Clark County at Work: Navidi’s Olive Oils & Vinegars
Gabby Navidi helps customer Jane Neville find a vinegar at Navidi’s Olive Oils & Vinegars in Camas. Neville and her sons Tristan and Matthew drove from Vancouver to buy the specialty vinegar.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Business name: Navidi’s Olive Oils & Vinegars.
Owners: Gabby and Ken Navidi.
Address: 322 N.E. Cedar St., Camas.
What the business does: The specialty food store sells fresh products from farmers, plus olive oils imported from several countries and California, Gabby Navidi said. The business also sells sea salts, loose tea, handmade pastas, locally grown lamb, vegan Parmesan and nuts and dried fruits from Eastern Washington. Balsamic vinegar and a selection of fused and infused olive oils all may be sampled in the store before purchase.
How has the economy affected your business: The Navidis opened their store in December 2009 in the middle of a down economy, so they really have no sales history to compare against. Designing, decorating and outfitting a retail store was an investment, they said, yet the costs were probably less due to the poor economy.
DO YOU HAVE A SUGGESTION?
• Each week, The Columbian offers a brief snapshot of an interesting Clark County business. Send ideas to Mary Ricks: mary.ricks@columbian.com; fax 360-735-4598; phone 360-735-4550.
Greatest challenge: When running a family business, the greatest challenge is managing time between operating the business and still having time for family, Gabby Navidi said. Another issue is choosing the right advertising because it can be very expensive.
What’s ahead: The Navidis would like to expand their selection of local products and offer some cooking classes. Down the road, they would like to be able to have a larger store or a second location.
Year established in Clark County: November 2009.
Employees: Five.
Telephone: 360-210-5921.
Fax: 360-210-5931.
E-mail: gabby@navidioils.com.
Website: http://www.navidioils.com.
Hours: Noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
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