UGOIGO

Who is Hirambo?

Our name is derived from the Kenyan motto, “Together we are stronger.”

Hirambo seeks out hidden gems and merchants who bring that extra special something to your personal experience. We support brands not discounts because the essence of a great experience is in the consciousness of the customer.

Our job is to create innovative new touch points where we match people with the kinds of experiences that get them excited about all our merchants have to offer. It’s simply eat+shop+play+live in our mobile marketplace.

We’re starting with a small collection of just under 100 merchants and are growing them each week. Our merchants are showcased in our go! events which are mobile happenings such as FIT+FUEL, UptownDowntown, and Slider Decider.

Great opportunities to get out and go! in your smart phone world!

Hirambo is dedicated to making our local neighborhood businesses stronger through new opportunities to connect with customers in the power of personal experience.

Most of us never learn to appreciate where we are at this very moment because we’re so focused on what happened (or didn’t happen) in a past that no longer exists and worried about a future that hasn’t happened yet.

Life is made up of experiences.

Hirambo sponsored go! events are created for mobile subscribers who want to explore the best experiences Pittsburgh has to offer. They are not seeking the next big discount and they do not stick to the beaten path. They are trend setters, weekend warriors, influencers and brand champions. 

Simple but the best.

It’s our job to curate these one-of-a kind experiences and create the demand within the mobile marketplace to drive high value customers to your door. Take one of our favorite experiences, brunch, for example. The meal called brunch become more than just food, its part of the social ritual called the weekend. Our Best of Brunch go! event brings the local connoisseurs of brunch to you. Whether you serve designer dishes or classic fare, we provide the tools to engage your high value customer in the weekend’s favorite meal. 

Our other go! events include:

Best of Burghers

Best of Boutiques

Bloggers Choice

Chef’s Choice

Adrenalin Junkies

Weekend Warriors

Or how about Two for Tuesdays? The offerings in this series deliver perfect pairings for a romantic date night or a fun night with the BFF.  Each of our go! events provide a game changing way to connect with high value customers who are ready to experience the established best, as well as the next big thing.

Personal experiences are powerful.

They are the most powerful force in how our customers both relate and interact with us.

But we as merchants sometimes miss the mark when it comes time to share our personal experiences and what’s behind our brand. We love hearing the stories of entrepreneurs overcoming huge obstacles to get to where they are today. Not only can these stories wow our customers, they also help us build a recognizable face in a competitive world.

Connecting on a smartphone is no different.

If you harness the power of your personal experiences in the Hirambo mobile marketplace, you'll unleash amazing results. You'll make lasting connections and have enduring influence on customers.

Here are three reasons to power up that connection:

They build your brand.

They establish your credibility.

They bring out your passion.

Hirambo creates a mobile marketplace where great merchants and one of a kind establishments are gathered. To be part of this marketplace, means to access customers - on their smartphones - who expect something unique and reward it with loyalty.

When you create your mobile storefront in Hirambo, you share who you are as a merchant, show what your brand stands for, and provide a glimpse into your distinctive offerings.

For our last installment of our Small Business Saturday interviews, we’re treating you to Sinful Sweets - a Hirambo merchant.

Christopher might not be the guy you expect to be behind the counter of this incredible shop.  He’s a big tatted dude, but trust us, he is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. And he is passionate about his sweet creations, which are as unique as he is.  After shopping all day for everyone else, treat yourself to something special. 

-Ashley

What does Small Business Saturday mean to you as an independent shop owner in Pittsburgh?

As a small business owner this is a chance for me to shine.  I love the Pittsburgh community. It's great how everyone works together to promote each other and collaborate on projects.

What kind of experience can customers look forward to if they stop by your shop this Saturday?

Customers can expect a high level of service from my employees. We do our best to serve with a smile. We don't just want customers to try us out once a year, we want to earn their business year round.

Tell us about some great gifts that you carry in the shop.

We carry a range of traditional chocolates (truffles, creams, toffee) and a few more fun items.  We recently started making cupcakes and are having a lot of great feedback on the flavors.

Where can we find you? 

Downtown on the corner of Ninth and Penn - 901 Penn Avenue

www.facebook.com/pages/Sinful-Sweets-Chocolate-Company/197546156975749                               www.twitter.com/SinfulSweetsPGH                 www.pinterest.com/sinfulsweetspgh                       instagram.com/sinfulsweetspgh/

Any suggestions for where to grab a bite/ drink after a long day of shopping small?

E.B Pepper is a true gem in the Pittsburgh community and a Hirambo merchant. We are honored to have the chance to work with and interview the woman behind it all. 

This design boutique has been open for 28 years and E.B. continues to be a trendsetter and a Shadyside staple.  She also keeps working to make Shadyside a great place to visit. After meeting with her for the first time, she insisted on introducing us to all of the neighboring shop owners.  It is clear that everyone we talk to has the upmost respect and admiration for what she has achieved. Stop by E.B Pepper this Small Business Saturday and you will be treated to incredible designs and truly personalized service. 

-Ashley

What does Small Business Saturday mean to you as an independent shop owner in Pittsburgh?

We are thrilled that Small Business Saturday recognizes the importance of independent stores and shopping locally. The personalized service, charm and experience of being in a small shop should never be underestimated.

What kind of experience can customers look forward to if they stop by your shop this Saturday? 

First and foremost we will offer our undivided attention and personalized service. On Saturday, we are offering a coupon worth up to $200 off your purchase. We also offer personal styling and jean fitting for all of our clients. Our store has a fun and friendly atmosphere. 

Tell us about some great gifts that you carry in the shop.

Our best gift giving idea this year is fur anything - hats, scarves, gloves or mittens - so IN right now! We also have some seriously sumptuous cashmere sweaters.  Both are very luxurious and oh so soft. 

Where can we find you?

5411 Walnut St. in Shadyside 

ebpepper.com                                                                                              Facebook and Instagram @e.b.Pepper                                                     Saturday hours are 10:00 - 5:30.

Any suggestions for where to grab a bite/ drink after a long day of shopping small?

In today’s Bo Shop feature, we are chatting with Liz - one of our Hirambo merchants - about one of the most unique shops in Lawrenceville. 

Walking into Gilded Girl I immediately felt like I’d wandered into Paris in the 1920s.  This vintage-inspired cosmetic boutique is absolutely one of the prettiest stores around, filled with glass perfume bottles and vintage lip balm tins. The best part, however, was the big smile and friendly welcome from Liz. As a licensed esthetician, she is incredibly knowledgable and more than happy to share her expertise.  It’s clear that she is passionate about skincare and makeup and thoughtfully curates every product in the shop.  There is sure to be something special for every lady on your holiday list and shopping there is sure to be an enchanting experience!  

-Ashley

What does Small Business Saturday mean to you as an independent shop owner in Pittsburgh?

Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity for us to tell the community who we are and what makes us different from big box stores and larger chains. Pittsburgh is undergoing a real renaissance right now and its residents are incredibly discerning about where to and on what to spend their hard earned money. We want to earn their trust and respect through our customer service and unique product offerings , due to the traction that Small Business Saturday has gained over the past years,  we now have the opportunity to cast a wider net in terms of customers and we are able to show our gratitude by offering additional savings or gifts with purchase.

What kind of experience can customers look forward to if they stop by your shop this Saturday?

First and foremost, we pride ourselves on having a warm, welcoming environment for our customers. We educate people on the brands we have instead of "selling". With a licensed esthetician and a make-up artist on staff, our customers can be sure that they are getting professional advice about their skin and their cosmetic choices. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and wander the shop, which is inspired by the boutiques of Paris.

As a special thank you, every $50 spent will earn the customer a $10 gift card. There's no limit on how many you can collect. Give them as gifts, or keep them for yourself to use on a cold and grey winter day.

Tell us about some great gifts that you carry in the shop.

We have wonderful fragrance sample sets from Penhaligons of London, the official perfumiers to the royal family. These collections of five mini fragrances are housed in a box inspired by The Nutcracker and are sure to delight the perfume and cologne lovers on your list. Our favorite stocking stuffers are small-batch lip balms packaged in a reuseable vintage-style pill box from the United Kingdoms' Andrea Garland. We also have luxury bath sets from France's Amelie et Melanie, that will make your stress melt away, healthy skin care collections for mom and baby from the UK's Bloom & Blossom and Brooklyn's Meow Meow Tweet, and the most sublime sparkle and shine holiday cosmetics from California's Tarina Tarantino. We also have the ability to make personalized gift sets in some gorgeous cosmetic bags from Squirrel Hill's own Sally Sandy Style.

Where can we find you? 

5104 Butler Street Pittburgh, PA 15201

www.thegildedgirl.com                                                     www.facebook.com/TheGildedGirl                         www.twitter.com/the_gilded_girl_                         www.instagram.com/the_gilded_girl

Any suggestions for where to grab a bite/ drink after a long day of shopping small?

In our first Bo Shop feature, we will be interviewing Lisa from Mexico Lindo about Small Business Saturday. Lisa is a Hirambo Merchant.

Walking into Mexico Lindo is a magical experience. You can’t help but be transported by the brightly colored walls and the beautiful handmade art. I was immediately reminded of my travels to Oaxaca. Not only because of the ambiance, but also because Lisa shared the same welcoming demeanor as my Oaxacan friends. She didn’t rush us, we exchanged stories of our travels and she shared the stories behind the beautiful pieces in her store. If you want a truly authentic and personal experience this Saturday, visit Lisa at Mexico Lindo. 

-Ashley Miller

What does Small Business Saturday mean to you as an independent shop owner in Pittsburgh?

As a merchant who has participated in SBS from it's inception, I'm excited that more and more people are aware of it. I enjoy meeting customers that understand the value and importance of unique neighborhood stores and SBS is an opportunity for more of them to find me. Once they have found my store, I know that they will not forget it and they will return.

What kind of experience can customers look forward to if they stop by your shop this Saturday?

The unique experience that they also have here any day of the year: Fair prices, no misleading sales, an always fair trade + handmade haven with so many surprising and beautiful  things that they could never possibly be bored or even see it all in one visit, personalized service, sharing stories about Mexico and our lives with one another, free gift wrapping, no awful xmas music :)  Part of my mission  has always been that shopping should be as much fun as it is in Mexico, that you can find a great gift for almost anyone on your list, whether you want to spend $10 or $1000.

Tell us about some great gifts that you carry in the shop.

Sterling silver and beaded jewelry, whimsical woodcarvings,  prints, posters, paintings, coffee, chocolate, puzzles, games, tin ornaments and magnets, a wall full of masks, toys, clothing, books, greeting cards, textiles, ceramics, glassware, t shirts  and authentic clothing.

Any suggestions for where to grab a bite/ drink after a long day of shopping small?

SO many! My personal favs are Murray Ave Grill, The Greek Gourmet, Aladdins, Coriander  and Aiellos

Where can we find you?

2027 Murray Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15217                                                                             412.422.9984

Normal hours are 10-6 Tues-Sat,  but for SBS I will stay open until 8:00 pm.

Black Friday? No thank you. Cyber Monday? Eh.

When we think about great shopping experiences, stampedes and screens aren’t what comes to mind.  That’s why we support Small Business Saturday. There are statistics that back the economic importance of this day.

Here at Hirambo we are lucky enough to get to work with some of the coolest shops in Pittsburgh. We get to know the owners and how hard they work to make their businesses thrive.  That’s why we thought we would let them do the talking this week.  Each day we will be interviewing a different shop owner who will tell you what Small Business Saturday means to them.  They will also give you some insider tips on what special touches you can expect and they’ll give you their picks for great local dining choices.  

So sleep off the turkey on Friday and plan on a stress-free Saturday instead. Fuel up at your favorite independent café, casually stroll from one distinct shop to the next, talk to the owners, hear the story behind the gifts you are buying and finish the day eating something other than leftovers. We’ll also be live tweeting our Small Business Saturday experiences from different neighborhoods.  We can’t wait to share the stories of the folks that make Pittsburgh such a great town to live in and we hope you’ll be a part of the story too!

There has been plenty of research over the past few years that gives us insight into why we buy.  Seems like the Beatles had it figured out long before they had the neuroscience to back it... Money can’t buy love. 

It also can’t buy customer engagement or loyalty.  We buy, or more aptly, buy into a brand, when we feel connected.  As business owners, you must tap into all aspects of our customer’s psyche- not just the rational, numbers based bargain center of their brains. One of the most crucial, yet hard to achieve factors, is the emotional connection formed between the brand and the customer. 

It’s the difference between a simple dinner out, the food was good, but nothing you’ll be sharing about at work in the morning.  Versus the memorable evening when you decided to dine alone in your new neighborhood.  First you stopped at that tiny bookstore on the corner and the owner recommended the perfect read.  Then you headed to the bistro with the sidewalk seating and the waiter who knows the perfect wine pairings.  

The memory of sipping a glass of wine after a delicious meal, watching the sunset and getting lost in your new book is priceless.  When you tell your friends about that cafe, you won’t just be sharing about the food, but the entire experience. 

The power of personal experience.

Think of it like music.

We don't start by analyzing or valuing a piece of music. We plunge right it. We let it flow over us. We absorb it.

And then something captures us... an emotion, a memory, a response.

It's the emotional link that brands seek with their customers that's often so elusive. The heart of the kind of loyalty that builds our brand champions. You know these guys - the ones who love you, engage with you, and tell others about you.

Today’s connected customers are no longer satisfied with vanilla, one-size-fits-all experiences and offers. We can’t offer them only one note if we seek brand champions.

We believe that when we offer experiences that are unique and individualized, customers will reward you with their loyalty. 

The difference between me walking out of McDonald’s with a single cheeseburger and me walking out with a cheeseburger and fries and drink is regretably not my self-control. Rather, my purchase decision rests upon the words, ‘Would you like a combo with that?’ McDonalds has it all figured out. 

You may have heard of it as “mobile commerce” but around here we call it MOCO. So why should you consider going MOCO with Hirambo?

1. Step into the smartphone world – where 65% say they want to buy

2. Engage your customers anytime, anywhere - 24x7

3. Go where real people are doing real things in your market

4. Be there before your toughest competitors in three clicks or less

5. Close the deal on your brand value - not solely discounts

6. Sustain real revenue by customer connections - not only transactions

7. Make more money at better margins with loyal customers.