Pamela Bridgnell creates space for micro businesses.
Packed with 60 vendor spaces, the store sells a mix of estate treasures, trendy home goods, repurposed furniture, new items and more. The staff at Ruby Road Vintage Mall totals about a dozen people who work part-time.
“Most everyone that works here also sells here and it’s a great advantage for them,” said Ruby Road Vintage Mall Owner Pamela Bridgnell. “They’re running their own little store or micro-business without having to deal with the complexities of owning a business. I love the way the products they are selling often reflect their personality.”
Holiday items, greeting cards, jewelry, herbal products and hand-crafted candles also adorn the shelves at Ruby Road Vintage Mall. “One of our newest vendors is selling a cute brand of baby and toddler clothes. I heard a customer squealing with joy because she was so happy to find such an adorable assortment of baby apparel,” she said.
The largest space in the store is the furniture room, with hundreds of used pieces to choose from. “I think it might be the largest collection of furniture in one place in the area,” said Bridgnell.
“Pamela is honestly the superstar of the resale business. She’s always up to something innovative, new and exciting. I love being a vendor here,” said Sandee Hedgcock.
The 8,000-square-foot store echoes the country character of Camp Verde and lures shoppers from all over Northern Arizona. The front parking lot is also a display area for outdoor furniture and vintage artifacts, serving as a colorful exhibition for passersby.
Insisting that she’s a stickler for quality, all products sold must meet Bridgnell’s standards. “We have Ruby Road values that must be met for every piece. Items sold must operate, drawers work, no holes. I hold our dealers to this commitment and there are times we do reject some items. I’m a tyrant because I want the best to be sold here.”
Pamela and her husband, Paul, came to Camp Verde from Phoenix in 2005, when they purchased a vacation home. “Once we got here, I fell in love with the area. I also had a desire to open a little thrift shop,” she said.
At first, she worked just a few days a week, but then she opened a larger store around the corner, which is where Ruby Road Vintage Mall was born, named after her granddaughter.
Bridgnell says it feels like the store became successful overnight. “I didn’t advertise, I just told people about it; word got out and vendors started renting spaces. Customers liked the concept, and we always seem to have a steady flow of business.”
“It’s really fun to look around, plus it’s clean, and it doesn’t have that musky odor that some resale shops have,” said local artist Sheri Morris. “They also stock a wide variety of items like appliances, household goods and lots of new inventory. We always find pieces of furniture that fit a certain niche in our home. Recently, we purchased a huge chest for our patio for $100. It holds everything that we use outside.”
Bridgnell travels weekly from her home in Phoenix to transport used furniture. “I bring up a 20-foot cargo trailer full of used furniture almost every week. It’s crazy how it sells and how hard it is to keep up with the demand.”
“The way the store has continuously evolved over time is all due to Pamela’s dedication and success,” said Ruby Road Vintage Mall Store Manager Nicole Sornprasitti. “She’s created a great environment and she’s a wonderful boss and a caring mentor who is always open to new ideas and strategies.”
Married for 41 years, the Bridgnells have two married children and five grandchildren. “We have a jeep and love four-wheeling, rock crawling in Sedona, and we also like to hike and travel.” FBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN
Ruby Road Vintage Mall is located at 851 E. Howards Road in Camp Verde. For more information, call 928-567-5759 or visit rubyroadresale.com.
Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Ruby Road Vintage Mall owner Pamela Bridgnell says she loves the happiness her store brings customers.
