The Emporium
We opened The Emporium on November 1, 2008. The move wasn't planned, it was just a case of Bill happening to be in the right place at the right time. In mid-October, he noticed a "for rent" sign on a small building which had recently been vacated by a long-term tenant. With a great deal of help from some friends who were involved in craft fairs, we moved our embroidery and print business, which had been home-based since 1999, to the store, and opened with 15 additional gift, craft and collectible vendors in less than a month!
In addition to housing our own business, The Emporium currently displays what we think is an amazing variety of high-quality merchandise offered by over 20 local crafters and vendors. It's a great place to find a one-of-a-kind gift for a special occasion, decorative items for your home, as well as collectible items.
Bill retired as a Chief Master Sergeant after 30 years in the US Air Force in 1998. In addition to our full-time businesses, we teach country-western dance at the Carey-On Saloon, offer mobile DJ service, help rescue Bearded Collies, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, and an occasional cat, and still enjoy traveling in our RV when we can get away.
The display case in the corner by the cash register does double-duty. It's the holiday special rack for each month with gift-giving holidays. All vendors have the opportunity to place holiday-related items on the rack with a minimum 10% discount. In other months, it's our vendors' discount/clearance rack, and everything on it will be discounted at least 20%. This photo shows Valentine's Day items.
We draw for a door prize around the 1st of each month. Be sure to sign up!
Our sign on McLaughlin Road.
Although the building is old,
it is accessible for walkers and wheelchairs.
We even had a scooter inside once - it was a little difficult, but workable.
"Miss Kitty" lived under the porch for about 5 years. It took her about 3 months to decide that we were acceptable, and now she's officially an inside cat. She lives a life of luxury and comfort, no longer needing to hunt or suffer our extreme weather.
A few before & after
shots just for fun . . . from our first impression
to our first customer presenting us with our first dollar:
one of our wonderful veterinarians,
Dr. Cristy Fisher, who, with her husband Dr. Joshua Fisher,
owns Pine Creek
Veterinary Hospital.
Brent LaBree, of Legacy Craftworks, has become an integral part of our little team, and has created both a great gallery and a delightful boutique atmosphere in The Emporium. Here are some photos taken in February 2010.
Hope to see you soon!
Diane & Bill