Tweak 99: Come Happy, Leave Happier

Tweak 99 is a store located in Hollywood, CA. The stores owner is Tara Riceberg. Tara started the store after working in retail and becoming frustrated. Tara's store is set apart from the rest because of one thing, all her gifts come pre wrapped! I chose Tweak because I enjoy the quirky products they sell and the spirit of the store.

Tweak's brand is a fun, imaginative, creative store where all fun can be had. Tara's history of the brand started in 2012, where she opened her first store in Hollywood. On her website, Tweak shoppers are exposed to the products, the mission of the store, and told that "if you break something, you must say sorry". Tara is a free spirit and throughout her brand, her personality comes through. By offering everything from books to home accessories, Tara's store offers gifts for any age and saves her customers the time and money by pre wrapping all the gifts in the store.

Timeline of Tweak: 2012: Store opens!
                                2013: Awarded "Best Of LA Shopping"
                                2014: Still having fun!

Tara's mission statement for her store isn't called a mission statement, she likes to call it "Tweakism". She believes that these 17 things are what her missions are on a daily basis:

Playing is essential to being happy.

The only acceptable answers to “Hi.  How are you?” are Fantastic! Tremendous! Stupendous!  Ok, fine, or good are simply not good enough.

The power of yes, smiling, and eye contact.

None of us actually needs anything.  However, we do believe in items that enhance our lives. They must be purposeful, convenient, educational or downright fun.

Value is getting more for more.

You don’t have to offer everything, only the best.

Products have energy and are 3D memories.

Shopping small.  We have huge respect for the courage it takes to either leave one’s comfy job or to risk one’s savings to invest in a creative concept, manufacture it and bring it to market.

“Jumping”- facing fear and embracing change.

Quality needs to make a comeback.

You’re only as good as your word.

Big companies who strive to have happy employees.

Good manners.

Children should be encouraged to imagine.

Customers should leave better for having spent some time with us.

Tearing gift wrap paper is the best part of getting a present.  It’s all about the reveal.

There’s always time for a bow.

I was first introduced to this brand when I went to Los Angeles in 2013. I was shopping with my friend and we stumbled across this store and decided to poke around. We enjoyed the inspirational books & toys and had a great time. Tara, the owner, offered wisdom and creative ideas for all the products I was interested in buying.

The brand is perceived by the public as a fun and kid friendly store. The majority of people who shop there have said they enjoyed their experience because of the quirky items that Tara sells and the access to the toys and games on lower shelves for the kids.