“If you were familiar with Domestics in 1997, it not the same business you knew then – that's the ‘Etc.’ part of Domestics, Etc.,” said Berhorst. “We are not just a retail store, we are a lifestyle store.”
In addition to a wide selection of gifts, home décor, and custom floral arrangements, Domestics, Etc. offers decorating services and custom window treatments for both homes and businesses. Michele Clevenger, Berhorst’s business partner in the custom side of Domestics, works from home and in the field, providing design consultation and custom window treatment ideas.
“We have worked with a wide range of fellow Quincy businesses, from restaurants such as Thyme Square and Fitz’s on 4th to business offices for AdForce Advertising Agency and Rethink Media, plus salons, retail stores, and more,” said Berhorst.
“In addition to window treatments, we often help customers coordinate wall colors, flooring, countertops, and the placement of furniture and décor. In our experience, we have found that 80% of people know what they want – they just need the confidence of utilizing our knowledge and experience to know they’re making the right decisions.”
Domestics, Etc. also provides home staging services for realtors or homeowners preparing to sell a home. For customers who are ready for a change, Berhorst and Clevenger provide room re-design and accessory placement services to bring new life to any room in the home. According to Berhorst, most homeowners have the right items – they just need to be placed correctly to create a “wow” effect.
The retail portion of Domestics, Etc. carries home décor in a mix of contemporary, casual, and primitive styles, with framed art, floral arrangements, and accent pieces to fit the look of every style home. Items such as Swan Creek candles, Greenleaf home fragrances, Fresh Wave odor neutralizing products, J. Devlin art glass frames, and jewelry make popular gifts. Berhorst also offers a wide selection of wine accessories.
“We have gifts for any occasion and any budget, starting in the $5 to $10 range,” said Berhorst. “There are lots of affordable gifts that would be perfect for stocking stuffers, secret Santa exchanges or small office gifts. I think there is a perception that shopping downtown is more expensive – that is not true. Not only do we go above and beyond to provide a great experience for customers, we have price points to fit every budget.”
Promoting the downtown area is important to Berhorst, who serves on the Historic Quincy Business District’s promotions committee. To bring more awareness to her business and all the stores downtown, Berhorst operates a satellite location for Domestics, Etc. at the Quincy Mall during the holiday season.
“This year marks the fourth season of our holiday store in the Quincy Mall,” said Berhorst. “It brings more awareness not only to our downtown location, but to all the businesses downtown. Many shoppers in the Tri-State area, including some right here in Quincy, don’t realize how much downtown has to offer. They are pleasantly surprised by the quality, selection, and affordability of downtown merchants.”
Berhorst believes one of the biggest advantages of small business, both for the owner and the customers, is the ability to build strong connections among people and the community.
“Our business is not just about selling products,” said Berhorst. “We build relationships with our customers – we are often able to greet you by name when you come into the store and we know your family. In many cases, we’re now working with the second generation of our original customers’ family.”
Community involvement is also a priority for Berhorst. She currently serves as the chair of the “Pink Pass It On” breast cancer walk in The District and is actively involved in the Chamber, Kiwanis, and the Historic Quincy Business District. Berhorst credits both her family and employees for making it possible to balance operating a small business with so much community involvement.
“I have a good support team,” said Berhorst. “My entire family is strongly supportive; my husband, mom, sister-in-law . . . we all put in a lot of hard work. We also have tremendous employees who take pride in providing great service to our family of customers. To make any small business work, it’s critical to have a strong support network and good employees.”
To learn more about Domestics, Etc., visit the store at 119 N. 6th St. between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, or visit the holiday store, which is open during Quincy Mall business hours through the end of December. You can also find Domestics, Etc. on Facebook and at www.domesticsetc.com or call (217) 223-2799. Gift certificates are always available and Domestics, Etc. also accepts Chamber Bucks.
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customers and stay one step ahead.”