Country Business magazine has realized something that westside gift-buyers discovered nearly 30 years ago, North Chili’s Glue Factory Gift Shop is a great place to shop for special things. The nationally-distributed magazine named The Glue Factory one of two runners-up for its annual Retailer of the Year Award, recognizing owners Mary Lou and Jim Chalmers and their 10 employees for their “savvy business sense, pursuit of new and interesting merchandise, outstanding customer service, and total involvement in the community.” But the Chalmers credit their loyal customers — a substantial percentage of which live in Chili, Riga, and Ogden - with the store’s success. “We were so fortunate to be able to do this right in our backyard,” Mary Lou said. “And in such a friendly community.” Both Jim and Mary Lou grew up in Williamsville, where Jim’s family ran the generations-old Chalmers Gelatin & Glue Factory. After settling in North Chili with their young family in the early 1970s, the Chalmers knew they wanted to own their own business. Jim had a business degree and a job with Texaco, so it seemed at first like their venture would be a gas station. But as Mary Lou was going to be the one spending the majority of her time at the store while Jim was on the road for Texaco, her good taste for gifts and decorating became the family’s store. The Glue Factory, funded with the proceeds of the sale of the Chalmers Gelatin & Glue Factory property and named in its honor, opened in the Towne Plaza in what was once a movie theater. It’s a credit to the Chalmers that despite the fact that the original store was tucked away in the back corner of the mall, unseen from the road or even the parking lot, the store flourished in that location for 25 years. One of the secrets to The Glue Factory’s success, Mary Lou said, is the way they have changed their merchandise over time to reflect changing tastes. “At first we were really Early American — lots of copper and pewter and silver — things I would have in my home,” she said. “But over time I learned to buy not just for myself, but for my customers. Today I’m able to keep abreast of the trends.” Mary Lou travels to trade shows across the country several times each year looking for new items to add to the store’s inventory. For you decorators out there, she notes that a feminine, more Victorian look is currently “in.” Jim has done his part by developing a computer program that helps them analyze what kinds of things sell from month to month, year to year. The new store, set up like the old one in “theme rooms” and packed with attractive displays and decorating ideas, is nearly half giftware and collectibles, about one-quarter decorative accessories, a whole wall of Yankee Candles, and country furniture. The most popular lines include Willow Tree collectibles (they are Platinum dealers of Willow Tree gifts and can therefore offer special items), Crabtree and Evelyn soaps and lotions, Cherished Teddies, Boyd’s Bears, Country Home Creations, Precious Moments, Keystone Country Furniture and items from Debbie Mumm and Thomas Kinkade. There are even a few surprises tucked away among the expected things, unique items like jewelry boxes and dips and soups. In 2000, The Glue Factory was the winner of the Gates-Chili Council’s Town of Chili Beautification Award. But the attractiveness of their new store is only one of their contributions to the community. The store hires college students from nearby Roberts Wesleyan College, is a member of a job development program at Churchville-Chili Senior High, and sponsors youth soccer and baseball teams. “It’s been quite a ride,” said Mary Lou. “It hasn’t been without struggles, but I really know that if you believe in something and put everything you have into it, anything is possible. We are so grateful.” |
