When it comes to supporting, presenting and repping for regional artisans, The Red Caboose at Heritage Station has been leading the way. The Huntington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau just announced its regional artisan center, The Red Caboose, posted record-breaking sales in 2019 that include a 61% increase in revenue over 2018. These results were fueled by a significant increase in the number of artisans represented by the Caboose as well as the opening of Nomada Bakery adjacent to the shop. The Red Caboose currently represents approximately 250 local and regional artisans and authors. More than 50% of those creatives reside in Cabell and Wayne counties.
“This past year we’ve worked diligently to increase the diversity of our offerings and improve our displays so that each piece is shown to its best advantage, “ said Store Manager Raine Klover, “We began 2019 with strong sales and things took off, even more, when Nomada Bakery opened in September. Their new client base has allowed us to showcase our artisans to people who may have never visited the shop before, or who haven’t visited for several years.”
Out and about
Another important factor in the increase in sales has been the choice to vend at local festivals such as Rails & Ales, Huntington Music & Arts Festival, and Barboursville Fall Fest. In addition, Klover, author Sheila Redling, and Nomada barista Justin Murphy organize a monthly arts event at the Visitors Center called Arts Night Out. The event is held the second Thursday of every month and has included visual and musical arts, Huntington Fiction Factory – a craft-forward author series, documentary and short films, interactive arts activities such as drum circles and knit-ins. The February edition will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9 and will include a record swap, a visual art exhibition by Seth Pitt, and author Tobi Doyle discussing the craft of romance writing.
The Red Caboose is a regional artisan center and gift shop operated by the Huntington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Its mission is to create a unique and welcoming Appalachian experience for visitors and residents of Cabell and Wayne Counties, while providing economic opportunities for local and regional creatives.
“We not only want our visitors to have a great experience,” said Tyson Compton, CVB President, “we encourage them to take a piece of West Virginia home with them by purchasing a unique, locally crafted item. And this increase in sales is not just a success for us but for all the artists who are able to sell their creations. That’s the most exciting part of this. Raine has done an amazing job in growing the product line by seeking out and connecting with new artists.”
Let Go…
The shop is located inside the Visitors Center at Heritage Station, 210 11th Street, Huntington, WV. Visit their website at redcaboosewv.com or follow them on Facebook @TheRedCabooseWV. Contact Raine Klover at 304-525-7333 or [email protected] for more information.
