I had an extraordinary experience this week, blog readers, that I must share with all of you. I was invited to a special blogger preview party at the new Container Store whose grand opening is in Tucson this weekend. It was such a unique and special event that I am truly compelled to tell you all about it and to plug this incredibly inspiring business.
When I arrived, I was treated to delicious boxed lunch (of course!), a package of materials all about The Container Store and a complete surprise of a gift card in a sweet little box. I loved sitting in the company of other Tucson bloggers such as Tucsontopia, Tucson Foodie and Arizona Families. Each and every blogger there had their own unique story (and site!), and it's such a rare opportunity for us to meet one another.
Our host for the afternoon was Robin, a marketing manager and event specialist, who was flown out from corporate headquarters in Dallas to spend the whole weekend here in Tucson making sure that this is an unforgettable kickoff in our community. I was unable to go to the preview party later that evening, but the Arizona Daily Star described it as "the hottest ticket in town." CLICK HERE to read their story all about it.
Robin filled us in on some unbelievable details about the store. Here are a few key points:
-The 1st Container Store was opened in 1978, and its claim to fame was selling dairy crates that college students use in dorm rooms to store their belongings. This Tucson store is its 71st location.
-The Tucson Container Store location is 21,00 square feet and sells over 10,000 products in the store. It took over the Toby Keith's Bar & Grill location which closed earlier this year.
-The Container Store has a "1 in 3″ philosophy. In other words, they rather hire one great employee rather than three good employees. Each employee receives 263 hours of training before they ever begin working on the floor, a huge contrast to the 10 hours of training that most retail stores provide.
-When a Container Store opens in a new location, they always select a local nonprofit to give 10% of their grand opening proceeds to. In Tucson, it was the Tucson Symphony Orchestra that was chosen - oh yes, music to this Tucson Songstress's ears! CLICK HERE to learn more about the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, and shop, shop, shop this weekend to stock up on great items for your home and do a good deed at the same time. I love shopping for a good cause!
One last cool detail....
-The Chairman and CEO of the Container Stores, Kip Tindell, has written a really interesting book on the philosophies of the Contain Store that is sold in all of the stores. It has the perfect title - "Containable," and it sounds like a really inspiring read about this very interesting business. Make sure to check it out when you make a trip to this location.
I couldn't stop taking photos during my visit to the Tucson Container store this week, because everything is just a feast for the eyes. There are colors and neatly stacked boxes that make you want to go home and start organizing. The Container Store is as visually interesting as the circus, so check out some of these pictures, and maybe some of my enthusiasm will get you inspired, too.
Here's the important information you all need to know in order to visit Tucson's newest hot spot.
The Container Store
Website: 4500 N. ORACLE RD., TUCSON, AZ 85705
Grand Opening Weekend: Sat. & Sun. May 30th & 31st
(Prize giveaways given every hour and 10% of all proceeds this weekend benefiting the Tucson Symphony Orchestra)
MONDAY - SATURDAY 10 AM - 9 PM; SUNDAY 12 PM - 6 PM
In true Tucson Songstress fashion, there is a song of the day for every story. The song I selected for this one is called "Little Boxes," because the Container Store is filled to the brim with them. "Little Boxes was written by Malvina Reynolds in 1962, but American folksinger, Pete Seeger was the artist who made it famous. The song is a big political satire about everything in suburbia looking exactly the same stacked up in "little boxes." It was brought to my attention that the TV show "Weeds" has used this song recently, and my use of it for this blog could possibly be misinterpreted. Non such thing for me! I'm taking the song at face value, because in the context that I intend, sometimes little boxes can be just the thing the doctor ordered. In my opinion, being organized leads to a healthy way of being, and I am so excited to have a whole store of helpers with my efforts only a few miles away. Thank you, Container Store Tucson, for a wonderful introduction to your beautiful store. I am certain Tucson will welcome you with open arms, and I couldn't be more thrilled to have you in my town! Welcome to the Old Pueblo!
