Today we’d like to introduce you to CJ Reese.
Hi CJ, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have loved antiques and collectibles all of my life. I moved to Denison in 2017 to start a new business and rented a booth at the local antique mall.
After sometime the original plan for the new business changed and I found myself looking for answers of how to move forward but I knew I wanted to stay in Denison.
News traveled and the previous owner of the antique mall approached me about possibly purchasing their business.
Well, the rest is history. I was sixty years old back then and realized quickly that this was going to be a lot of work. God has surrounded me with so many great people that have encouraged, supported, prayed and helped along the way.
Eight years later I am so proud to say we have grown into an amazing destination place and the blessings have been beyond words.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We are open seven days a week. Trying to put the best team into place was my first challenge and I am happy to say that several that started with me in 2018 are still here.
The projects that needed to be done that have been a big part of our transformation were not only costly but took time, muscle and patience. Again, God surrounded me with just the right people to help.
Seems like we were growing and moving in the right direction when COVID hit.
That time was a real challenge. The mall was closed for almost eight weeks and I only lost two vendors. We tried creative ways to sell online and again God showed up big. Once our doors were open again we had overwhelming support from our customers.
Year after year we have continued to grow and our sales have exceeded all of my dreams and expectations.
Today we are under a Main Street construction project and our front and side parking areas are fenced and torn up.
We prepared for this and created an online live sale shopping show every Thursday on Facebook. It has been a big success and our sales numbers are exceeding last year’s sales.
Once more God brought the right people and our customers have continued to support us through it all.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Main Street Mall Denison is an antique mall located in historic downtown Denison.
I have over 80 vendors and 22,000 square feet.
We have antiques, collectibles and vintage items and so much more.
Our motto is Main Street Mall, We’ve Got it all!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I knew I was taking a risk when I decided to purchase the business in 2018. I was sixty years old and used part of my retirement savings to put towards the loan.
Most of my friends were winding down for retirement and I took on a seven day a week business and more debt.
But, it was definitely worth the risk.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mainstreetmalldenison.com
- Instagram: mainstreetmalldenison
- Facebook: Main Street Mall Denison
