With December sale, Meadowlark Market hits 2022 revenue goal

On Dec. 2, a 4-foot nutcracker king stood proudly in the living room at Meadowlark Market as a long line of shoppers entered the door at 10 a.m. By about 10:20, the nutcracker had been claimed and moved near the cash register with his soon-to-be new owner excitedly exclaiming “I can’t believe he is still here! Can I set him back while I shop some more?”

And so it went at 120 N. Scenic Dr. for the next 10 hours over two days. Meadowlark Foundation’s not-so-secret Market revenue goal for 2022 was $100,000. After achieving slightly more than $71,400 in sales in 2021 – about $25,000 higher than 2019’s year-end number – hitting six figures seemed possible. However, that number wouldn’t be reached without a sale in December. The catch? The Market previously had not been open in December.

Would the Market’s behind-the-scenes team be able to clean, stage, and price new inventory in the two short weeks after the November sale dates? (Thanksgiving lessened the number of available volunteer hours.) Would there be enough volunteers to work at a December sale? Would people attend the sale? Would they buy anything? Would customer traffic screech to a halt on Dec. 3 while the K-State Wildcats and TCU Horned Frogs slugged it out in the Big 12 Championship game? The answers are four yes’s and one ho-ho-no!

In addition to the Market’s usual mix of quality pre-loved furniture, household items, and collectibles, seasonal décor and potential gift items could be found in all the rooms, as well as on the front and back porches. All items are donated and then offered for sale to the public at less-than-retail prices. Proceeds benefit the Good Samaritan Fund.

After a successful November, boasting more than $8000 in revenue, we would hit $100,000 if we sold about $7500 in merchandise in December. The Foundation is pleased to announce that the December sale exceed expectations, and 2022’s revenue, to date, has surpassed $102,000! That number will grow if recent inquiries from four potential buyers result in sales. Merry Christmas, indeed!

In an effort to make a sale in December even more enticing, price reductions, prizes, and a coupon with a purchase were part of the fast-paced fun on Dec. 2 and 3. These features were announced to customers who attended the November sale, and also were part of marketing efforts prior to Dec. 2.

Shoppers could register to win a gift basket filled with many new items and one collectible: a piece of signed pottery created by the late Angelo Garzio. In addition, customers had a chance to win at least one item in each room and on the back porch. Instead of price tags, a few items were marked with a “Merry Christmas” label. Customers who inquired about one of those items, asking its price, were told “Merry Christmas! This is our gift to you. Thank you for shopping with us.”

The success of the Market would not be possible without the many donors, an ever-growing number of shoppers, the volunteers, and several Meadowlark employees. The Market’s 33 volunteers are a mixture of Meadowlark residents, Passport members, and community members. Eleven complete various tasks in the weeks between sales, with five of those volunteers also joining the others who greet and assist customers on Market days.

Meadowlark Market is slated to be closed in January, allowing staff and volunteers ample time to pack and store unsold holiday items, sort and organize several boxes of donations, which are currently in storage, and prepare new inventory for display. The first 2023 sale dates are set for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24 and 25.

Thank you for your tremendous interest in and support of this fundraising effort, and please help us spread the word about our shopping and saving opportunities.

If you would like to become a Market volunteer, please contact our Engagement Specialist, Jana Armfield, at (785) 323-3890. If you have a donation item, large or small, please contact Becky Fitzgerald at (785) 323-3843.

[right] Market customer Tracey Seales, certified Home Health aide and Home Health assistant, was the lucky winner of a gift basket, offered as a prize at December's sale. Her name was drawn from among 121 entries. 

[above] A tree laden with ornaments, a jumbo nutcracker, and festive florals add to living room decor offered earlier this month at Meadowlark Market, 120 N. Scenic Dr.