Mar 13, 2009

Austin Gift CompanyBy Patrick BrendelImpactNews.com

Austin Gift Company is an emporium for area artisans and crafts makers. The majority of its 120 booths are dedicated to local products, ranging from soy candles to Texas music to magnets featuring postage stamp art. Owner Mike Lopez sells his own merchandise, such as Longhorn gear, T-shirts and historical flags.

“If you don’t need it, we probably have it,” he said from behind the counter of the 5,000-sq. ft. store.

Business is better than ever despite the national recession, Lopez said, with a waiting list for artisans reserving booths and a steady stream of customers making purchases.

“We’re up this year from last. That’s all you can ask for,” he said.

Founded in August 2000, the store survived the economic downturns following Sept. 11, 2001, and the dot-com bubble.

“I think when times are down, people will maybe boycott the local mall, but they shop here a little heavier. People still need the little feel-good things,” he said.

Lopez expects to see a brief boost in sales during the annual South by Southwest Festival, which runs March 13-22.

Throughout the years, products made by hundreds of full-time and amateur artisans have passed through his store.

“Sometimes, it’s just something for them to do. For others, it’s their living,” he said. Lopez started out in 1992 making rustic Texas flags, maps and fountains, then sold them wherever he could — the Drag, trade shows, street corners, etc.

“I’d set up on the side of the road somewhere and sell $1,000 in a day,” Lopez said.

Artisans he met around town and during trade shows were clamoring for a physical location in south Austin in which to sell their products. Austin Gift Company fills that need, he said.

Thriving on tourists looking for authentic Texas souvenirs, the company has six employees. Most of Lopez’s advertising is word-of-mouth, though he does have a good relationship with the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Read complete article.