A local entrepreneur’s journey to owning her own discount retail store, Here Today, at the Marion Centre Mall started decades ago.
Early Lessons in Entrepreneurship
Growing up in Marion, Jackie Sanders watched her father, Jack Williams, leave Marion Power Shovel to start his own construction firm. While attending Pleasant Local Schools, Saunders heard about the Junior Achievement Program that helped students create their own small start-ups. She jumped at the opportunity.
“It intrigued me because of my dad owning his own business,” Sanders said.
Students created their own business plans, made products, sold stock to local investors and marketed their merchandise. At the end of the school year, they paid the shareholders out of their profits.
“Back then you could go door-to-door,” Sanders recalled.
Sanders sold 500 apple-shaped refrigerator deodorizers for $1 each. After her success, the teen participated in a Junior Achievement statewide sales camp for several years.
Building Business Experience Across States
After graduating from Pleasant, Sanders worked in a variety of companies in Ohio, Florida and Arizona. However, she held onto the dream of opening her own business.
While in Arizona, Sanders worked for a company selling uniforms for health care workers. The sales manager had extra merchandise he wanted to off-load to a private seller.
“I bought 1,000 pieces for $1,000,” Sanders remembered.
The scrubs were the same orange as the Phoenix Suns, which had an active, loyal, local fan base. Sanders set up a shop in a flea market.
“I sold all 1,000 scrubs that weekend,” Sanders said.
Opening Her First Store in Arizona
She used her profits to invest in her start-up. In six months, Sanders opened her own business in Mesa, Arizona. The quality, affordable scrubs attracted more than 4,000 customers from five states.
Health issues forced Sanders to close. When the businesswoman was back on her feet, Sanders opened a vintage tuxedo and bridal store in Tempe, Arizona. Sanders enjoyed the business, but she had to close it after her husband, a Navy veteran, died.
Returning to Marion and Launching “Here Today”
Sanders returned home to Marion in retirement, but she did not want to slow down. With just $3,000, she opened Here Today in Marion Centre Mall in August 2022.
“We sell quality, discount scrubs, new name-brand clothing and formal wear,” Sanders said. “I know where to find the best quality but affordable scrubs. We have better pricing than the big box stores.”
Supporting Local Youth and Workforce Development
Sanders employees a total of four teens and young adults through the Goodwill Youth Employment program. The owner appreciates the help while workers learn job skills.
Sanders and employee Hannah Conn of Marion attended the Allluvial Private Wealth Forge Classes and Competition this fall. Lars Olson, a local business leader and one of the founders of the Forge, offered them some advice.
“Lars Olson said he couldn’t picture a store with scrubs, formal wear and regular clothing,” Sanders said. “But somehow, it works!”
Conn said the classes were helpful in honing the business strategy and refining the store layout.
“I met a lot of awesome people. Networking was really valuable. We got constructive criticism to help us grow like shifting our focus to scrubs in the front of the store,” Conn said.
A Unique Mix of Products and Local Partnerships
Sanders is excited to find new bulk items to resell at extremely competitive prices. From wedding and prom dresses to shirts and coats, Here Today offers a variety of clothing.
“It’s eclectic but that’s what people like about it,” Sanders said. “I get a lot of high school girls who don’t want to wear what everyone else is wearing.”
Sanders also sells a variety of small, locally made items by consignment including custom jewelry, T-shirts and mugs.
Sanders and Conn support other business owners in the Marion Centre Mall. They encourage Marion residents to come in and check out the new stores.
Giving Back to the Marion Community
Sanders takes pride in supporting the community, providing clothing to grandparents who suddenly have custody of their grandchildren, fire victims, and the Elgin clothing closet.
“We support Marion and we appreciate Marionites who support us,” Sanders said.
For More Information:
Follow Here Today on Facebook.
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