For over 30 years, Postal Annex has been a mainstay in the shipping and business-service industry, quickly growing to over 400 locations in the United States. Its vast array of services lends itself to a wide customer base, from large businesses to homemakers and individual consumers. Yet, unknown to many, Postal Annex stores carry a growing selection of products from greeting cards to unique gadgets like our MOVA Creations. Offering these gift items adds another dimension to the service-based concept of Postal Annex while capturing a key target market that includes high-end business clients and travel-minded consumers. We spoke with Natalie Cook, store manager of Postal Annex in Longmont, CO, to learn more about her store and the mesmerizing appeal of MOVA Globes to her customers.
Tell us a little bit about your store.
We are a traditional Postal Annex (PA) and we provide all of the traditional services such as packing, shipping, copying, cutting keys and notary services, etc. After taking over from the previous owner 18 months ago we began bringing in new merchandise such as Melissa & Doug products for children and Avanti cards. We especially were looking for interesting and unknown items. For instance, we carry cards and gifts locally made by a Longmont-based photographer who uses her photos of Longmont itself for her “Lovin’ Longmont” cards and gifts. Louise Gee, our store owner and Colorado resident for over 27 years, also came across a vendor in New York who hand cuts a single piece of Rose wood into beautiful shapes which can be used as a trivet or, when the handle is lifted and secured, can become a lovely standing basket. So, we have many interesting and unique gifts.
How did you discover MOVA Globes and what was your initial reaction?
Louise and I discovered MOVA Globes at the Postal Annex Convention last year as Robert Eftekhari, owner of Postal Annex in Agoura Hills, CA, was showing some of the best-selling gifts he had in his store and immediately we were enthralled by the beauty, technology and simply the overall ‘magic’ of them. We went back to our hotel room thinking we had found a really exciting way to bring people into our business.
For those who do not know, where is Longmont and what makes the city unique?
Longmont is a lovely, family friendly community of about 90,000 people that lies about a ½ hour North of Denver, Colorado between Boulder and Fort Collins. It has a more rural feel and sits at the base of Longs Peak, hence, the name of the city.
If you could only visit one attraction in Longmont, which would it be and why?
Since I am from Fort Collins I asked Louise where she would go and she answered she would take a picnic to McIntosh Lake and enjoy the large view it affords you of the Rocky Mountain Front Range – Beautiful J!
How do you display your MOVA Globes and how do customers typically react upon seeing them?
Originally, we had them in a couple of places in the store and as long as we had the time to step away from the counter and engage in conversation they were fine there. However, a few months ago Louise moved them to the center counter space and the interest exploded. The sight of 6-10 of them spinning on the counter is mesmerizing. Customers are intrigued. It also gives all of us the chance to explain where they come from, how they work and the technology behind them. Our customers love it when we pick one up and it continues to spin in our hands! The looks on their faces is truly priceless.
Which MOVA Globe design is your favorite and why?
Louise loves the Earth with Clouds as she says it is heaven’s view of the earth. I think it represents what we all want the earth to be: clean and beautiful, which resonates with people especially in Colorado where we love the outdoors and nature. It’s what we fantasize about as kids, going to space and looking down at our planet. I also love the planets and especially Jupiter with the beautiful colors and the swirling storms.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
We have truly enjoyed having the globes. They are a magnificent union of art, science and technology. Louise and I have given them to our husbands. I gave one to my son who graduated law school and one to my father for Christmas. It makes a huge difference when you can get behind a product you sell as something you enjoy as well. They have been a terrific addition to the store and a conversation piece with our customers. It makes a huge difference to have them out and spinning!
