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Permalink Reply by Jason Shipley on May 18, 2010 at 4:53am

It all depends on the location. If there is a need or demand for both business and you can work the right synergy than it could work. I've also seen may dual concept places fail because neither concept was fully developed or one side just drained the other.

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Permalink Reply by Squirrel on May 18, 2010 at 5:08am

Thanks, Jason. Well, I have a friend who brings in designer bags and his business is doing well. In fact, my family members are his loyal customers too. But before I approach him, I would like to cover my base well and try to get to the pros and cons of it.


Jason Shipley said:

It all depends on the location. If there is a need or demand for both business and you can work the right synergy than it could work. I've also seen may dual concept places fail because neither concept was fully developed or one side just drained the other.

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Permalink Reply by Dinah on May 19, 2010 at 8:47am

Don't sell anything in your store that you can't afford to have coffee spilled on and ruined. It's unfortunate, but it does happen.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Wilson on May 19, 2010 at 10:18am

I work in a coffee shop / used book store in Auburn, Alabama. With our particular combination, I think things work together really well—after all, caffeine does help you read faster ;)

Love the comment about spilling things though. I've been working here for about 4 months and haven't had anyone share their coffee with a book yet, but I'm honestly surprised it hasn't happened!



Another shop in town does coffee and flowers. Not entirely sure how well they do, but most people I've talked to think it's weird ;)

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Permalink Reply by Mike McGinness on May 19, 2010 at 11:32am

I grew up in the Florist industry, starting working in my parents shop weekends and holidays age 12. Got out of the business after going back to school for an electronic engineering degree early 30's.

I see absolutely zero synergy between florist and coffeehouse businesses operating together. Quite the opposite in fact. Other than both dealing with a lot of perishable product.

We currently sort of carry a line of designer bags at my Roastery coffeehouse location. Hand Bags made from coffee bags.

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