I should split into two shops, shouldn't I?

[DeerGirlDesigns]

Would like some input n separating my mermaids and jewelry into two different shops. I have been getting a lot of views on my mermaids recently and it has inspired me to make more, but I think it looks strange in the same shop as my jewelry. Do you agree?

Thanks.

[TwistedAcresAirplant]

I like my two businesses separate I think it makes it easier for my customers to navigate around my shops although my art shop sadly gets little attention but I like the split.

[Former_Member]

i have the same question too im deeveloping a line of home decor but i have a jewelry shop here

[Former_Member]

If you plan on making more mermaids and people seem to like them then I'd say to open a separate shop, just because the jewelry and mermaids are so different.

[DeerGirlDesigns]

Retro, we're in it together then. :) I agree with Anson that it will probably be a lot easier for people to navigate. Also, I am thinking that with a whole shop to dolls and art, I would be more inspired to really do more of them. I love doing them and they get views and sales, but I haven't really taken it seriously enough. Plus other people seem to manage multiple shops. We can do it!

[DeerGirlDesigns]

Thanks Katy, I agree.

[Former_Member]

I have three shops. When one shop becomes very busy, the other shops become neglected. It is really hard to promote and market and advertise more than one successful shop and am now merging two of shops into one shop to be more efficient with my time and energy.

[Former_Member]

I make jewelry (swansonglass) and nightlights (swansonglassdesign). I thought that it would be better to have different shops because the items are VERY different. I followed the advise of many of the old treads. As long as i have both email addresses go into the same program....it still is easy to manage. But I am fairly new! ~ sharon :O)

[Former_Member]

I have been able to successfully maintain my shop which has a variety of items. I see some cohesion carrying the jewelry findings through to the mermaids, I think that you will actually find that the more variety your shop has, the better. Yes, 2 distinctly different items may be a bit odd but if you can keep a slight visual cohesiveness but an overall similar feel to your shop, adding a larger selection/ variety, I think you could easily keep one shop.

Take my shop for instance, I sell origami jewelry, origami ornaments and garlands, origami hair accessories, origami paper eggs, craft kits, etc. The common theme: origami/ origami paper. At art shows I also sell boxes and framed origami. My only thought for my shop regarding splitting, is my supplies. But even then they have been a part of CMCCreations for over a year and overall the entire experience has been a successful one. I agree that it seems easier to promote/ maintain 1 shop.

[DeerGirlDesigns]

thank you mary, sharon, and christine- all very important feedback to consider!

Christine, I definitely see the cohesion in your shop. Wow, such beautiful creations. I love them!

I think the main cohesion I can find between my art and mermaids and my jewelry is my aesthetic and with many of my necklaces and with the mermaids I create a story with symbols to represent mythology and religious historical figures. Hmm.. I need to think about the cohesive factor.