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Business owners get creative to combat sour economy Some business owners are not sitting around and waiting for the economy to get better to make their businesses successful. Two Village entrepreneurs are planning to merge their retail space, staff and resources to form a formidable new partnership. Brenda Monahan, owner of Three French Hens, will join forces with Lori Marino, owner of Wisteria Grove. Their plan is to move the Three French Hens business into Wisteria Grove’s location at 319 W. First Street. Ms. Monahan will be moving her home decor items from her Yale Avenue location by the end of the month. Her products will occupy the front end of the retail space, which measures about 1,600 square feet. Her current space is only 1300 square feet. "It is truly a match made in heaven," Ms. Monahan said. "I have always admired Lori's store and now Three French Hens has found the perfect place to nest. The synergy is there and we are both chomping at the bit to implement all of our exciting ideas to make First Street Claremont Village's most popular destination." Both businesses have a proven track record. Three French Hens has been around for 10 years and Wisteria Grove for 4 years. They each have a dedicated clientele and believe that sharing the same space will help each other's business. "This partnership could not have come at a better time," Ms. Marino said. "Now I can focus on focus on what I truly loves - flowers, weddings and special events, and Three French Hens will continue my storefront visibility and be the perfect complement to my business."
The move is partially a reaction to the tough economic conditions. Sales for both stores were down over a usually busy Valentines Day. For Wisteria Grove, which makes floral arrangements, sales were down about 10 percent. At Three French Hens, sales were down about 40 percent compared to last year. As Ms. Monahan's lease was coming to an end, she began considering her options. She was negotiating a new lease with her current landlord and received several calls from Village West Developer Jonathan Tolkin trying to bring her into the expansion area. She spoke with Maureen Aldridge, CEO of the Claremont Chamber of Commerce, who mentioned that Ms. Marino was looking to share her retail space. The 2 business women began talking and in the end, the partnership with Wisteria Grove made the best business sense. “They have to look at their businesses and work out what is best for them in these tough economic times,” Ms. Aldridge said. “Here are 2 entrepreneurs thinking outside the box and joining together to make this work. It’s surviving in these tough economic times.” “If you look now at that section of First Street, we really have a great draw to that area,” she added. To make room for the big move, both businesses are having massive li sales over the next few weeks, with discounts up to 75 percent off. A grand opening is tentatively scheduled for early April. “There will be lots of champagne and chocolate,” Ms. Monahan said. —Tony Krickl |
