By Nikki McCoy
Olympia’s new outdoor enthusiast hub is ready for business. Owned by Joe Hyer, and operated by his dedicated crew, Centro is a 20,000-square-foot space unlike anything Olympia has seen.
A hybrid marketplace of outdoor clothing, gear, shoes and more, the operation will include a business incubator, café, events and more. Centro’s motto, “Urban Living, Outdoor Inspired,” is an umbrella for the many aspects the company will embrace.
Already in operation, with The Bike Stand and Olympia Footwear Company serving customers, Centro is a work in progress, extensively thought out by Hyer, who has 18 years of retail experience with his former operation, Alpine Experience. The idea for a new, unique, shopping and business experience was spurred by a changing market.
“With Centro, we’re expanding the possibilities and narrowing the focus,” says Hyer, “Alpine Experience became locked into the concept that it was a traditional outdoor store… Centro is a retail marketplace that is dynamic, flexible and focuses on what the consumers want today.”
With extensive research and a vision of organic growth, Centro is re-inventing the outdoor store. Below are four ways they’re making it happen.
#1 – Local Shareholders
Hyer is a businessman. His extensive investment in Olympia, both monetarily and politically, led him to the decision to take banking matters into his own hands, which means including the community.
“All of our customers are invited to be shareholders,” he says.
What it means to be a shareholder in Centro, is just what it implies – to be involved in profits, investments, interest gains and decision making. But it also means an investment in the community. When dividends are paid, that money is likely to be circulated locally.
A prospective for potential shareholders is available through Centro, and the cost is $1,000 per share. “All of our money from shareholders is put into inventory, which is a portable asset,” says Hyer, “We can sell it off, if need be.”
But the plan, of course, includes nothing but growth and profit.
“We know the vision, we know the concept – Centro doesn’t need all its money at once, we have the luxury of phasing,” says Hyer. “ We have low overhead because we have an inexpensive building and our pricing model shows you don’t have to have massive sales to make money, and that’s where flexibility comes in. The model is very poised to be successful…what we’re trying to do is create a model that brick and mortar can succeed in.”
#2 – Flexible Marketplace
And that model is one of a marketplace. Inspired by marketplaces around the world, Hyer and team have designed a floor plan that is flexible and inviting. With recognition that consumers shop by brand more than product, displays of the most popular sellers will fill the floor – Keen, Patagonia and Osprey will each have dedicated space. A heavy lean towards local and USA made products will be priority.
“If we tell our customers to shop local, we have to too,” says Hyer.
Shoes are, and will be, a big part of the marketplace, including children’s shoes and specialty lines, like Keen’s for medical and industry workers.
Another aspect of the marketplace, and one that Hyer compares with our local mall – is that after a day of shopping, shopper’s want activities and a place to eat.
But rather than mass produced pizza in a food court, Centro has an adjoining rock gym, and will have Centro’s café to rejuvenate with sandwiches, munchies, juices and more.
#3 – Ukuleles, Beer and Events
Certainly under the umbrella of “Outdoor Living, Urban Inspired” is the aspect of fun.
As mentioned, the café will offer beer and wine, but there will also be after-hours events, like trunk shows from product representatives, lectures, charity nights for non-profits and other entertainment.
If you are looking to create outside fun, mountain ukuleles, (because campers don’t pack guitars) line the shelves and Siesta hammocks are ready for backyard or hiking destinations.
#4 – Supportive Incubator
An innovative element is the opportunity for outside entrepreneurs to be part of Centro’s incubator program. Centro has two showrooms – one that houses the marketplace – and one that can be rented out as an extension of the marketplace.
Up to 10 businesses can fit in the showroom, which is naturally divided by beautiful old growth wood beams, allowing a 20 x 20 foot space for each venture. A $400-$800 rent is required to use the space.
The incubator allows new business owners to eliminate the costs of initial leases, which can sometimes span five years, in favor of a monthly option that Hyer can offer. Another cost-cutter is the back stock of equipment, like mannequins, hangers, and shelving, potential owners can borrow while at Centro.
“This is a call out to entrepreneurs,” says Hyer, “You have an idea? Come talk to us. We want to foster theses businesses and make a vibrant downtown.”
Centro is located at 408 Olympia Ave, in the historic Hyak Lumber Building, diagonal from the Hands On Children’s Museum.
Hours:
Monday – Friday from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
