The following article was featured on the front page of the business section of the Idaho Statesman today.
Sam's Toy Box in Meridian looks to boost retail results with 'business makeover'
The shuttered store will benefit from experts as part of Meridian Business Day III
BY JOE ESTRELLA - jestrella@idahostatesman.com
Copyright: © 2010 Idaho Statesman
Published: 05/22/10
Erick Hull didn't get to enjoy Boise State University's victory in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl.
The Meridian businessman was too busy sifting through the rubble at his Sam's Toy Box shop at 750 S. Progress Ave. Earlier that day, a minivan jumped the curb and crashed into the store. The inventory that was not destroyed was rendered useless after being showered with microscopic pieces of glass.
"We're starting over," said Hull, whose shop remains closed almost six months later.
He'll get help next week at Meridian Business Day III. Participants will try to get the shuttered toy store back on its feet by making it the recipient of the first "Extreme Makeover for Business."
Meridian Business Day was launched in May 2009 as a free, daylong gathering that features workshop and networking opportunities to teach area business owners how to survive in today's economic climate. The third in the series of conference will be held Tuesday at Meridian City Hall, 33 E. Broadway Ave.
Conference co-founder Brandon Wright, owner of Ultra Clean Inc., said the first two Meridian Business Day events were so successful that organizers plan to keep having them every six months. The event is sponsored by Ultra Clean and Tribute Media, with help from the Idaho Department of Labor.
Wright said the "Extreme Makeover for Business" plan for Hull's operation is to relocate Sam's Toy Box to a still-undetermined warehouse location, where it will be transformed into an online marketer of toy products. Volunteers will be brought in to advise Hull and his wife, Tami, on ways to improve their business. Financial experts will advise on bookkeeping techniques, for example.
"We will advise on how to be more efficient and more profitable," said Wright, who approached the couple about being the first test case for the makeover program. "They're good people," he said. "They have been active in the community, and we wanted to help them."
Wright said the hope is that the Hulls will be able to reopen their store within six to 12 months.
"That's their dream. To have a retail shop," he said.
Others will help by installing new technology on the store's website.
Kelly Householder, a local IT specialist, said new software will be used to upgrade the store's website, shopsamstoybox.com, improving its appearance and increasing it capabilities for online sales.
Luke Cavener, community liaison for the city and a member of the steering committee organizing Meridian Business Day III, expects attendance at next week's gathering will exceed the previous two conferences.
"The last two averaged about 400 people," Cavener said. "We're expecting to push into the 500 range this time, and hope to build off that momentum."
Joe Estrella
Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/05/22/1202300/sams-toy-box-looks-to-boost-retail.html#ixzz0ohAwi71L
