The three owners of The Hidden Treasure Emporium are proof positive that hard work and creative ideas can overcome even the worst economy.
Tiffani Wilder and her brothers Britt and Brendon Howard were all laid off from their jobs last year, leaving the three facing dire straits. But the trio, who learned a strong work ethic growing up on a farm in Hemet, watched a television show called “Storage Wars” and decided to try their hands at buying and selling used items.
They started small, selling on eBay and Craigslist, but after long hours of research to find ways to expand, they now have a 21,000 square foot warehouse in San Jacinto stocked with every item imaginable.
“We purchase from estates and storage units, and buy truckloads of merchandise from the largest liquidators in the country,” Britt said. “From golf balls to luggage, computers to refrigerators, there’s something for everyone. We sell at 30 to 50 percent below retail.”
The three siblings, all in their twenties, credit support from their parents, Marlene and Gary, in helping to purchase the warehouse. It’s not unusual to find three generations and in-laws helping out at the Emporium.
According to Tiffani, Brendon and Britt, finding treasures never gets old since they are often as surprised as their customers to see the unusual variety of merchandise that arrives almost daily from the liquidators.
“We buy a truckload sight unseen. One shipment included a stripper pole, designer linens, a mattress, and 50 boxes of baby products,” Tiffani said. “The merchandise might be discontinued by a manufacturer or packaging might be torn, but the items are in new condition. It could be sports equipment, bed and bath, electronics, non-perishable foods, almost anything.”
What makes the Emporium unusual, according to Brendon, is that all electronics, including computers and TV equipment are tested on site and sold with either the existing manufacturer’s warranty or a 90-day warranty from the Emporium.
In addition to new merchandise, the Emporium also sells used furniture and antiques bought from estate sales and garage sales. “People call us to see if we want to buy their items, rather than holding a garage sale,” Britt said. “We see their items, negotiate a price, and then pack it all up for them and take it away.”
“If a family loses a loved one,” Brendon said, “it’s often painful for them to think about selling the contents of their home piece by piece. We’re a close-knit family ourselves, and we treat such situations with respect and empathy.”
Tiffani told of a situation where her father was called to a home to buy WWII memorabilia. After finding out that the deceased owner of the memorabilia had been a flying hero, he advised the sons to reconsider before selling. The next day, the sons said they were taking his advice and keeping the memorabilia to be passed down to the next generation.
Britt said the average customer spends an hour in the warehouse, because “there’s so much to see. Since we opened last November, word-of-mouth has helped build the business and we have about 80 percent repeat customers.”
Tiffani, Britt and Brendon were raised on the Red Horse farm in Hemet that is owned by their parents. Their father Gary said that at one time they had 800 horses and bred a Kentucky Derby pace setter, Bob Black Jack. He said all the kids helped out on the farm until it was sold in 2005.
The family feels that the business benefits San Jacinto and Hemet residents by offering “what people need, want, or wish to have at a more affordable price than they can find anywhere else.”
“At times like these, every dollar saved can help,” Britt concluded.
The Hidden Treasure Emporium is at 885 W. Seventh St., San Jacinto. Call them at 487-2595, or go to www.thehiddentreasureemporium.com for more information or to buy online.
