Anders Ruff Design Company, a long-time Nashville Wraps customer, expanded their party planning and printables business by developing a unique retail store concept – AR Workshop. Their first shop outside Charlotte, NC was such a hit that they now have over 50 workshop franchises in 22 states! Now that’s a small business success story!
Co-owner Maureen Anders says, “Anders Ruff has always focused on creating beautiful parties using DIY (do-it-yourself) tutorials to inspire others. In 2016 we decided to step into home decor DIY by opening up boutique DIY workshops around the country. We started with one location in Pineville, NC and quickly started franchising across the country to now 54 locations!”
Customers love their DIY Wood sign workshops to create charming decor from scratch. They start with raw wood and are taught how to distress, sand, stain, assemble and paint using AR’s designer stencils custom made for each guest. Maureen says, “Everyone leaves with a piece that they are proud to hang in their home!”
Quick Holiday Packaging Tips from AR
Maureen and her business partner Adria Ruff continue to promote Nashville Wraps packaging in their stores. We asked Maureen for her holiday wrapping tips to retailers.
“We love packaging gifts with Nashville Wraps kraft shopping bags. To personalize them, we add a rubber stamp on front and tie on gift tags, raffia and burlap twine with tissue paper all from Nashville Wraps. The natural kraft paper bags are so great because they are versatile for every season. Changing out the tissue and ribbon (Cabana Stripes or Christmas Ribbon) will give the gift a completely different look and feel!”
In addition, they are using our adorable Cotton Favor Bags with Pre-Tied Red Bows for candy canes on their Advent Calendar & Countdown To Christmas plank wood signs.
Promoting Small Business Saturday Year-Round
As small business owners, it’s important to remind customers the importance of shopping local this Small Business Saturday and every day. Maureen says, “Our small business thrives on our local support. Small businesses create a sense of community and help create local jobs.”
You can find AR Workshop locations near you or consider opening your own franchise! Learn more about their amazing DIY boutiques in this short video from their Newport News, VA location.
