Lyra's Ultimate Item Emporium

by Thunderbug80

Chapter 30 - The Great Retail War

The following morning began like any other in Ponyville. The sun was raised and the moon retired. Small creatures emerged from nests and burrows to add their voices to the chorus of morning. Young colts and fillies fidgeted groggily in their beds, their little minds disbelieving that it could already be time to wake up for school. And yes, as usual the ponies of Ponyville went about their morning routines knowing that, at any given time, things could get very interesting very quickly.

Bon Bon, freshly groomed and bundled up in a yellow sweater, stepped outside Lyra's Ultimate Item Emporium and sat down on the small path leading to the shop. She watched her breath condense into vapor as she exhaled. With Autumn settling in, it was the first morning that could be considered chilly. That was good news. If Diamond Tiara had managed to pull off what she'd had in mind, it would mean that a large delivery of fashion goods would be arriving soon from Canterlot.

"With Rarity off on another adventure to save Equestria or some such nonsense, her shop here in Ponyville will be closed," Diamond had said the previous day. "My father knows some of the other designers in Canterlot, and their apparel will be the next most sought-after styles."

And so Diamond had run off to call in some favors. The filly had been uncharacteristically eager to help out, though whether that was so that she could enact some kind of revenge on Trixie, with whom she obviously did not get along with, or if it were a true sense of wanting to be helpful was yet to be seen.

Either way it was probably for the best that she was no longer scheming against Lyra, thought Bon Bon. Besides, if Scootaloo of all ponies was vouching for Diamond Tiara, that was good enough for her.

Across the street, a pony Bon Bon didn't recognize emerged from Filthy Trix. No... Not Filthy Trix. There was a new sign posted above the shop. Trixie's Rich's? The pony walked to the middle of the street and turned to look back at the shop. She looked at it from multiple angles, as if wanting to ensure everything looked perfect. She then turned around and met Bon Bon's gaze.

The stare-down was brief, and the unknown mare offered what looked like a heartfelt smile before turning around and going back inside the shop, but its effects lingered. Bon Bon somehow felt threatened. And what was the deal with Trixie deciding to re-brand just as Lyra was set for her grand re-opening?

Bon Bon frowned as she turned around and headed back into the shop. If Trixie wanted a showdown, that's precisely what she was going to get.

Trixie was busy putting the final touches on her new displays when Amber Glow came back into the shop.

"I do believe our competition is up to something," Amber said with a giggle. She picked up and admired one of the newest additions to the shop, a one-of-a-kind crystal necklace, and said, "Why, I might even be so bold as to suggest they're having a grand re-opening today!"

Trixie set down a chalice she'd been polishing and rushed over to the window to see for herself.

"Inconceivable!" she cried, shaking a hoof at the shop across the street. "How is it that Lyra finds a way to one-up Trixie every single time?" She walked over to the counter and flopped her head down onto it.

Amber Glow's smile faltered slightly as she stared at her boss. She walked back to the window and peered outside. A moment later, she turned around and marched straight to Trixie with a look of pure determination on her face. Much to Trixie's surprise, she was soon booped on her snout.

"Don't give up," Amber said, beaming. "So Lyra Heartstrings is a strong competitor? That's great!"

"How so?" Trixie asked, unconvinced.

Amber put a hoof around Trixie's shoulders and indicated the shop, now fully renovated. There was a new, more open floor plan, innovative displays for merchandise that was of premium quality, and a generally more welcome atmosphere than ever before. Trixie looked at it all as if seeing it for the very first time.

"It's a chance to show that you can be even greater," Amber said. Her smile returned and she held out a hoof. "What do you say, Trixie Lulamoon? Want to show Equestria what we're truly capable of achieving?"

Trixie eyed the hoof for a moment. Who was this mare, and how was she capable of making Trixie feel so... so worthwhile? Regardless of the answers, her mind was already made up.

She reached out and bumped Amber's hoof with her own. Ponyville would see her shine once more. But first, she had a retail war to win.

"Trixie's up to something," Bon Bon said.

Lyra didn't seem to be paying attention. Instead, she was admiring the brand new, state-of-the-art cash register that she had purchased. She tapped the touch-screen display with a hoof.

"Isn't this amazing?" she marveled. "I can't even begin to imagine what kind of spells had to go into this to make it work. Look, Bon Bon, you just tap this here, and this thingy somehow knows what's being purchased, and you can adjust the base prices of everything, and... oh, isn't it just great?"

If one were to ask Bon Bon if patience were a virtue she possessed in any reasonable amount, she would have laughed. However, it should be noted that she had spent many years enjoying the friendship of one Lyra Heartstrings and, though she likely didn't realize it, the cost of that friendship had been one long—unending, really— exercise in patience. It was directly due to this fact that Bon Bon did not resort to anything more than a tired sigh at her friend's response.

"Yes, it's great. But Lyra, please." Bon Bon trotted over to her friend and placed both her forehooves on her shoulders. "I think Trixie has scheduled a grand re-opening for today, too. And that's not all. There's this mare... I think she's a new employee. She's trouble, I can just feel it."

Before Lyra could answer, the door opened and Diamond Tiara entered the shop. She was bundled up in a pink coat with a white collar and cuffs, and the expression on her face fell somewhere between excitement at being considered a useful member of the team, and concern that perhaps she still didn't deserve to be on the team in the first place.

"Um, g-good morning," Diamond said somewhat awkwardly. She wasn't used to greeting ponies in a polite manner quite yet. "The shipment from Canterlot is confirmed, and should be delivered by mid-morning. I um, I also asked Miss Cheerilee if I could have the day off school to gain some work experience here at the shop, and after she recovered from fainting she said that it was a wonderful idea so... here I am." Her cheeks grew crimson and she stared at the floor as if she expected to be scolded for such nonsense.

"Yayifications!" Lyra said. She bent down and gave Diamond a quick hug, causing the filly to blush deeper. "You've done an awesome job, Diamond Tiara. It'll be great to have you here for our grand re-opening. What would you like to do to help?"

Diamond blinked. "I-I get a choice?"

Lyra's enthusiastic nod was all it took for Diamond's eyes to widen in joyous disbelief. Before she could become completely lost in the possibilities, Bon Bon spoke.

"Hey, do you know anything about that mare over at Trixie's?" she asked.

A shrug. "Her name's Amber Glow," Diamond said. "I only met her in passing, but there's one thing I can tell you about her." She looked Bon Bon in the eyes. "She's good at her job. Very good. I-I don't know how I know that, I just do. Something about her even made me want to purchase something from her, and I never spend my own bits. That's what my father is for." She blushed again as she seemed to realize how awful that sounded.

Bon Bon looked at Lyra, but the mint unicorn was looking out towards the window, as if she could see this 'Amber Glow' from where she was standing. Though it was barely noticeable, Bon Bon saw that Lyra's eyes had narrowed ever-so-slightly, and she knew that her friend was in deep thought. A moment later, Lyra turned around.

"Bon Bon, get the store ready to open. I have a few more preparations to make."

As the morning continued, further preparations were made for both Lyra's Ultimate Item Emporium and Trixie's Rich's. Diamond Tiara's apparel delivery arrived for Lyra and was quickly set up on displays. A shipment of Gustave le Grand's famous desserts, freshly imported using the most advanced preservation magic, arrived for Trixie to showcase. Various members of the Adventurer's Guild arrived to help Lyra, Bon Bon, and Diamond. Filthy Rich himself called off an important business meeting and arrived to assist Trixie and Amber. By his side was none other than esteemed photographer Photo Finish, apparently called in to cover the news of the full re-branding into such a premium establishment. Lyra's old banner she had made upon first opening the shop was taken down and replaced with a new sign the same green as her coat, with black writing.

The ponies of Ponyville took notice. Before long, crowds of ponies jammed the street to get a look at what was going on. Everypony knew about Lyra's Ultimate Item Emporium, and they all knew about Filthy Trix. But they hadn't seen Trixie's Rich's before, and it had to be worth checking out if Photo Finish was covering the opening. Then again, Lyra's Ultimate Item Emporium looked different as well. The hoof-made displays of the past had been charming in their own way, but the displays set up in the windows now were nothing less than stunning. Lyra's Ultimate Item Emporium was already known for great service, and now the quality of the merchandise seemed to have gone up as well. Then again, the windows of Trixie's Rich's showcased items the likes of which had never been seen in Ponyville before. Exclusive, rare items that just begged to be purchased.

As the crowds gathered and the final touches were put in place, the time finally came. Lyra Heartstrings and Trixie Lulamoon walked to the front doors of their respective shops, looked back at the ponies who were there to support them, and opened the doors up.

It was on.

"Welcome to Trixie's Rich's, my name is Amber Glow and it's my pleasure to be of service."

"Welcome to Lyra's Ultimate Item Emporium. I'm Bon Bon, and I'll be happy to assist you!"

"My word, is that an authentic Wind Rider Wonderbolts pin?"

Trixie's grin nearly split her face. "It most certainly is. It's the only one available for purchase, and comes with a certificate of authenticity!"

"How much!"

"If you'll follow me to the checkout counter, I can get this all sorted for you quickly as I can see you're in a hurry," Lyra said. She put a hoof on the customer's shoulder. "Oh, don't try to carry all that. Please, allow us." She made a motion with her hoof and, a moment later, Iron Will arrived to carry the customer's enormous purchase for her.

"Well, there's deals aplenty at Rich's Barnyard Bargains, but I really wanted to offer up something for the pony with slightly more refined tastes." Filthy Rich flashed a winning smile for the camera. "Besides, what pony doesn't like to indulge a little from time to time, am I right?"

"I guess I felt I owed the ponies here a bit more than hoof-made display stands and a rusted old register," Lyra said, grinning. "If they want to honor me with their presence in my shop, then I need to honor them with a clean, bright, and welcoming atmosphere. I want ponies to feel at home and... hey, wait. Weren't you just interviewing ponies over at Trixie's Rich's?"

"Have you been helped yet? Why, yes I most certainly can assist you," Amber Glow beamed brightly. "Oh, don't worry about little ol' me. I am serving those two lovely customers as well, but I absolutely promise the three of you will find no decline in the quality of your service. What's a little multi-tasking to a mare like me, hm?" As Amber hurried to assist everypony, her warm smile lit up the shop. Why, they hadn't even been open an hour and she'd already earned herself a break. Not that she intended on taking one. There were more bits to earn, after all.

"Here you go, kid. Consider it my thanks for coming by my good friend Lyra's shop," Spitfire said. She gave the Wonderbolts collector's card back to the young colt who had presented it to her. He stared at the freshly drawn signature on it with a sense of childish wonder as he walked away from the table, only to be replaced by another young Wonderbolts fan immediately thereafter.

"That's right, everypony. Come get yourself an autograph with the captain of the Wonderbolts, Spitfire!" Flim cried out from his spot beside the table with his usual charismatic flair. "Free with any purchase!" He leaned in close to the pegasus. "Thanks for the assist," he said quietly.

Spitfire smiled. Anything for her guild leader.

"Is that Spitfire?" somepony asked, gawking out the window.

"What?" Trixie exclaimed. She rushed over to the window and took a look. "Inconceivable!" she cried a moment later.

Amber Glow came over to see for herself. Her fears confirmed, she turned to Trixie. "Flash sale! Offer fifteen percent off the entire store for the next half an hour!"

"Are you crazy? Trixie gasped.

"Trust me, do it!"

"Where's everypony going?"

Bon Bon blinked and looked out the window. Where there had once been crowds inside and out of both shops, it looked as if the majority had suddenly shifted to Trixie's Rich's.

The front door banged open just then and Diamond Tiara rushed inside, panting. When she caught her breath she said, "They're doing a flash sale! The whole store is fifteen percent off. That's why everypony's going over there."

Bon Bon's eyes narrowed as she spotted Amber Glow ushering ponies into Trixie's shop.

"Ugh, she's too... too powerful!" she said, exasperated. She turned to Lyra. "What are we going to do?"

Lyra looked back at Bon Bon and was about to speak, but she stopped and turned instead to Diamond Tiara. "What do you think would help?" she asked.

Diamond blinked. "Y-you want my opinion?" She looked out the window at the ever-increasing crowd. Ponies were beginning to arrive from out-of-town, as news spread of the two amazing shops. Were those... Canterlot elite ponies outside?

Diamond grinned. "I think I have an idea."

"Have you heard? Lyra from Lyra's Ultimate Item Emporium is the leader of the Adventurer's Guild."

"What's your point, kid?"

Diamond suppressed her annoyance and said, "You know who's a member of the Adventurer's Guild? Rainbow Dash. You know, the self-proclaimed fastest flier in all Equestria, member of the Wolderbolts, and one of Princess Twilight Sparkle's best friends." She paced back and forth in the middle of the street, directing her words towards anypony who looked to be from Canterlot. "I have to say, to be the leader of such an esteemed pony, why that Lyra Heartstrings must be somepony. To be acquainted with a pony of such prominence would be, I dare say, priceless."

As murmurs arose from the crowd, Diamond slowly walked back to Lyra's Ultimate Item Emporium, unable to hide a sly grin. Behind her, the Canterlot elite followed.

"What is with everypony these past few minutes?" Trixie muttered. She was sweating from running around the shop serving. "None of them can afford anything, they're all just browsing now!"

Amber Glow looked at Trixie and her brow furrowed with concern. "Trixie, please. Have a break. You look exhausted!"

Trixie waved a hoof in the air. "Trixie is fine, it's the customers that are the issue. Where did all the big spenders go?" She took a moment to catch her breath and coughed.

Amber didn't wait a moment longer. She glanced around the shop until she spotted Filthy Rich.

"Mr. Rich, sir!" she shouted, drawing his attention. "I'm sorry, but Trixie needs a break. She's overworking herself and has done a fantastic job, but she won't be any good to either of us if she collapses from exhaustion!"

Filthy Rich looked Amber up and down. "You don't look so well yourself, Miss Glow. If you want I can close up shop for a while and let you two have a well-earned rest."

Amber brushed her sweaty mane out of her eyes and smiled warmly. "I'm alright sir, but please allow Trixie to take a break. If it's alright with you, we can work together while she rests and the shop won't miss a beat."

"Why, that's a splendid idea," Filthy said. "It's been quite some time since I was on the shop floor myself. Will be nice to get back into the thick of things." He turned to Trixie. "Miss Lulamoon, you've done a mighty fine job so far. Have a rest and I'll help Miss Glow until you feel ready to come back. It's the least I can do."

Trixie's natural instinct to pretend to be invincible almost made her argue, but she relented. "Thank you, Mister Rich," she said. "Trixie will be back on her hooves in no time!" She met Amber's eye and offered a small smile. And thank you, Amber Glow, she thought.

The day dragged on, and yet the crowds did not disperse. By midday, word had spread all across Ponyville, Canterlot, and Appleoosa of the showdown between Lyra and Trixie. Stock flew out the door as everypony on the sales floor served multiple customers at a time. When school finished, Scootaloo rushed over to the shop and took over for Diamond Tiara, who had jumped onto the sales floor herself and had helped however she could, but quickly became exhausted and needed a rest. Maud Pie came by as well, and convinced many a customer to "just buy it." At Trixie's Rich's, Filthy Rich continued to work the sales floor long after Trixie returned from her break, and Amber Glow never took a break at all. The three of them worked together, asking one another for advice or assistance when needed, and rushing to get to each and every customer who walked into the shop.

"Thanks for coming in. I hope you have an absolutely lovely evening!" Amber said as the last customer of the day walked out the door. She turned the sign on the door over to read "Sorry, we're closed!" and slumped down against the wall, her face still aglow with a smile.

"What a day!" Filthy Rich said. "Why, I don't think I've ever had a day to compare at Rich's Barnyard Bargains! Come here, come here," he beckoned Amber and Trixie over. "I owe you two dearly for your hard work today. Now who wants to know how much we made?"

"Thank you so much for coming by. Have a great night!"

Bon Bon closed the door as the final customer walked out, and she turned the sign over to state they were closed. She then laid down on the floor. "What. A. Day."

Lyra smiled. As the day had progressed, everypony who came to help eventually had to go home. That left just her and Bon Bon to close up shop, but she was grateful for all the help she had received. She looked over at Bon Bon. "Want to guess how much we made?"

"Twenty-seven thousand, forty-two bits!"

Trixie's eyes widened. "We made that much in just one day?" She turned to Amber and surprised them both when she wrapped her up in a hug. "Thank you" she said. "Trixie couldn't have done it without you."

Amber Glow was momentarily caught off-guard and blushed, but her smile soon returned.

"Ready to do it again tomorrow?" she asked.

"Twenty-seven thousand, sixty-three bits!"

Bon Bon's eyed widened. "Oh my goodness. Lyra, if we make that much tomorrow, we'll be more than halfway to paying off the debt!" She hopped up and down in much the same way that Lyra was prone to doing. "This is happening, Lyra. We've totally got this!"

Lyra grinned and sat down on the floor. She looked at her new register, the freshly-painted walls, and all the new displays for her shop. She then looked at the weary joy showing on Bon Bon's face, and for the first time in weeks, she felt as if she had nothing to worry about.