When Leon Poe established Merry Mart in 1946, it was envisioned as a department store catering to children’s needs, long before the emergence of the Valley Fair Shopping Mall. For many who grew up in the Valley, Merry Mart evokes nostalgic memories of purchasing their very first pair of Buster Brown shoes. Today, Merry Mart Uniforms, under the stewardship of Carolyn Graven, continues to serve the Santa Clara community, specializing in custom school uniforms from its location at 33 Washington Street.
A Santa Clara Pillar: The Enduring History of Merry Mart
The journey of Merry Mart from its inception as a children’s department store to its current specialization in school uniforms is a testament to its adaptability and commitment to the Santa Clara community. After Leon Poe, Hugh Campbell took the reins, and following his and his wife’s passing, their daughter, Carolyn Graven, stepped in to continue the family legacy. For Graven, embracing the family business has been a deeply rewarding experience. “It’s been a really positive experience for me,” Graven reflects, marking 15 years as owner and a lifetime of involvement since the age of 10.
Carolyn Graven: Maintaining a Family Tradition in Uniforms
Carolyn Graven’s dedication to Merry Mart Uniforms is rooted in a profound understanding of what it takes for a business to thrive for over half a century. Her approach centers on delivering superior products and services, fostering genuine personal connections with customers, and actively participating in community life. This philosophy has solidified Merry Mart Uniforms as more than just a uniform provider; it’s a community institution.
Custom School Uniforms: Quality and Personalized Service
At the heart of Merry Mart Uniforms is a commitment to providing custom school uniforms tailored to the unique needs of each institution. “We carry custom school uniforms,” Graven explains, emphasizing the personalized approach. “We collaborate closely with each school to understand their specific requirements and preferences for their uniforms, and then we create them accordingly. Every uniform solution is specifically designed for individual schools.” This bespoke service includes incorporating logos and specific plaids, ensuring each school’s identity is accurately represented. Merry Mart Uniforms also prioritizes quality, partnering with vendors who supply durable materials, ensuring longevity and reducing the frequency of replacements. Furthermore, their in-house embroidery services allow for the customization of school shirts and corporate apparel with logos, adding another layer of personalization.
Building Relationships within the Community
Merry Mart Uniforms prides itself on operating as a true small family business, fostering genuine relationships with both customers and the schools they serve. “We are truly a small family business, and we have personal relationships with our customers and the schools that we serve,” Graven states. This personal touch is a key differentiator. Without a corporate hierarchy, decision-making is streamlined and responsive. “If a principal of a school calls me, they get me directly on the phone,” Graven highlights, emphasizing accessibility and direct communication. Beyond business operations, Merry Mart Uniforms actively engages with the community. Graven mentions hosting a “rookie week” to welcome families new to school uniforms, featuring activities and raffles. Throughout the year, Merry Mart Uniforms also contributes to school fundraisers, further cementing their role as a community partner.
Navigating the Evolving Business Landscape
The busiest period for Merry Mart Uniforms is during July, August, and September, coinciding with back-to-school preparations. However, the team remains engaged year-round, consulting with schools, reviewing uniform guidelines, collaborating with suppliers, and managing orders. Despite the enduring success, Graven acknowledges the increasing challenges faced by small businesses in today’s economy. “Being a small business in the Valley gets harder every single year,” she notes, reflecting on the diminishing presence of long-standing local businesses. Yet, Graven’s passion for Merry Mart Uniforms and her interactions with the community remain unwavering. For her, the most rewarding aspects of her work are “the relationships I’ve developed over the years,” extending beyond employees to include “account holders, our principals, the parents, and students.” This network of relationships transforms her workplace into a community, making it enjoyable to come to work each day and engage with familiar faces.
For those interested in exploring Merry Mart Uniforms’ offerings, visit www.merrymartuniforms.com for comprehensive information and to discover how they can meet your school uniform needs.
