Turner marks 30 years in business

Sisters Cascade of Gifts owner Barbara Turner and her husband John have watched the economy of Sisters ebb and flow for the past three decades. Through three recessions, she's learned a few things about survival in the tough world of retail in a tourist town: "It's knowing that you've got to go with the flow," she said. "I've been through several recessions, but this one is by far the worst."

Turner has cultivated a loyal client base over the years. Her formula for success is straightforward: Treat your customers well, and know what people like.

"My philosophy is if I like it somebody else will like it, too. Then if no one likes it," she said, laughing, "I'll take it home and enjoy it myself."

Turner's not afraid to admit that she's missed a few trends - like Cabbage Patch Dolls.

"I've tried to keep it interesting and suit all ages. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. I haven't made any serious mistakes," she said, "because I'm still here."

A popular item that brings customers back each time they visit Sisters is her mouth-watering fudge. She has customers who consider it a family tradition to stop into her store and stock up on their favorite flavors. She's had fudge for 26 years and prides herself on offering only the finest ingredients. Generations of customers come into her store to buy their favorite collectible, too.

"I have customers who I remember as children, and now they're bringing in their own children and passing on their Sisters tradition to the next generation."

For the past six years she's had the largest selection of red hats and accessories in the state. "In the Red Hat Society, when a woman turns 60, she can join the society," she said.

There's a poem that throws out the rule about older women having to dress in boring clothes and colors. This group wears purple and red together and enjoys tea parties. There are groups all over the world.

Since the store opened, Turner has sold glass holiday ornaments made out of ash from the Mt. St. Helens eruption. The glass balls are hand-blown in Seattle and are colored with the natural minerals found in the ash.

To celebrate the last 30 years in business, Sisters Cascade of Gifts will begin a sale August 1 that will last for 30 days and will offer 30 percent off items in the store.

"My husband John and I moved to Sisters 30 years ago from Portland," she said. "Before that, we lived all over the world for the 30 years of my husband John's military career."

They lived in places like Japan and Germany and spent time living in Washington, D.C. while John worked for the Pentagon.

"All those years of travel prepared me for the gift shop," she said. "I was able to see all kinds of beautiful things."

Turner has proven that having a good relationship with your customers and hiring top-notch staff is a recipe for success. Many of her employees over the years have worked for her for over 10 years. She hires seasonal help as well and makes sure her staff loves what the store has to offer as much as she does.

Turner has made quite a career out of the business she and her husband started so long ago. In the beginning, John had wanted to open a hardware store, but there was already one in town. Time has proven that their decision to open a gift shop was a good one. Turner's determined to come out of these difficult economic times, as she has many times before.

Sisters Cascade of Gifts is located at 150 W. Cascade Ave., across from The Gallery Restaurant.