by Kirsten Coughlin
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ZYZYX!
by Kirsten Coughlin |
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Gallery: Owners: | |
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Background:
The gallery has two locations. The first store opened in Baltimore, Md., in 1991, and the second store opened in Bethesda in 1992. They were opened by Hilly and Hazel Greenstein.
Martin and Marla Rishty purchased the Bethesda store in 1994 and enjoyed the business so much that they purchased the Baltimore store a year and a half ago. Martin grew up in the gift business; his father owned Hallmark stores in Maryland. Martin also owned his own Hallmark store prior to purchasing ZYZYX!.
The gallery has been one of the recipients of Niche magazine's Top 100 Retailers of the Year awards.
Kinds of crafts sold:
contemporary blown glass, functional and non-functional ceramics, furniture, jewelry and an extensive Judaica collection
Currently looking for:
all of the above, especially artists that are not shown in the area
Prime customers:
"We love the fact that we appeal to such a broad range of customers," says Martin Rishty. "We have something everyone can enjoy. We often take pictures when we get three generations of a family in our store."
Signature crafts:
contemporary and colorful glass, jewelry, Judaica and furniture
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Exhibitions:
"We have about three to four exhibits per year featuring new artists," says Rishty. "There are no specific qualifications except uniqueness and pieces which are well-priced. We also feature exhibits from local schools."
Artists are found through:
"The Buyers Markets of American Craft and American Craft Council shows are tremendous sources for us, but we also go to lots of small craft shows," says Rishty. "One of our best sources is our customers. They know our store and usually have great insight into new and smaller-scale artists that don't go to the shows." Rishty says that he relies on recommendations from other artists as well.
Pricing:
small gifts in the $20-$100 range, yet items can cost up to several thousand dollars. Rishty admits, "We have more trouble finding handcrafted items in the lower price ranges. But it is something we are constantly searching for."
GALLERY OWNERS: |
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Purchase/consignment:
"Most of our items are purchased directly from the artists," states Rishty. "But we often get started on a consignment basis when we aren't sure how an item will do. I am a firm believer that if an artist believes enough in their product, I am usually willing to give it a chance too."
Best-selling price points:
$50-$100
Gallery size:
The Bethesda store is 1,800 square feet, and the Baltimore store is 2,800 square feet.
Non-craft items sold:
cards
Services offered to customers:
gift-wrapping, shipping, layaway, bridal registry, special orders, artists' bios, in-home consultations, postcards and newsletters
Gallery location:
Both stores are located in the suburbs.
To submit work to the gallery:
"We are always willing to look at an artist's work," says Rishty. "Slides and pictures are important, and we welcome phone calls." Rishty also says the artist should specify if they want the slides or photos back. He suggests that artists make appointments instead of dropping by.
Why selling crafts:
"I was brought up in the gift business, so this was a great extension of my past," says Rishty. "I love offering a product that will be enjoyed and treasured forever. There is so much talent in this country, and it is my pleasure to show it to my customers. I love to watch their faces as they are just amazed by what artists can create. It's extremely gratifying and satisfying. I also love working with the artists. I find them to be the most helpful, creative, generous and supportive people in the world."
Kirsten Coughlin is editorial assistant of The Crafts Report.
NOVEMBER 1999:
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