“Customer service is absolutely everything," Owner Trish Martini said about receiving the Carlson Craft award. 

Soiree Andover specializes in unique invitations, fine stationary, favors and accents. Martini who has owned the store for the past 2 years, first at 10 Essex Street and now at 13 Main Street said, "It's an honor to receive this distinguished award for the second year in a row. Our customers deserve superior attention, customer service and products, and that is what we proudly provide.”

Martini credits her staff's superior customer service combined with the production of exceptional design in stationary and invitations as the key to the store's popularity and success.

Rebecca Wilhite has been the manager of the store since Martini assumed ownership of the former Paper Moon store, and Jenna Richard is the sales assistant. Martini said they meet weekly to discuss new ideas, what went well and ways to improve.

“We exceeded our sales expectations, but I believe that good customer service increases sales," she explained.

Besides Carlson Craft, Soiree carries other vendors including Crane, William Arthur, Tag and Company and Printwell. In addition, Martini and Wilhite, who are graphic designers, can modify as well as create designs. The store covers the wide spectrum of invitations and stationary, and Martini keeps current by attending the annual National Stationary Show in New York City

Martini is originally from Australia where “doing it well is the lifeblood of the country.” She said that you want your customers to feel even better when they leave than when they arrived. “We have a really good relationship with our customers, and we don’t have anything printed until its perfect.”

Martini who worked at Paper Moon for 5 years with the previous owner was able to buy the business when her children were older, and described it as being "at the right place at the right time."

Then when  Strawberry Tree went out of business, she was able to procure the space on Main Street. In addition to increased visibility, she has a relationship with Cristina’s Bridal who will soon be moving to a new building with other wedding vendors.

“The Main Street location allows us to be part of the team.” she explained.

Martini said the move to the larger location also made it possible for the expansion of its gift and personalized stationary lines to fulfill the growing demand.  The store is decorated with eye-appealing displays and a comfortable couch to peruse books and discuss designs.

“Our service which focuses on going above and beyond had made us popular," she said. Martini gave the example of when they had to hand deliver an order during a snowstorm. They will also do overnight shipping at no extra charge if necessary, and if they don’t have what customer looking for, they will make calls to other stores.

“Everyone benefits in town when everyone helps each other,” she explained.

Soiree will be holding a Spruce up for Spring event on Thursday, March 24 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Local experts will give tips on sprucing up for spring by getting organized, shaping up, and looking better.

Soiree Andover is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. The phone number is 978-474-6400 and the website is www.soireeandover.com.