Sedona Main
Street Program nominates Turquoise Buffalo for AZ Main Street Best
Medium Scale Renovation Project.
For many years, owners Gene & Geri
Shultz have operated two stores in the Main Street District, Turquoise
Buffalo Gallery and Turquoise Buffalo Indian Traders. In November of
2004, a decision was finalized to close the gallery at 320 N. Highway
89A and consolidate the best of both stores into the “Turquoise Buffalo”
at 252 N. Highway 89A.
On December of 2004 they started
remodeling Turquoise Buffalo Indian Traders at 252 N. Hwy 89A. They
installed new lighting and flooring, repainted the interior, remodeled
the office area, and purchased all new furniture there. Display cases
and merchandise were relocated from the former gallery. Raymond (Gene)
Shultz created the store concept and design of the new Turquoise
Buffalo. The design layout and placement for the jewelry displays was
done by Geri Shultz.
Concurrent with interior renovations,
exterior improvements were also made to this rented space. Sign repairs
were completed. Extensive architectural details were added to the
exterior, including new red rock facing under the front windows and on
three side panels, adorned with a copper buffalo on the front and three
copper Indian Kachinas on the side.
This merchant has retained the same
number of staff as previously employed in the two separate stores, so
there has been no net loss of jobs on Main Street as a result of the
transition. The owners are providing improved customer service and
seeing an increase in the average number and value of sales per
customer.
The cost of the entire interior and
exterior remodel and move was close to $50,000. This investment has net
aesthetic improvements, increased customer service and attention,
reduced expenses, and a substantially more profitable bottom line. They
continue to offer an extensive product line with the best of both stores
and a focus on substantially higher quality items overall.
Photos included with Nomination
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