Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
Diane Etherington has always loved children's books with their ability to say so much in just a few words. So, when her mom suggested she try selling children's books, in a home party format, she decided to give it a try. Boy did the idea ever work out! Diane sold books like crazy with moms wanting to stop by her house all the time to buy more, until she finally decided to open a store. Thirty years later the success of her efforts can be seen in The Children's Hour in Salt Lake City.
The Children's Hour is celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2014. The store has expanded dramatically from their humble beginnings and is now one of the anchor tenants in the Ninth and Ninth business district in Salt Lake City.... Diane has also diversified; in addition to books, she added clothing, shoes, jewelry and a collection of items that makes the store all the more interesting to shop.
Diane likes to keep her brands unique at The Children's Hour, so if someone else starts carrying them, sometimes she'll change them out. You'll also find a wide selection of unique jewelry and gift items here. She said one of the keys to her success is to create the right partnerships.
Diane loves to shop, so going to market in New York and Europe is enjoyable for her. This is where she searches every nook and cranny to discover wonderful items to put in The Children's Hour. Her husband likes to say she found something to support her shopping habit. Diane decided to focus on clothing for the whole family and has introduced a Dutch line of products; for men, it's Scotch and Soda, for women, Maison Scotch, Scotch RBelle for girls and Scotch Shrunk for boys.
Diane says her five kids have grown up in the business, and she has great pictures of them on the floor of the store reading the colorful books she sells at The Children's Hour.... With four daughters and one son involved with the business at some level, the future is bright.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
The Children's Hour 898 S. 900 East Salt Lake City, UT 84102 801-359-4150
