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Attention Business Owners
Are you looking for new customers?
They may be looking for you too,
right here in Go For It Magazine!
Reach a positive and dynamic
audience of people that...
- Live in our community
- Work in our community
- Travel in our community
Rates as low as $125/month!
 Bob Cox is the founder and publisher. He can be
reached at (916) 266-3115.
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The Moth Hole
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When I was first introduced to the world of outside advertising sales, I wanted to be the best I could be. I listened to the top sales reps in the company I was working for at the time and their advice to me was pretty much the same: “If you want to be a success in this business kid, you've got to see the people, as many as possible, every day”.
I followed their suggestions and now, after calling on thousands and thousands of businesses over the last 20 years, I can honestly say that I've never
seen a store that's more unique or visually stunning than The Moth Hole, an upscale consignment boutique in Fair Oaks. Its overall layout is a work of art,
with a huge selection of beautiful eye catching merchandise everywhere you look. I got a chance to meet with the owner, Rose Erickson the other day to learn more about her amazing masterpiece, I mean shop.
Q: Rose can you tell us a little bit about what you did before you opened the store?
A: Professionally, before I opened the store, I was a teacher then a school administrator in the San Juan Unified School District. I worked in the district for 27 years and I retired this past June. The skills I learned listening and helping students and parents prepared me for this career. My husband and I are originally from a small town in Eastern Montana, but during his career as an Air Force pilot, we have lived in Oklahoma, Indiana, Texas and Arizona. We have lived in Sacramento for 28 years. We purchased the Moth Hole eleven years ago after the original owner, who had owned it for nineteen years decided to sell it. It was originally in escrow with another consignment store, but as fate had it, I was able to purchase it after some negotiation.
Q: That's quite a leap of faith; to go from a long educational background like that and then open a retail store. What inspired you to do that?
A: I come from a family of entrepreneurs. My father owned a business in Montana that my brother now runs and my uncle started Jenny Craig weight loss centers.
Q: Your Aunt is Jenny Craig?
A: Yes, and I admire how they started and maintained a world renown weight loss centers throughout the world. More than that, I learned the value of hard work and taking risks from my uncle, Sid Craig. He never let his success go to his head. I learned you have to be hands on in your business to make it a success and that is why I am thrilled to be at the store every day.
Q: Can you tell us about your family?
A: I have two children, Meghan and BJ. They are both married to wonderful mates and I have two incredible grandchildren, Hannah who is 3 and Henry who is 6 months old. My husband, Jim, works for AT&T wireless and is my rock when it comes to running the store.
Q: You really have a beautiful store. Can you give us a little idea of what your thoughts were behind everything?
A: When I first consigned here about twenty years ago, I had no intention of ever owning something like this. However, when the opportunity arose, I embraced the challenge of turning the store into something more. Consignment is good, it is fun to see what comes through the door and I love making other women a little extra cash while they turn over their clothes. However, you can’t always control what comes through the door, so I have supplemented with manufacturer samples that I buy and then sell at wholesale, new jewelry and clothing I buy in New York, LA and Vegas. I have a couple of great clothing reps that always put their merchandise in the store when the sample line is completed. I would love one day to have my own clothing line and I am investigating that, but with the economy, it may go on hold for a while. I also love helping other women entrepreneurs get started, so anytime a woman wants to sell her product in my store for a day or so, as long as it doesn't compete with me, she is more than welcome. I think cross-marketing is the way to go!
Q: What is the feedback from your customers?
A: They like the service and the uniqueness of the items. Most of the items are one of kind, which can be frustrating and good. Frustrating in that they like something but it is not their size but good in that they won't see what they buy on anyone else. Most of the sample sizes are size 8, so even though they are a good buy, they don't fit everyone—especially now that the average woman's size is a 14.
Q: You've developed quite a reputationfor offering baked goods. Can you tell us about that?
A: Yes, every Saturday I get cookies from the bakery, and it's expensive. But, if I don’t have those cookies, they will complain! So we actually have people who just come in for coffee and cookies every Saturday. There's always food out there. In fact, when I go in when there's cookies and candy, everybody’s always friendly. That's a big draw. We are really unique. Sometimes I feel like we are therapists. We sit and listen to women and just talk.
Q: Is there anything else you do to be fresh and unique?
A: We are always trying to evolve. You know, one of the biggest compliments were from some tourists from Japan. They liked the store so much that they went back home and started a Moth Hole in Japan! We have been copied! Well, you know that saying. People try to recreate us, which I consider a compliment. The Moth Hole has a name, it's been in the community for over 30 years, and I am only the second owner. It has a reputation that I think would be really hard to duplicate. People try, and you always have to be on your toes, especially in this economy.
Q: You also have a reputation for being very generous. Is that true?
A: Yes, we give a lot away. If you're a San Juan employee, you will get 10% off. Practically, if you're breathing, you will get 10% off. We give people 55 year older and older 10% off. We always have coupons and there are always advantages to shopping here. Our biggest challenge is making sure people know who and what we are. The name is deceiving. We have looked into changing the name, but it's like starting a whole new business. So, if we change the name, people will think its different then what it was, so it's kind of a “catch 22”.
Editor’s notes: The Moth Hole is located at 11787 Fair Oaks Bl., on corner of Fair Oaks Bl. and Madison Ave. in Fair Oaks. Their phone number is (916) 965-5542 and their web address is www.mothhole.com.
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