Back to biz in O-Town

Rori Summers couldn’t stay retired. Summers formerly owned Our Family Automotive, and more recently, Almost Perfect thrift store in Oroville, before a medical procedure forced her out of the business game—at least, temporarily. After recovering from surgery, Summers found she missed running her own business. By November, after noticing several shuttered downtown Oroville storefronts with “for lease” signs on the windows, she started making some calls. Via social media, Summers tested the waters for an idea for a homemade and custom gift shop and got enough positive response to go for it. She also soon found the perfect location at 1934 Bird St., a 1,700-square-foot space with two large rooms for gift displays, plus a back office. In early December, Summers opened Bird Street Vendors. There, she rents table and booth spaces to local artists and craftspeople who offer “homemade gifts and more”—from apparel and paintings, to dishware and custom embroideries. Call 990-1843, find the shop on Facebook, or pop by Monday-Saturday to check out the rotating vendors.

What sets your store apart?

We have artists, we have sewing, we have decals, shirts, tie-dye …. So, it’s kind of like a one-stop shop of unique presents. Everyone has the stuff at Walmart, everyone has the stuff you can get at these big-box stores, but you don’t have the personalized stuff, and that’s why I think we’ll do a lot better. People like that special touch.

How did you find vendors?

Facebook. A totally new thing for me. My old store didn’t have Facebook. I first asked if anyone would be interested in selling out of one location, and I posted in a vendor and craft fair group, and I had a great response, so I got a hold of the people who were interested. They’re all local, because one of the requirements in order to have a booth here is you have to come work here one day a week.

What caused you to close Almost Perfect?

I have a gene called CHEK2; it’s like the BRCA gene for breast cancer, so I had a prophylactic breast mastectomy … in February.

Why open a new place?

Ever since I closed my store something was missing. I adopted three boys, and I was still missing something. I like the business end of stuff; I missed that kind of stuff and I missed dealing with people.

How’s business?

It’s been good. We had our first First Friday event [Jan. 3], and we did really, really well on that day. Everybody here I think is happy and they’re all selling enough to make rent.

How much do you charge for shop space?

From $25 for a 2-foot table, to the largest spot [for] $125—I think it’s about 9 feet. It all depends on the size.

Is that per month?

Per month. I’m not in it to be super rich. I’m in it to try and help people in business—because I know how tough it is to start a business—and to be able to do what I love to do, which is business and [interacting with] people.