AFTER the cruise where our truck was ready for the trip home. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

In short, Shirley and Norm turned what could have been a complete disaster for us, into a painless and comforting situation. Words will never begin to express our thanks and appreciation. We know that we have such great friends in Cape Canaveral. I know for a fact that Shirley and Norm would go out of their way to help complete strangers. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to know Shirley and Norm. What a fantastic couple.

We have no cruises planned in the near future as we have been exploring other vacation spots like New York City and snow skiing in Colorodo, but I still love read the boards to see what is new!

My Disney Cruises are always in my heart!!!

Beth