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Cool Stuff About Business and Entertainment in the Greater Harrisburg, PA Area. |
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Cool Stuff About Business and Entertainment in the Greater Harrisburg, PA Area. |
MODE @ Work
by Tammi Hitchcock Did you know the oldest and only all-American Indian trading post East of Oklahoma is located in downtown Harrisburg? It’s true. Fitch’s Trading Post, located across the street from the State Capitol, appears an unassuming storefront on Third Street — but once you enter the store it’s an explosion of genuine Native American Indian artifacts, jewelry, pottery, sand paintings, rugs, sculptures, beaded items, clothing, and leather goods. For sixty years Fitch’s has been, and
continues to be, "the" The owners, De and Dick Basehore give the credit of their longevity to the collectors. Trust has been built by "reputation and longevity" says Dick. In addition to special promotions at the gallery, De and Dick have taken their "show" on the road, selling Fitch’s Indian artwork at private shows from New York to California 41 weeks throughout the year. Brad, one of De and Dick’s children, has taken Fitch’s on the "virtual" tour successfully, generating additional sales through EBAY auctions on the Internet. The Basehore’s believe Fitch’s has at least 25 years of longevity ahead due, in part, because of continued interest in American Indian art and marketing through the Internet. In addition to earning a living, Fitch’s has tried to provide a continuous livelihood for many Native Americans by promoting their talents and skills to customers and collectors. Over the years, Fitch’s has grown to represent over 500 artists from native tribes on the 35 reservations the Basehores visit throughout the United States, Canada, and South America. Each item reflects workmanship and quality and is looked at as an investment. "Investment art has to have value," Dick says. "Items that are purchased have to increase in value," he explains, comparing the purchasing of artistic investments to purchasing real estate. "The value of the property increases." Fitch’s Trading Post was opened in 1939 by De’s mother, Katherine L. Fitch. Fitch, who always had an interest in Indian culture, and was later adopted into the Chippewa tribe at Red Lake, MN in 1951 and named Mekezequay (Eagle Woman). De has been involved in the business since childhood and Dick joined the business 25 years ago after managing a grocery store. Since then, De and Dick have groomed two of their four children, Diedre and Brad, to run the store. To be sure, passing on the business to the next generation was one of Dick and De’s goals. They want to pass on the knowledge of the business they have to their children not too unlike the way the Native Americans pass on their crafts and knowledge to the younger generations. "It’s been 100 percent worth making it work," Dick smiles. Authentic, committed, and innovative, Fitch’s is destined to continue being a favorite with locals and visitors alike.
by Tammi Hitchcock Don’t be surprised if The Boss greets you at the door, and don’t think he’s sleeping on the job if you trip over him as you enter the store. The Boss works hard for his bones and biscuits. Okay, you’ve probably guessed by now that The Boss (a.k.a. Ziggy, an American Bulldog) is not human — but don’t forget to give him the attention due … because he is, after all, The Boss. You can probably tell that Penbrook
Vacuum Outlet is not your ordinary retail store, and you’re right. No
high-pressure sales pitch — only knowledgeable vacuum sales people
with reasonable sales prices out to help you find the best way to get
rid of dirt. Penbrook Vacuum sort of started as a fluke. Pearlman got into the vacuum business by buying, fixing, and reselling refurbished vacuums at the flea market —until winter came and he needed a place to put the 30 or-so vacuums he had on-hand. A friend had some extra office space and offered to put a few vacuums in while conducting his own business, and, little by little, the vacuum cleaner sales started to pick up. More vacuums were brought in and given additional prestigious sales space in the office and soon the vacuum business was on a roll. Eventually Pearlman’s friend chose to move the original office business to the West Shore and Pearlman took over the retail space that is now Penbrook Vacuum Outlet. Since that time, Pearlman has expanded his selection to include new model vacuums while continuing to fix and refurbish older models. He carries all price ranges and all makes and models, including some of the high-end brands such as Kirby, Filter Queen, Rainbow, and is an authorized ShopVac service center. One thing Pearlman refuses to sell is cheap, so-called bargain models. The refurbished models that are sold at Penbrook Vacuum come with 90-day to one-year warranties depending on the make, model, etc. Pearlman has used the need for a good East Shore service-oriented vacuum business to launch a customer-oriented solution. He targets being extremely good with customer relations and tries to accommodate everyone. He has kept the store’s overhead low, owns the stock he has on-hand to save paying interest, and continues to repair and refurbish all makes and models whether they were bought at Penbrook Vacuum or not. Pearlman’s girlfriend and partner, Mandy Stansbery, can also be found fixing vacuums in the shop. "It flips people out when they see it," laughs Pearlman, explaining how people react to finding a woman fixing vacuums. Customer service remains the driving force for Pearlman who, on occasion, has been known to pick up and deliver repaired vacuums to shut-ins and the elderly (generally within a five-mile radius of the store). Repairs are generally fixed within 24 hours and, if commercial customers drop machines off in the morning, they can get them back within the same day. Providing a way for the consumer’s business not to be interrupted. Pearlman and Stansbery like what they’re doing and the only plan for expansion they are considering is restoring antique radios, televisions, or anything "with tubes." Some of which can already be spotted in the store. Pennbrook Vaccuum, another successful Harrisburg business.
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business for enthusiasts and collectors of American Indian culture.
Customers from as far away as Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and
even Europe have made Fitch’s their store-of-choice for that perfect
piece of jewelry or decorative item — with some repeat collectors
buying American Indian goods at Fitch’s for over fifty years.
