By Steven Hughes
Sun Correspondent
A new store celebrated its official grand opening Feb. 1 and wants to maintain the building’s history while innovating customer service.
The Emporium is a massive space located at 101 N. Third St. filled with furniture, iPhones, televisions, and more. Jonathan Lee, president of The Emporium, fills his business’ floors and shelves with items based on customer suggestions.
“[People] should shop at The Emporium for the red-carpet treatment and come see how it is to purchase from us and be treated like family,” Lee said. “From when they walk in our door to when their furniture hits the floor of their home, it’s all an experience.”
Before becoming The Emporium, the building was home to the Cash Cow Home Store, a furniture store. Lee was the business partner of Tim Delgado, owner of Cash Cow Home Store, until buying the space out.
The Emporium started operations in January. Lee said his team came up with the name The Emporium. Many of his staff worked at Cash Cow Home Store with him and decided to stay on when he bought the business.
Lee said The Emporium strives for high-quality customer service in several ways. In addition to the family-friendly service that attracts returning customers who enjoy the store and staff’s presence, The Emporium offers same-day delivery at no extra cost within a 200-mile radius of the store.
People have already taken advantage of the delivery system. The Emporium cannot only deliver to one’s home but also set up items that don’t require a professional installation. If a customer wants the item outside The Emporium’s delivery radius, Lee said the store will still attempt to keep the cost affordable. One time, the store made a delivery five hours away.
THE GRAND OPENING
The Feb. 1 grand ceremony welcomed a large crowd excited to formally welcome The Emporium to Gallup; Lee noted there was little parking available, so he had to park around the other side of the building. That worked in his favor as he needed an outfit change after taking his young daughter to a dancing competition in Albuquerque that morning.
Seeing the packed parking made Lee emotional as he changed inside his car with minutes to spare before the event. Lee said the event went well overall, featuring live music from Full Country Band, door and cash prizes, food vendors, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony, where Lee and his daughter cut the ribbon using the golden scissors from the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce.
Lee said The Emporium is working on its digital presence and developing its website and social media pages. Lee said he understands the need to blend digital and in-person shopping, as he knows plenty of shoppers want to see the physical products in-store instead of on their handheld or desktop screens.
He said he hopes to continue keeping the historical building’s lights on with stellar customer service, merchandise based on customer feedback, and love for the Indigenous communities that made Gallup’s history.
