Today we’d like to introduce you to Jovita Torres and Peggy Ricks.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jovita and Peggy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Arne’s is a one of a kind party store, carrying a huge array of party goods, both every day and seasonal, housewares, holiday, wedding, costumes, bachelorette, flowers, and countless other items and categories. You can afford to have multiple seasons displayed simultaneously all year long when you have 100,000 square feet at your disposal!
Mr. and Mrs. Grossman started Arne Distributors, Inc. 67 years ago and built it from the ground up. The Grossmans began their journey as the original Tupperware home party distributors in South Texas. They peddled their Tupper-wares in five (5) Sage discount stores around the city and expanded from there. When the Sage stores closed in 1976, the Grossmans opened Arne’s Texas Size Party Warehouse at 2830 Hicks – a 100+-year-old warehouse (with literally 2 miles of conveyor belts in the warehouse), where Arne’s remains and thrives today.
Mr. G, as he was known, began at age 8 working in his father’s wholesale cigar and candy business in their home basement. Without question, Mr. Grossman was an incredibly tough and savvy businessman, who believed in hard work and fair dealing; however, those of us who had the privilege of knowing him describe him as generous and kind-hearted, with an amazing work ethic. Sadly, Mr. G passed in December of 2014. We at Arne’s do our best to continue in the Grossmans’ steps, staying true to the core values that Mr. and Mrs. Grossman held so dear.
Old school style has kept Arne’s thriving since 1954. What employees put into Arne’s is what employees get out, with many of Arne’s employees boasting a tenure of 20+ years. There is a reason for that type of unusual longevity in a world of seemingly disposable retail jobs. Mr. Grossman believed in the old mantra, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” In maintaining that same respect and integrity in dealing with Arne’s staff as Mr. and Mrs. Grossman, Arne’s has continued to employ 80+ loyal employees through some difficult economic times.
Mr. and Mrs. Grossman believed that there were two simple components to retail success and stamina: (1) offer the lowest possible prices; and (2) stock what the customer wants the way the customer wants it. Their instinct proved prophetic as business boomed then and continues to grow.
Arne’s uses a unique pricing model. Most retailers buy merchandise and mark it up for whatever price they believe the customer will pay for it. We base pricing on cost, with a fixed wholesale markup across the board. Mr. Grossman’s motto was “you have to buy it right!” That edict still stands today. When Arne’s finds a good deal at the multiple markets the buyers attend frequently, that “deal” is passed on to the customers. If a vendor lowers a price on an item Arne’s regularly stocks, Arne’s shares that savings with the public. Additionally, Arne’s constantly monitors the prices of its competition to ensure we have the lowest prices in Houston.
Arne’s carries over 50,000 items, using a proprietary software program to keep up with inventory. We pride ourselves on great customer service. Our employees are constantly soliciting feedback from our customers and we really listen to what they are interested in purchasing. If we don’t carry a particular item, we can frequently get it once we are informed. Our floor clerks routinely relay the message to our buyers and frequently, those requests are accommodated. Arne’s buyers regularly attend trade shows across the country in order to stay on top of trends and to keep Arne’s inventory fresh!
All in all, everyone has a choice. Retailers can either make a fast nickel or a slow dime. Mr. Grossman successfully banked on the fast nickels and that recipe continues to be a winning one. Arne’s continues to provide a unique product in a crowded niche. If you are among the few Houstonians who have never visited Arne’s, make the trip. It will be well worth your while!
Has it been a smooth road?
When Hurricane Ike hit in September 2008, the building that houses Arne’s inventory suffered the brunt of the damages – two of its walls were blown down – and the warehouse roof was torn off by the strong winds of the storm as well. Arne’s entire inventory got wet, so all goods had to be thrown out – nothing was salvageable. Many felt we would never reopen. In fact, the insurance adjusters advised Mr. Grossman to take the money and run. At that time, Mr. Grossman was 83 years old so, naturally, he thought about that proposition – but only briefly. Mr. G decided to reopen the store because he had some 80 families depending on him for their jobs. After being closed for 11 long months for repairs and the restocking of Arne’s entire inventory, the mega party warehouse reopened on August 13, 2009.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Arne’s Texas Size Party Store story. Tell us more about the business.
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the parties! The volume and selection of party supplies sold at Arne’s is staggering. It is well organized and well-priced, which makes it a go-to must for party planning. From faux flowers, glassware and baking supplies to balloons galore themed party décor and favors, we have just about everything under the sun. And, if that weren’t enough, we have an entire building dedicated to pet goodies from food and grooming tools to pet costumes and carriers. Rarely can a person say a store has everything one needs for a special occasion, but Arne’s might be the exception.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Arne’s stands as one of the most successful niche businesses in Houston. We didn’t get here by accident – we got here by learning from our mistakes and persevering until we got it right. We stand on good old fashioned values and operate with integrity. That said, I don’t believe Mr. G would have done things differently because all roads – mistakes and all along the way – got us here and here is a pretty dang sweet place to be.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2830 Hicks Street
- Website: www.arneswarehouse.com
- Phone: 713-869-8321
- Email: prodinfo@arneswarehouse.com
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