Executive Q&A: Scott Celley - Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce

Walk-In closet
Local Stores Make Thrift Chic
By Lori K. Baker
Cash is the new black.
Consumers scouting for bargain basement prices (or extra cash) are
cutting into sales at traditional outlets while creating booming business
for Phoenix-based Eco-Chic Consignments, Inc. The company owns
and operates three consignment stores: My Sister’s Closet, My Sister’s
Attic and Well Suited. The shops make it possible to dress up in a down
economy and pocket the change, with discounts up to 90 percent off
retail value.
“We’ve had double-digit growth nearly every year since we opened in
1991,” says Eco-Chic Consignments CEO and co-founder Ann Siner. “The
last two years have been even stronger; we’re up 20 percent in comparablestore
sales this year.”
Resale and thrift shops are thriving in today’s economic downturn,
according to the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops
(NARTS), which reports a 5 percent growth in the number of stores for
three consecutive years. But like other businesses, many resale shops
don’t survive that critical first year because of owners who don’t do their
homework, according to NARTS.
Here are three of Siner’s secrets for long-term success:
n A positive connotation. Three words - dark, dirty and dingy - often
spring to mind when customers hears the term, “second-hand
store.” “We took the three Ds and turned them into the three Cs -
cute, current and clean,” Siner says.
How Sweet It Is
Local Bakery Goes National
By Kay Sperduti
People all over the country enjoy a taste of Arizona at breakfast and
dessert while thinking it comes straight from their local grocer. For 20
years, Café Valley Bakery has provided baked goods such as muffins,
pastries and cakes to grocers, quick serve restaurants, and membership
club retailers.
Their manufacturing is based in the Southwest Valley where they
are currently building a new factory slated to open in January 2011.
The growing company, which considers itself to be an expert in both
muffins and cakes, is also expanding on the east coast.
“When it comes to bakeries, we’re the biggest of the small
and the smallest of the big,” said Ron Ogan, president and chief
executive officer. “Because we have six different product lines, our
customers can order smaller quantities of many items and still come
up with a full truck load thereby taking advantage of economy of
scale on freight.”
Customers also have the peace of mind of precise quality
standards and traceability. In fact, they can test Café Valley with a
mock recall and within two hours find out on what day items were
produced for them, how many cases, and the names of suppliers for
every ingredient.
The company relies heavily on local suppliers including Hickman’s
Family Farms for eggs, and credits another local factor for its growth.
Business Bios
One of five My Sister’s Closet locations in the Valley that are dressed for success.
n Keep it fresh. “Merchandize stores every few days with new items,”
Siner advises. “We put out hundreds of new items every day so
there’s always a fresh look in our stores.” It keeps customers coming
back.
n Make consigning simple. Eco-Chic Consignments offers consigners
55 percent of the selling price in store credit or 45 percent of the
selling price in cash. Consigners can get their cash at store locations
as soon as items sell versus waiting for their money to be mailed to
them as with many other consignment stores.
Get connected
Eco-chic consignments
www.ecochicconsignments.com
Café Valley Bakery is on a roll and expanding, both here and nationally.
“A huge part of our success is our tremendous local workforce,” Ogan
said. “We absolutely credit our national reputation for quality and
innovation to our staff.”
Having a hometown baker focused on their people, local suppliers
and product quality makes Café Valley’s growth in today’s economy
just that much sweeter.
Get connected
café Valley Bakery
www.cafevalley.com
www.phoenixchamber.com | IMPACT 27