Poppy Barley Weekly 40

This PB Weekly is being written 10,000 feet in the sky onboard a flight to Phoenix (isn’t wifi on flights incredible!). I’m escaping for a 4-day weekend getaway to run a half-marathon, hike, eat and enjoy some Arizona sunshine (and rain!). February had lots of long days and late nights, so my brain is craving a break. Last weekend, Justine and I headed to the countryside for a stay at The Crossing at Ghost River. The retreat was the kickoff to Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Excelerator program. Surrounded by trailblazing women, we focused on personal leadership and vision/goals for our companies. In a room full of women, our conversations combined heart, brains, honesty and boldness. Justine and I are doing lots of big thinking; some exciting changes are coming to Poppy Barley. As always – thank you for being part of the journey – we can’t wait to share! What's Happening this Week

• In Edmonton this weekend? We’re hosting an Open House tomorrow Saturday, February 28th, from 10am to 4pm. It’s the LAST day you can get in on our Winter Sale. Book an appointment or just show up!
• The Winter Sale means $50 off all boots! The Winter Sale also gives you $25 off Midnight Confetti and Park Avenue Purple flats – only available in limited quantities and selling fast! Last day to shop the sale is Saturday, February 28. Because the Canadian dollar is... well... bad, we will be increasing all CND prices as of March 1st.
• In Toronto, Anita a self-confessed "computer nerd with a fashion twist" (love that!) wrote an honest review about her Poppy Barley experience and boots. In Vancouver, Alex from To Vogue or Bust captured her Foxhunt Boots beautifully.
• Our Community Manager, Caroline, did a segment on CBC Radio Edmonton about Oscar Fashion. Listen here.
• We love being based in Edmonton. Here our city shares the story of Poppy Barley.

A Look into the Future

• Our next Limited Edition Collection drops next week. It’s an edgier take on some classic styles thanks to a bold snakeskin print (I’m having a hard time deciding what to order!). We're hosting a product development poll to finalize that last style; vote here.
• Justine and I are proud to be speakers at NorQuest College’s 5^th Annual International Women’s Day Celebration happening on Wednesday, March 4.
• Caroline is speaking about building a social brand at iMedia, a conference on everything digital media taking place Sat, March 13 in Edmonton, AB.
• If you’re the founder of an Alberta-based startup company, apply to participate at the Roundtable Sessions on April 28. Poppy Barley is a proud partner of AccelerateAB – we’ve attended, pitched and participated in the roundtables.

What We’re Reading

• We’re pretty fanatical about brand at Poppy Barley, making this story a must read: Warby Parker Sees the Future of Retail
• Startup company Jet.com used a cool buzz-building strategy to raise cash with a referral contest offering equity in Jet to customers who refer the most sign-ups.
• What happened to The Gilt Groupe? It’s painful to read about businesses that are going through difficult times, yet this article is full of caution and reminders that serve any fast-growing business.
• We're opening a showroom in Edmonton and you can be measured in Toronto, so this article on leaving online retailing for a return to stores is a good read.
• While designing our new office, we’ve been reading more interior design posts than usual. Here are some goodies: Design Mistake #1: Generic Sofa, Designers Share the Best White Paints and All Gold All the Time (give us a can of gold spray paint!).