Apr 21, 2010

Three Years Strong: Cathy’s Corner celebrates its third anniversaryBy Jenna PugrantConnectionNewspapers.com

In February 2007, Great Falls resident Cathy Moran became one of the many local business owners in Great Falls when she opened her personalized gift store Cathy’s Corner. As a 20-year resident of Great Falls, she had previously traded in her corporate job and started a small stationary business based out of the former Great Falls store The Silk Purse. After moving her small business around the Village Center a couple of times, she finally opened up her own store nestled in the corner behind The Brogue. Since its opening, Cathy’s Corner has become a family business where Moran’s daughters often help out around the shop. From the start, Moran has made her business locally oriented by always featuring made by local artisans.

Cathy’s Corner opening coincidentally occurred almost simultaneously with the economic downturn. “When I opened the store, the average gift was around $75,” said Moran. “But since then, I’ve changed the merchandise and the average gift is between $25 and $35 to better suit the times.” Moran has also modified her business in ways that ensure that people will continue to come back. A recent addition includes an in-house “Wish List” where customers can write down items that interest them so that their family and friends can get what the customer wants. Also, as part of Cathy’s Corner shopping experience, customers can have any of their purchased items gift wrapped for no extra charge. “We are also working on getting our Web site up and running,” said Moran. On the Web site, www.cathyscornergreatfalls.com, customers can currently purchase various baby items and the merchandise featured on the Web site will continue to grow.

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