Scrapbook Shop Offers Materials, Consultation

Scrapbook Mania
Owner: Darla Gatlin
Address: 77 Colt Square
Drive #2, Fayetteville 72703
Phone: 501-444-6882
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday
Start-up date: Sept. 2
E-mail address: [email protected]

Darla Gatlin began planning Scrapbook Mania because she was hooked on the hobby herself. Creating elaborate pages devoted to nostalgia, Gatlin decided she could serve other scrapbook buffs by opening a storefront.

Scrapbook Mania faces several competitors in Northwest Arkansas because scrapbooking has become more popular, Gatlin said. To set her business apart from other stores, Gatlin said, she offers the most complete inventory for hobby enthusiasts.

Empty books, custom paper, stickers and die-punching supplies are some of the store’s products.

Gatlin said she spent $75,000-$90,000 to start the venture.

Parties called crops — named so because scrapbook buffs often crop pictures for their books — also convene at Gatlin’s store. A group of about 10 will bring in pages in progress to work on at crops, and Gatlin lets everyone use her tools.

Crops are part of Gatlin’s customer service plan.

“You’ve got to take the time to sit down with customers,” she said, “or they’ll go somewhere else.”

She also encourages customers to bring in their work for consultation.