Shop owner Toni Hudson.
Take 5 Talks to an accidental shop owner.
Toni Hudson, owner of Goods, an eclectic gift shop on Santa Clara Avenue, is a self-proclaimed “accidental shop owner.” A quick chat with the knowledgeable owner and the chic look of the store make it no secret that Hudson’s innate sense of style and business is very good.
Where did you get the inspiration to open Goods?
I’ve done a little of everything, from cooking to retail to working with the elderly (I have a degree in gerontology), but always loved the idea of owning my own business. After living in the Pacific Northwest for seven years but missing the California sunshine, I decided to open a business that carried that warm, cozy, rustic look of the Northwest. I envisioned a mercantile type of general store with eco-friendly, well-made products from good companies that give back. I carry leather goods, blankets, kitchen accessories, home goods, soaps, etc. I also knew I wanted to carry specialty foods like jams, honeys, and syrups that are locally made. Vintage items and some dog accessories were in my picture and also are now in my inventory.
How does someone who has never owned a store or been in design have such great merchandising style?
I find it funny when people ask me where I learned to merchandise. I wasn’t sure I knew what I was doing at first; it was actually a bit scary. The buying and styling part came naturally to me; I just buy and style according to what appeals to me. My parents were a huge help in getting the store set up and ready for business. This is a new venture for me that I’m having fun with. It’s a total learning experience.
Who would you say is the ideal Goods customer?
I consider Goods to be a unisex, every-age-appropriate store. People who care about and appreciate quality items made in the U.S. are my best customers. Anyone looking for a hostess gift, or warm-looking and warm-feeling items for their home, or who just enjoy seeing what their neighborhood store has to offer is whom I think I attract. I hear people say how nice it is to not have to leave the Island to find interesting new items. I would say Goods is not your typical homes store, but one that fills a certain niche.
What have been your biggest challenges?
I’m still trying to learn what the needs are of my customers. I’m always trying to keep things fresh and interesting. Being on a side street doesn’t get me as much foot traffic as I’d like, but word of mouth has helped a lot. I’d still like to be discovered more and know that will take time. Working on Saturdays is still an adjustment, but I know that comes with the territory. Basically, I feel patient and grateful. This is great gig.
Why was Alameda the lucky place you landed?
When my husband and I discovered Alameda, we fell in love immediately. We couldn’t believe we found a cute, small community that didn’t feel like the suburbs. The friendliness of the people, the walkability and the easy living really sealed it for us. It also seemed like a good place to open the kind of business I hoped for. When I found a space that would work for me, I jumped on it. I see us here for a long time. Alameda is a comfortable place to live and work.
Goods, 2537 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda, 510-749-1055, open 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Tue.–Sat. Coming soon: www.AlamedaGoods.com.
This article appears in the July 2014 issue of Alameda Magazine
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