The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow

HI,
I have a small garden store on 15th Street and its time to renew my lease for another year or two and I'm very concerned about the current economic crisis.  On one hand I've already used all my stock/mutual funds to open my store, so I don't have to worry about losing it in the stock market, however sales were really off in Aug/Sept, and are sorta picking up now.

Any ideas, opinions or thoughts on what will happen to very small businesses in Tulsa?

Tulsa will be largely unaffected. None of the banks feeling the crunch have a significant Tulsa presence, nor are we supported by industries dependant on those banks (auto manufacturing, etc)

Tulsa homes and their values are actually still in a growth phase, likely somewhat due to the above factors.

There will be fluctuations and people will be worried, but it is not a time to bailout in Tulsa, especially in an industry like yours.

I largely agree with Grizzle.  However, keep in mind that flowers, chimineas and such items are a luxury for many people.  Not a need.  So there is a risk involved there.

I would relay these concerns to your property owner.  See if you can get a small break or if there is a built in increase remain flat.  It never hurts to ask - but don't threaten to leave unless you mean it.  At which point, just tell him you need a discount or you can not continue to operate.

I bought a beautiful hanging plant from you last spring that is just doing great. I was very impressed with the selection you had and the health of you rplants.

I promise to come back in and buy another.

Is this the Urban Garden near Harvard? Have you considered being open on Sundays?

Great stock of items, great quality, and your business is a credit to the neighborhood.  My only criticism is needing to be open on Sundays.  I hate to think how much business filtered off to HD and Lowe's from you guys on Sundays during high season.

August and Sept are not strong planting months (okay, late Sept is) so that's to be expected.  Plus it's so hot, people want to shop inside in August.  Back to school and the fair are also going to hurt your business.

I love your succulent arrangements and I really, really hope you guys stay around.  I certainly understand the risk involved.  That land sat empty and non-income producing for awhile, is there anyway to negotiate a "March-Nov." lease?  Are you guys going to do holiday items like Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Xmas?

I hadn't considered asking for a discount on the lease.  Sunday is the only day I get to see my family, as I am still doing other work on the side, but I will consider staying open on Sunday during planting season.

Where on 15th st?

quote:

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Originally posted by TheArtist

Where on 15th st?

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NW corner 15th & Gary Ave.

Yes we have pumpkins, Halloween or OSU pansies, and Kale right now.  Also we are adding more gift items for fall and Christmas.  I hope to have fresh wreaths and garland for Christmas.  I was going to carry cut Christmas trees but the minimum requirement was virtually a small forest from Oregon!

By the way, I love having my store and being in the 15th Street area.  Everyone was the neighborhood has been very nice and supportive and I appreciate it very much.  Its nice to get a different perspective from everyone on this forum.  Thanks!

Jeez you will do fine in this area....Thank god Tulsa is relatively safe from most of the economic craziness..I am happy to see another new business in the hood..I think a lot of us in this area really really try to support local business..with that corridor you are in..man  Harvard Meats, Umbertos, right along that area there is so much exciting stuff going on as well as 11th street...I think  you will do well..I know first year in business is nuts but you should do well..I can't wait to start getting my garden back in shape..don't have to go the great devil Lowe's - ha..

Thanks, we should have annuals and shrubs next Friday, April 3rd, we were going to get them this week but the weather caused us to back off a week.

Good decision backing off a week!

Gardening is supposed to be up this year in general.  Seed use as well, but most people will find their seed stock lackluster and probably go out and buy some plants.  I usual start herbs, sunflowers, and melons from seed - but peppers and tomatoes need powerful grow lights to get to planting size (IMHO) and I'm not willing to sacrifice the space in my house for that.

This weekend was supposed to be my planting weekend, not so much now.  But I'll see you in a week or so!

(ps. look at it this way, if you would have kept everything in the market you would have ALREADY lost it.  So at least now its up to you.  Glad to see your back another year)

don't really know how this would fit into the conversation regarding plants and gardening......... however, "Under The Sun", has filed for several special exceptions to allow for tent style sale of plants and gardening material with the Board Of Adjustments (4/28 agenda) .

Not really that much of a big deal other than the address is 1414 S Utica..

Isn't that the area being readied for the Medical Office building?

I got an amusing picture of their tent at 81st & Mingo surrounded by snow and overcast skies yesterday. Under the Sun, indeed. :p

Interesting...good work, Rico...

positive karma for you...

saw the story on you guys over the weekend on Ben Sumners show..good stuff..congrats on the story..any free adverstising is good advertising...!!

I was surprised they called and asked for an interview.  I was really glad to get the free advertising, I'm still not sure how they found out about us.

I tell everyone I know about you. I split my time evenly between you and Southwood.

 :D  Thanks, we appreciate it!

I've got a new place to landscape this year, so I will be seeing you.  Not as close by, but good service and product are always worth the drive!

Hope to see you soon.  We have tomatoes, peppers, and all kinda of herbs.  ;D