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.
In
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 all staff as previously employed in the two
separate stores, so there has been no loss of jobs 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.
