Don't simply retire from something; have something to retire to – Harry Emerson Fosdick
When Pat and Jack Woods lived in the San Fernando Valley, they spent many vacations in the desert.
Retirement could have meant going on vacation permanently. However, the Woods’ move to the Coachella Valley created an opportunity to plant new roots in a completely different manner than most retirees.
Their choice to pursue second careers by opening an upscale consignment market in the east end of the valley has allowed Pat and Jack to interact with the local community and enjoy the social aspects of running their own business.
“We wanted a different venture to be able to really focus on meeting local people and provide something for the community,” Pat says. “There wasn’t a high end interior design shop in La Quinta and we thought, ‘This is something we can provide for the community’.”
Pat and Jack:
• Jack (pictured below) is a former aerospace engineer
• Pat is former realtor with “an eye for design”
• Both share in the day-to-day responsibilities
• Both share in the decision making for their business
Putting the Past to Work
Coming from a “big company” work environment, Jack says, “I was fascinated by the prospect of running a small business by ourselves without the huge teams of employees for support.”
Drawing upon Pat’s interest in interior design and her real estate background “with her ability to “create a vision and her real design eye”, as her husband declares, the Woods opened Encore Consign and Design Studio (Encore) with Jack embracing all aspects of running a small business and helping with IT, of course.
Focusing on consignment pieces in excellent condition, not outdated, and fitting with the desert-casual sophisticated lifestyle, the store began 2.5 years ago with 3,000 square feet.
“We wanted to do things our way, the way we wanted to do them and that was to craft a tasteful, high-end studio where we would want to shop ourselves,” Jack says.
Encore presents itself as an upscale boutique with expertly arranged furnishings, luxurious candles for purchase, elegant accessories, and a collection of fine greenery. Customers have loved the concept and the store, now boasts two studios with 11,000 square feet and is busy seven days a week.
“People are often surprised by the design studio because we are reselling furniture,” Pat says. “But we are very particular and make presentation a priority. We want clients to easily find things in our vignettes and take advantage of a good opportunity. For example, we have a high-end designer coffee table that listed to the trade for $15,000. We sold it for about $4,000.”
What’s Hot:
• Sectionals
• Credenzas and consoles, “anything ‘long’ as TV use has changed”
• Tropical vacation style furnishings
• Bedroom suites
• And desks, “because everyone needs a place for their computer”
What’s Not:
Formal dining rooms
People Business
Customers range from those looking to furnish a vacation home to residents wanting to update their furnishings.
“Sometimes, they just want a change and have high-end pieces to swap,” says Jack. “So why not take advantage and enjoy somebody else’s treasure?”
Browsers are also welcome. “We love people to just come in and browse if they want to, to get an idea, or just check out what’s new,” adds Pat.
Both Woods add, “We are enjoying this. The Coachella Valley is a great place to retire and it has given us something to do for our second half!”
Encore Consign and Design Studio. 47-120 Dune Palms Road, La Quinta. 760-564-7200.
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