Laidback owner adds inventory to eclectic shop
Laidback owner adds inventory to eclectic shop
Written by Michelle Davis Friday, 07 April 2006
Periwinkles is a quaint little gift store situated in an old house located off Pecan Street. The merchandise is described by owner, Joann Champion as a fun, quirky mix of gifts, cards, baby items and home décor.
“I don’t know what it is about this location, but people come in here all the time and tell me that they have driven by so many times and haven’t stopped,” Champion said. “But once they do, they’re hooked and always come back.”
The house was built in 1925 and was once home to Alma Pfluger. In the past 10 years the house has been used for commercial purposes. It was a flower shop for five years before transforming into a gift shop named Periwinkles in 2000. Champion took over the store and its name in May 2004.
“I grew up in an old farm house like this, so I’m very comfortable here,” Champion said. “I love Austin, but am a country girl by nature and I’m close enough to Austin to go when I want.”
Periwinkles has always shared its space in the old house with another tenant, but in December when Pecan Lane Miniatures moved out, Champion was unsure of what she would do with the extra room.
“The extra space opened up so quickly, it was scary. I knew that for December I could fill it with my Christmas items, but after that I didn’t know what I would do,” Champion said. “I decided in February to add consignment clothing because it fits my personality. I’m a bargain hunter myself, and I love finding good deals on nice things.”
Champion wants people to bring in women’s clothing or handmade clothing they don’t wear any longer for the store to sell.
“I think the addition of consignment will help attract new customers,” Champion said. “It will add more flavor to my already eclectic gift and home décor merchandise.”
Champion has had several different jobs ranging from retail manager to accountant to sales rep for gift items, all of which she believes prepared her to own her own store.
“I was actually a sales rep for this store before I took it over. That’s how I knew about this place,” Champion said. “I love having my own store and doing things the way I want to. I like meeting new people; being able to wear jeans [to work] and keeping the door open when it’s a nice day.”
What is consignment?
Goods delivered to another company with the understanding that payment for the goods is received only when the goods are sold.
How Periwinkles does it...
- Call and set up appointment
- Maximum of 10 items
- Items marked at regular price for two months
- Price reduces after first two months
- If items don’t sell the person is notified and they have the option to pick the items up or they will be donated to non- profits
- Money from sales split 50/50
Periwinkles Uniques & Antiques, 403 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville, TX 78660, 512-670-2662
670-2662
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