NALB Creative Center (NCC) is the place where artists meet. NALB stands as an acronym for « No artist left behind », with our company’s by-line being: « Live Your Arts. » NCC is specialty retail store offering a wide array of materials and supplies to artists, crafters, and educators. NCC will provide a pleasant facility that will inspire and support amateurs, professionals and crafters in the Big Island art community. NALB will support art shows, competitions, art and crafts fairs, scholarships to artists for further education, and other community events. NALB will host, organize and teach creative workshops in a variety techniques and media.

The Market

NALB leads in a growing and exciting market. There are only two shops on Hawaii that offer craft and art supplies. None of these stores can offer education or hands-on experiences. They do not support the artists in any active way. NALB also cannot provide the level of customer support they can. NALB is the only island art supply store that is exclusively owned and operated by artists. NALB Creative will serve the needs of West Hawaii’s increasing number professional artists. We will also meet the needs of the expanding market of retirees (a 100% increase in the last 3 years). Many of these people have settled in Kona for the strong art community. NALB will actively market to teachers and students in the growing public and private education systems.

The Organization

NALB is operated and owned by practicing artists. It is founded on the idea that maintaining satisfied customers is essential to the bottom line. NALB Creative Center has this in mind and will work hard to meet all of its customers’ expectations. NCC will continue to be active in the local art scene by participating and educating. NALB staff will receive training in the most current trends and products. NALB’s owners will both anticipate and set consumer trends in creative work.

Products, Services and Delivery

NALB will be situated in the commercial park between Costco & Home Depot. It will have a store measuring 3,000 sq. ft. We are able to use much of their original work as cabinet makers were our former tenants. NALB will have enough space to sell a variety of craft and art supplies. Due to our size, we will also have the purchasing power to buy from manufacturers directly, thus avoiding middle man mark-ups. Regular customers will be eligible for discounts. All orders above $300 will receive free delivery to North Kona. NALB offers Artist’s Obasis holidays by providing local accommodation, rental equipment, supplies, maps, and guides.

Financials

NCC will see modest profit in the first month. The ability to buy wholesale will result in a 50% increase in margins. Sales in the first full year will be slightly over $300,000. The growth rate we expect is 5% in the first three year and 20% thereafter. Existing art supply stores have reported growth of 30%. We budget prudently but have great vision.

1.1 Objectives

1. Customer Satisfaction: To provide professional and knowledgeable customer service and to create a shopping environment that meets the needs of the Big Island’s craft and art community. Customer satisfaction will be measured through repeat business (our goal is that 50% of our customers will return within 6 months for an additional purchase) and multiple sales (our goal is that 30% of sales are accompanied by an additional purchase).
2. To achieve 80% market share and be the top art and craft supplier in the island.
3. To reach a profit margin of 50% within the first one year.
4. To be an active, vocal member of the community.
5. In years two and three, the Artist’s Oasis in Hawaii will be developed. We would rent materials and accommodation locally for visiting artists.

Success keys 1.2

For NALB Creative Center’s success, it is essential that:

1.3 Mission

NALB Creative Center’s mission is to support and contribute to the community of artists and crafters by offering quality, name brand supplies to accommodate customer needs; by hosting and supporting shows, events, classes and contests; and by promoting the island as an artist’s oasis and destination.

We will continue to strive to fulfill the needs of the consumer. We will review all available products and services. We will continue to provide services and products that meet the needs of our customers. NALB will continue to be a gathering place for artists.

Our customers choosing us to fulfill their expectations in price, service and selection will be the ultimate measure of our success.