The Saline Reporter
A Heritage Newspaper
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A drive to succeed
Hodgson changes with the times
By Sue G. Collins, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: February 22, 2007
Karen Hodgson believes in change.
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Her store, Cobblestone Rose, has succeeded in downtown Saline since 1984 because she has been willing to change the focus of her retail and interior decorating business as her customers' needs and tastes change and as the economy fluctuates.
What started as a small shop selling preserved floral arrangements, Cobblestone Rose is now a two-story retail anchor for the Saline downtown shopping district, offering home accessories, custom furnishings, clothing for women and children, jewelry and kitchen gifts.
Hodgson moved her shop from Manchester to Saline in 1994 and in 2002 opened a second location four doors down to expand her line.
She has also offered home parties, bringing her wares and ideas into a home where the hostess invites friends to shop.
She now devotes the bulk of her time to the store on South Ann Arbor Street, where she employs 10 part-time assistants.
"These ladies lead busy lives and I respect that," Hodgson said about her employees. "I believe that if you work with women and recognize their demands, they will work very hard for you."
Inside the inviting and eclectic store, Hodgson nurtures a dedicated clientele. Claire Dunkel, who owns the Cabinet Studio, shops regularly at Cobblestone Rose and decorated her home this Christmas with garlands, wreaths, floral arrangements and ornaments from the store.
"Karen has impeccable taste and makes the most intricate and unique arrangements. Her work gives me inspiration for decorating themes throughout my home," said Dunkel, whose business is creating custom kitchens for homeowners.
Hodgson and her team, including decorator Maureen Walters, offers interior design consulting throughout the year, and keeps up on the latest trends in home furnishings and fashion.
"It's always interesting here. We're busy putting together the upcoming line of clothing, planning our events or working with customers on their projects. The business is constantly evolving," Hodgson said.
The events she refers to are the annual Spring Garden Party and the Christmas Open House. For a week preceding both openings, the store is closed and windows cloaked in brown paper.
"My friends and I make a night of it when the store re-opens," said Lisa Mince of Saline, who collects Christmas ornaments that Hodgson stocks. "Karen has an amazing talent for keeping her store fresh. You'll always find something new and inspiring."
Cobblestone Rose is open seven days a week, another tactic Hodgson believes is crucial to retail success.
Hodgson is active in the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce and has served on their Destination Saline committee and is currently busy with the Downtown Merchants' Association working to bring more shoppers to Saline.
"I really hope people who live here will shop here. My motto is, 'Try Saline first," she said.
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