By Mike Hazlip—
Despite being partially hidden behind temporary construction fencing, business has picked up at a thrift store at 7044 Sunrise Blvd. after a banner recently appeared to direct traffic to the struggling shop.
In a previous report by The Sentinel, Kelsee’s Purse thrift store owner Ildiko Carpenter said the business has faced a number of challenges since opening at the beginning of 2019. A pipe broke causing flooding in the shop, and two recent construction projects have reduced traffic flow at the center, she said.
Recently, two banners directing traffic to Kelsee’s Purse and nearby Gentle Touch Pet Salon appeared on RCP Corporation fencing, the El Dorado Hills based general contractor responsible for the adjacent Planet Fitness expansion progress.
No one has taken credit for printing or displaying the banners, but Carpenter said she suspects RCP Corporation is likely to deserving of the credit.
“We didn’t ask them to do it and we were surprised to see it, but very grateful after being hidden behind the construction area,” she said.
Carpenter said the added signage had a positive effect on sales. She has also increased social media marketing efforts and offered sales. One customer who spoke with The Sentinel in the shop said she was grocery shopping and came to Kelsee’s Purse when she saw the banner.
A manager on duty at Planet Fitness was not aware of any effort by the company to print and hang the banners.
Although Kelsee’s Purse saw a steady stream of customers while Sentinel staff was at the shop Saturday, Carpenter said she is still considering other options after the first of the year.
“We’ve looked at a lot of buildings with vacancies,” she said. “They’re a little cheaper elsewhere, but I’m just afraid of getting into another lease with another owner.”
Copperwood Plaza is managed by San Diego-based Strategic Asset Management Group. Carpenter said the company has been understanding with COVID-related loss of income, but she has not seen the same attention with the recent maintenance issues.
A spokesman for Strategic Asset Management Group, Dan Chiavario, told The Sentinel previously the company will work to correct any problems related to maintenance and repairs.
Items donated to the Kelsee’s Purse are either sold at the location or given away to area homeless. A prior story from The Sentinel reported that Carpenter and members of her church visit the homeless throughout Citrus Heights once a week to drop off clothing and personal items, along with a hot meal.
