Did you know that, in 2014, Paddington Station received an award at the 63rd annual Retailer Excellence Award gala in New York City?
This gala honors the retailers, manufacturers’ representatives, and vendors in the gift and home industry for their achievements. Pam, Kelly, and Nick were present to receive the Store Events REA (Retailer Excellence Award), honoring their year-long celebration of the store’s 40th birthday.
This celebration was kicked off by free monthly children’s events in collaboration with other local businesses, as well as three larger store celebrations. A fun theme was chosen for each event, such as “Talk Like a Pirate Day” and “The Starwalkers Presents May the 4th Be With You.” Our partner businesses, TreeHouse Books, Northwest Nature Store, Zoey’s Cafe and others, were asked to engage the public with a simple craft, game, or demonstration that worked into the event’s theme and everyone was encouraged to dress according to the theme!
The first of the store’s three big 40th anniversary celebrations began with Paddington Station’s participation in Ashland’s 4th of July parade, which included forty current and past employees, a baton twirler, Uncle Sam, Rockette-style dancers, an umbrella twirling drill team, musicians, and a life-size Paddington Bear on a float.
A week later, the store held its second celebration: a block party behind the store, complete with popcorn and hot dogs, craft tables, carnival games, a local big-band jazz group, and a photo op with Paddington Bear.
The third celebration was Our Annual Holiday Open House. Open House looked different ten years ago! Back then, it was a one-day party with sales representatives, food samples, door prizes, music every hour ON TOP of everything else we do today.
Pam Hammond credits the success of these events to “a perfect storm of enthusiasm among our staff and loyal customers, who treasure their small-town emporium!”
