In 2019, Jen Johnston opened Mud Creek Market on Barrett Parkway, but six years later, it was time for a new home. She leased a space in The Avenue West Cobb between Loft and Jos. A. Bank and created a Christmas pop-up there in November. Jen and her three part-time employees operated both locations during the holidays to reach current and future customers at the same time. She also didn’t want longtime customers who hadn’t heard about the move showing up to an empty shop at Christmas. The Barrett store closed Dec. 30. www.mudcreekmarket.com
Why did you decide to move?
We enjoyed our time at our first location and are very grateful for the opportunity they gave us as a startup shop; however, it came with some compromises: lack of visibility, lack of traffic flow and lack of parking spaces. We were rather isolated at our Barrett location amongst several service-oriented businesses. We didn’t have much room to grow there, so moving to a more visible location was needed to continue doing business. Having our store among other retailers has already proven to be the right move for us. When we tell our new customers that we were located just 2 miles down the road for the past six years, they are so surprised but admit they never really drive into that complex for anything.
How has business been there?
We had an incredible Christmas and met so many new friends. The Avenue West Cobb has been a great place for us to land. Sales are up, we absolutely love the suite we're in, and we couldn’t ask for a better location within the complex. The staff, fellow tenants and customers are top-notch.
How did you feel about leaving your old location?
It is bittersweet, of course. The management team at our Barrett location gave me a chance that other property managers wouldn’t. I was a new shop, didn’t have much cash for startup and had no idea how commercial leasing worked. After presenting them with a PowerPoint presentation outlining my five-year business plan and assuring them they would be doing business with someone who is incredibly resourceful and resilient, even against the odds, I am grateful they gave me the chance. As for moving to the new location, I smile a lot! Being in The Avenue was beyond a dream of mine. I still find it hard to believe that this store in the middle of this beautiful complex is mine.
Why did you want your own shop?
When I was a small child, I loved to play store. When it was time to find a job as a teenager, I chose retail and loved it. During college, I took courses that were needed to help me in small-business management because I knew I wanted to have a small business one day. I found out rather early in my post-degree working years that working in the corporate world was not for me. It took me many years to get to the point of being able to leave that world, but with the help of my husband, Eric, I was able to fulfill my dream of opening my own shop. For years, I had hobbied in selling antiques and decorating, so I knew where my niche was. After leasing space in several antique and gift shops, I decided it was time to have my own.
What are your best-selling items?
Candles are very high on the list. From a locally made brand to some well-recognized national brands, we have a variety of scents. Home decor is the largest category. From wall art, small furniture, and florals and greenery to unique home accessories and throw pillows, we house limited inventory that changes often and keeps you coming back. Our motto is: If you can’t stop thinking about it, buy it. It won’t be here when you come back.
How do you choose your merchandise?
I carefully curate every item that comes into our store. More than 60% of our inventory comes from small businesses, fair-trade organizations or individual artisans around the country. Small business is at the heart of our shop, so we provide support to as many as we can.
Being in The Avenue was beyond a dream of mine. I still find it hard to believe that this store in the middle of this beautiful complex is mine.
The Avenue West Cobb has been a great place for us to land. Sales are up, we absolutely love the suite we're in, and we couldn’t ask for a better location within the complex. The staff, fellow tenants and customers are top-notch.