HodgePodge Heaven is one of the newest establishments at White Oaks Mall, but it has a different business model from other retailers in the mall. It consists of a conglomerate of entrepreneurs who are not interested in establishing a brick-and-mortar store or found that path extremely difficult.
In 2019 when COVID-19 hit, not only did it have a devastating effect on brick-and-mortar businesses, but on home-based businesses as well. Patrick and Linda Logan had one of those businesses, a dining room full of jewelry and no place to sell it. While their websites and social media did provide an outlet, it wasn't like having a personal connection with people at craft shows.
Patrick and Linda started promoting their own vendor events, and during the summer of 2022, they eventually found their way to the parking lot of White Oaks Mall. Patrick was working closely with the manager of the mall, Walt Galvin. Walt had taken a keen interest in vendor events and spent time talking with shoppers and vendors alike. He had an idea of mixing national brands with local products but had never seen this done successfully.
In November 2022, as the holiday season approached, Walt asked Patrick to put a business plan together for 20-30 vendors to be set up during the weekend and display their products in the common areas of the mall. This project was so well received by shoppers and retailers that Walt asked Patrick to consider opening a store in the mall featuring some of the vendors. There was an empty storefront available – the old Justice Clothing Store.
The day after Christmas, the project came to a halt, as Patrick was in the hospital with COVID-19. For the next two months, during recuperation, he talked with over 100 vendors in the area, looking for ideas on how to develop his model, a brick-and-mortar "Etsy" type shop with products not found anywhere else in the mall.
Patrick and Linda spent time searching the internet for a name. Their name had to identify an assortment of vendors, all under one roof. Patrick liked the name "Cornucopia," but that was a solid NO from Linda. Using "Cornucopia" as a seed, there it was on the screen: HodgePodge! A great word to describe a diverse mix of people and products. Several vendors commented that it would be like heaven. Patrick and Linda discussed the name HodgePodge Heaven with their priest to make sure it would not be offensive. With their priest's blessings, in June 2023 HodgePodge Heaven opened its doors. As you enter the store – across from the food court in White Oaks Mall – Patrick yells out with a big grin, "Welcome to Heaven."
Some of the entrepreneurs at HodgePodge Heaven purchase their products; others have one-of-a-kind handmade items and some have a combination. Included is a company owned by a veteran who creates stained glass, fused glass, other items and textiles. There are handmade soaps, candles, headbands, bird cages, decorated tumblers, artwork, hand-painted vases, tile coasters, T-shirts, etched glasses, and baby clothes. One entrepreneur has made decorated five-gallon paint buckets into storage containers.
There is a lot of jewelry, flavored coffee and tea, repurposed women's clothing, purses, shoes and accessories. There are sports wreaths for most teams. If you don't see a wreath for your favorite team, you can place an order with the vendor. If you feel you need some handheld defense items, religious items, antique items, cookie, cupcake, and cake mixes, HodgePodge Heaven is the perfect place for you to shop.
Most of the vendors had in the past participated in various craft events like the weekend mall events. They would have to pack and haul their products, set up a tent, man their space all day, pack up at the end of the day, load their items, and unload them when they got home. One couple was not physically able to do all the work required to participate in this type of craft events, but loved creating their products and still wanted to maintain their business.
HodgePodge Heaven is the perfect place because once their booth is stocked, for a minimal fee, they have a permanent store and only must replace products sold. The best part for vendors is that they don't have to be at the store every day. They just come and check their inventory then pick up their check once a month.
So, come visit, and if you have the entrepreneurial spirit, and would like to join the HodgePodge family, talk to Patrick. This is a great friendly place, whether you are shopping or want a place to showcase your products.
Many call it "heaven." Some call it "home."
Nell Clay has owned a home-based business entitled Positive Creations for over 35 years. She currently creates artwork, hand-painted vases, tile coasters and jewelry. She enjoys the creative process. HodgePodge Heaven works well for her because her products are always available.
