Typewriter Store

         

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Interview with Amelia Rose, Owner of The Typewriter Emporium in Savannah, Georgia

1. Can you tell us a little bit about how you got started with The Typewriter Emporium?

I've always been fascinated with typewriters -- the sound they make, the way the letters physically stamp onto the paper, the way they seem to have a personality all their own. I started collecting them in college, but it wasn't until a few years ago that I had the idea to turn my passion into a business. I started small, buying and restoring old typewriters for friends and family. Word of mouth spread, and pretty soon I had a steady stream of customers.

2. What were some of the challenges you faced when starting out?

One of the biggest challenges was finding affordable space to rent in the downtown Savannah area. I knew I wanted to be in a location that would attract foot traffic, but the rent for storefronts in popular areas was sky-high. I also struggled with getting my name out there -- I didn't have a big marketing budget, so I had to rely on social media and word of mouth to spread the word about my store.

3. How did you overcome these challenges?

I was able to find a great space in a historic building that wasn't too far from the main drag, but was still within my budget. I also realized that promoting my store through Instagram could be effective -- I started posting photos of my inventory and restoration projects, and the hashtag #typewriterlove started to catch on. And I'm so grateful for the amazing community of typewriter enthusiasts out there -- they've been some of my biggest supporters and have helped spread the word about my store.

4. When did you start selling online, and how has that impacted your business?

I started selling through Shopify about a year after opening my physical store. It's been a game-changer. Not only can I reach more customers than ever before, but I can also sell products that are difficult to find in our local market. I've even had international customers purchase items from my store.

5. What's been your most unexpected success?

When I first started out, I didn't think that custom typewriter repair would be as big of a part of my business as it is. But as people started bringing in their old family typewriters to get fixed up, I realized that there's something special about being able to revive a machine that has been in someone's family for generations. It's a privilege to be able to play a part in the story of these beautiful machines.

6. What's your favorite typewriter in your store right now?

That's a tough one! But I think my favorite is a Royal Quiet De Luxe from the 1950s. It's robin's egg blue and has a really satisfying click-clack sound when you type on it.

7. What's next for The Typewriter Emporium?

I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting typewriter models to add to my collection, and I'm hoping to expand my collection of accessories and replacement parts as well. But most importantly, I want to keep providing excellent service to my customers both in-person and online. I'm so grateful for the support I've received, and I look forward to continuing to serve the typewriter community!

         

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