MEET: WELCOME BAG SHOPPE:

Say ‘thank you’ and ‘you’re welcome’ at once

A wedding gift box at the Welcome Bag Shoppe in Henderson Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015.

Describe your business.

Welcome Bag Shoppe is a gift bag service for weddings, parties, conventions and more. We offer pre-made bags, like the Viva Las Vegas Bag that includes snacks, drinks, sites to see in Las Vegas and more, all branded with the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign and packaged in a canvas bag.

What is the most popular welcome bag among women? Among men?

Women tend to love our pre-made Pamper Kit. It is filled with all sorts of spa-like goodies, such as candles, lotion and soaps. The “Be My Bridesmaid” kit also is popular with new brides asking their girlfriends to stand with them on their wedding day. The favorite for men is easy: the Hangover Kit.

Why do people purchase bags?

Meet: Welcome Bag Shoppe

Tara Federico, left, Rissa Gunderson, center, Traci Keefer, owners of Welcome Bag Shoppe, pose at the company office in Henderson Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015. Launch slideshow »

Welcome Bag Shoppe

Address: 2510 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite 210, Henderson

Phone: 702-778-9414

Email: [email protected]

Website: welcomebagshoppe.com

Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday

Owned/operated by: Rissa Gunderson, Tara Federico and Traci Keefer*

In business since: 2013

* Traci Keefer is the wife of Case Keefer, assistant sports editor for The Sunday and the Las Vegas Sun.

Las Vegas is a popular location for destination weddings. Many couples tying the knot here are asking guests to travel from all over the world. It’s a nice way to say thank you. The same idea applies to a convention or corporate group in town. They often hand out bags of information when an attendee checks in at the convention. By using our products and services, they can give attendees a gift they actually want, and it can be fully branded with their company logo, colors, etc.

What do the bags contain?

Many clients mix a variety of snacks with some Las Vegas-themed items. Sugar cookies, champagne, water bottles and popcorn are common. Then they add a welcome note or “things to see in Vegas” card.

Who are your customers?

Brides and grooms have been our main clientele, but corporate planners are starting to ask us for bags more often. Our Hangover Kits are popular all over the country. People order them for birthday parties, weddings or events, and we ship them wherever customers would like in the continental United States.

What makes your business unique?

So many people have been creating and assembling welcome bags and favors on their own. Trust me, it’s the last thing a bride wants to be doing a week before her wedding. There is so much else going on. We also create many of our items so you aren’t just filling your bag with whatever you found at Costco. Many of the specialty foods are from local shops such as Gimme Some Sugar, Peridot Sweets and Popcorn Girl.

What is the best part about doing business in Las Vegas?

So many people travel here. They don’t want to have to haul items from their home location out to Las Vegas for a welcome bag. It’s so much more convenient to have someone local take care of all of that for you.

What obstacles has your business overcome?

Finding employees has been tricky. Truthfully, we are asking for quite a bit. They have to enjoy sales and networking, be good at graphic design and handy with crafting. It’s a bit of an eclectic and varied set of skills!

Tags: The Sunday
Business

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