I own a boutique... issues with other store owner in my area--- how to deal?

Question

My boutique carries a line of clothing that is very popular. I have carried it for about 4 years and it's just now becoming a line celebrities, magazines, and other media frequently talk about/wear. The problem comes from a boutique in my area that wants to carry the line as well. My sales rep called me to ask if it would be okay to sell to them, and I said no... it's the same customer base. My rep had no problem with this and said it's probably better to just have it in one store anyway. Well, this other shop calls my rep each week and tries to come up with new reasons as to why I shouldn't be the only one in my area to have it. She even went so far as to place an order--- just faxed it in! So, my rep calls me today and said the woman called her again, this time claiming that my boutique just got a new owner "two weeks ago and they are dropping all the current lines"-- which is a blatant lie. She was concerned because this woman is telling lies about me to other in the profession.

Answer 1

ever heard of Molotov cocktail's?

Answer 2

Right now it just sounds like she is a nuisance. But if her lies actually cause you to lose business, and you can prove it by having multiple witnesses who can testify to her actions (like, they stopped coming to your store because they were told you no longer carried "X" brands), you may have grounds for legal action against her in many states.You should really check with a lawyer in your area, because state laws can vary so much on such matters.

In the meantime, I would check with your rep and see if their company will agree, by contract, to make you the exclusive carrier in your area. They may not want to, but if they are okay with it, you would be able to advertise yourself as such.

Answer 3

Had a similar problem:  Send polite note to other owner that says, "It has been brought to me through first-hand reports that you have made impolite and untrue statements about my business to various people with whom I conduct my business. You are hereby placed on notice that further such conduct will result in further action by me or my attorney. I expect this slanderous behavior to cease immediately."

Sign it, and cc your attorney (even if you don't send him a copy).  Good luck.

Answer 4

It doesn't sound like she is trying to hurt your reputation or character, it sounds like she is really desparate to get this line in the stores so she can make a huge profit off of its rising popularity.

I would tell your sales rep to make it very clear to her that she will never, ever get that product line in her stores and to cease any and all further contact with that rep or any others selling that line. That is really something your rep needs to handle.

You know what I would actually do first? I would make a letter up with your boutique company letterhead stating that despite rumors going around that the store is prospering and and will remain open to support our customers' fashion needs, these are the lines we carry, and please come in for our next sale on such and such a date...and then I would either do a mass mailing or faxing to the boutiques who are competitive in your market and to your most favorite customers, including her - she will get the point that you aren't going away then. And then if she persists with telling lies about you to other, then I would consult a lawyer and see what advice they have for you.

The letter/mailing is a nice way to inform her that you aren't going anywhere in an indirect manner that gets the point across.