Impressive Creations 4U has done a brisk business since opening in July, in the Discount Drug Mart Plaza located in the 33000 block of Walker Road.
“The community of Avon Lake has definitely welcomed us with open arms,” said owner Connie Simpson, who grew up a mile from the store. “We’ve done very, very well, but there’s always room for improvement.”
Simpson rents spaces ranging from single shelves to huge displays to local artists and crafters.
Her 1,200-square-foot space is a collaboration of creativity.
The wide-ranging offerings include natural soaps, hand-poured candles, beach glass jewelry, painted lightbulbs, crocheted dish scrubbers and stuffed animals, beach wear, nostalgic candy and fresh flower arrangements.
Almost all products are made locally and many are less than $10.
“If you can’t find something here, there’s nothing that you need,” Simpson said. “Every day you come in, it’s something new.
“I have 80 different artists in here and the products change as their moods change. You cannot see it all in one trip.”
Simpson’s business model means small crafters can get their products in front of more customers without maintaining an arduous craft show schedule.
Craft shows can be difficult for many vendors since they have to transport their products, rent booth space and move a lot of boxes with no guarantee they will sell anything.
Simpson leases space month-to-month giving crafters time to replenish their stock as needed.
She monitors sales and keeps displays clean and neat.
Often, the crafters work together as well, creating gift baskets or simply providing each other with inspiration.
“We feed off each other; we help each other to produce the best products we can produce,” Simpson said. “I’ve grown to love every one of these vendors and the support they’ve given me.”
Simpson also tries to keep the stock from being repetitive and has a waiting list of crafters who would like to rent spaces.
Many customers quickly have become regulars often stopping in to see the rotating stock.
A customer appreciation event with Santa was well-attended, she said.
In the coming year, Simpson would like to tap into the expertise of her vendors by offering classes to the community.
“A lot of people want to get into crafting and they don’t know what they want to do,” Simpson said. “Somebody here should be able to teach you something.”
She’s also started a loyalty program where customers can earn points toward discounts.
Customers can fill out a “Wish List” card and send family and friends in to buy gifts that will be guaranteed to please.
Although her days are long, Simpson enjoys every minute.
“I’m loving it right now,” she said. “I’m feeling really confident going into the new year.”
