Desert Valley Times, UT
BY JULIE WALTON
For St. George Neighborhoods
ST. GEORGE – Looking for a unique gift or interesting item for your home? The Crafters’ Emporium may be just the place at which to shop.
Located at the East Ridge Mall – across the street from the Barnes and Noble store – the shop offers a wide variety of handmade things from several vendors.
Owner Shirley Summy opened the Crafters’ Emporium on Nov. 15 and is looking forward to a new year to expand her business. She continues to offer embroidery and printed T-shirts, personalized mugs, puzzles and mousepads.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity to put a craft store in and a good market niche,” Summy said. After looking around town and not finding another craft store, she did her research and decided to open one herself.
The Crafters’ Emporium currently features seven vendors, and Summy said there is room for growth with about 20 to 24 total.
A local crafter pays a rental fee and the crafts are displayed in the store, rather than having to attend craft events where someone travels, sets up and tears down a booth at each craft event, she said.
The craft vendors include: Pam’s Magnetic Jewelry “Combining Health and Beauty”; Linda’s Custom Sweatshirts and Tees; Tawnee’s Decorative Wall Plaques and Home Decor; Laura’s Soy Candles and Mia Bella Too; Shirley’s Custom Embroidery & More; Linda’s Turquoise Jewelry and also handmade doll clothes, jewelry bags and more; and Colleen’s Chic Aprons.
“I like the aprons,” Summy said. “You just have to see how fun they are.”
Summy invites customers and “everyday crafters” to come on in and see what the store has to offer. The response from the community has been positive, Summy said.
“People have said, ‘I’m so glad you’re here,’” she said. “I want a variety, to provide versatility, so there are no large booth spaces. The more unique the better.”
Summy plans to grow and get a larger space to include even more crafters.
Originally from northern California, Summy relocated to the St. George area. With her past business experience, she enjoys running her own business.