How Flipsnack powered a small business into the New York Times

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Provence, France, Chez Pluie is more than just a boutique for French Country antiques—it's a passion project. Founded in 2015 by Susannah and Hugh Cameron, the essence of Chez Pluie lies in curating a collection that embodies the rich heritage of southern France. Their mission? To offer seamless access to the finest, authentic decorative pieces of the region. Prioritizing not just the accessibility but also the safe and prompt delivery of these delicate treasures to their customers worldwide.

The challenge

Before finding Flipsnack, Chez Pluie faced a common hurdle. Like many in the antique trade, they struggled to showcase their unique pieces authentically online. Hugh and Susannah wanted more than just transactional interactions; they wanted to transport their customers to the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence to share in the ambiance and allure of French Country living.

Integrating Flipsnack into their workflow was a breeze for the Chez Pluie team. They swiftly embraced the platform, transforming it into their digital atelier—a canvas upon which they could paint the vivid tales of their antiques. Crafting captivating catalogs became second nature as they navigated the software with finesse.

Their first major milestone? A concise yet comprehensive 30-page catalog that truly captured the essence of their collection. This inaugural effort underwent rigorous testing among a select group, with overwhelmingly positive feedback setting the stage for Chez Pluie's digital journey.

Dramatic increases in engagement and sales

The adoption of Flipsnack catalogs introduced a new era of success for Chez Pluie. Unlike the fleeting interactions on their website, at 2 minutes per visit, users were captivated by the immersive experience offered by the flipbook, spending an average of 9 minutes per visit. This extended engagement nurtured a deeper connection with the brand as customers explored the captivating narratives woven within each catalog page.

But that was not all. Chez Pluie's innovative use of Flipsnack caught the attention of a prestigious publication, leading to a feature in the New York Times that showcased their unique approach to storytelling and presentation. This recognition served as a testament to the power of Flipsnack in creating compelling content that resonates with audiences worldwide. Hugh highlighted the substantial growth in subscribers following the adoption of Flipsnack. "The first month we started using it, we doubled our subscribers," he noted.

In addition, Flipsnack’s impact on Chez Pluie's revenue was profound, as Hugh underlined. "It's a revenue-generating tool, which is, for us, way more valuable than a cost-saving tool," he stated. He went on to illustrate the direct correlation between the launch of their Flipsnack flipbook and the substantial portion of their revenue it generated—representing about half of their monthly earnings, making it their most successful venture to date.

These statistics show how Flipsnack made a big difference for Chez Pluie's business. It helped them make more money and reach more people.

Conclusion

Together, Chez Pluie Provence and Flipsnack have written a new chapter in the world of antique marketing, where each item tells a story, and every catalog builds a legacy. This collaboration demonstrates how digital tools can revitalize traditional businesses and give them a vibrant, engaging web presence. By combining the rich history of antiques with the innovative capabilities of modern technology, they've created an immersive experience for customers, bridging the gap between the past and the present.

As a result, Chez Pluie Provence has expanded its reach and deepened its connection with antique enthusiasts worldwide, setting a new standard for how traditional businesses can thrive in the digital age.

Future projects between Chez Pluie and Flipsnack

As Chez Pluie Provence looks to the future, the integration of Flipsnack into its digital strategy opens up a world of possibilities. Their vision extends beyond mere catalogs; they see Flipsnack as the cornerstone of their online presence, a platform that elevates the presentation of antiques to an art form. With seasonal campaigns and special collections on the horizon, they anticipate leveraging Flipsnack's dynamic features to weave captivating narratives around each curated piece, nurturing deeper connections with their audience.