While teaching first graders had its rewards, the joy of working with her hands creating florals drew Sue Mautz out of the classroom (and her home workshop) and into a store front on NE Fremont Street back in 1980. The initial location (now Americana Frame shop) was next to Hamburger Patty’s, another Fremont icon that evolved into Perry’s Restaurant, and provided enough space to allow the business to grow a bit to add cards and some clothing items. However by 1983, the Arrangement just needed more space to expand and carry proper inventory levels. Looking no further then across the street, Sue settled on renovating a 60-year-old gas station. The business remains there today with a couple of additional building expansions over the years. So when you’re in the card section, try to imagine you are standing in an automotive service bay from years ago. By the way, this early history is captured with a delightful pictorial collage the business maintains in its inventory area – and, yes, perms and lace collars were “in” during the 80’s.
Beginning as a one person shop, The Arrangement now employs about 15 individuals, most living within NE neighborhoods. Over the years, Sue estimates that 50 women (and a couple guys) have worked for the business. For Sue, one of the great satisfactions of her retail career is that the Arrangement has acted as an entrepreneurial incubator, with four former employees having gone on to start their own businesses. Sue now depends on individual buyers for the different departments – cards/stationary, clothing, jewelry, etc. – to interpret what her customers want and expect. Many of her “vacations” over the years have been planned around the many national shows of suppliers to the wares you see displayed on the business’ shelves and racks. The Arrangement also works actively with local artists and has an eclectic array of items showing their talents.
Over the years Sue has seen the Beaumont Village area grow and prosper. The old lumberyard a few blocks east is gone, replaced by retail shops, while a few generations of food service have evolved into Grand Central Bakery – all adding to increased activity and walking traffic. Like many others, her business is also very dependent on special days and holidays – with 25% of revenue being generated during the six weeks prior to Christmas. The growth of Fremont Fest can be linked to the original Dog Days sponsored by The Arrangement on the front lawn area – built upon the forecast and hope that it seldom rains in early August in Portland.
And just think, this story really started back in 2nd grade where Sue loved playing “store” in a classroom area specially set up by her teacher to help develop her student’s math skills. Years after starting The Arrangement, Sue ran into her old teacher who inquired as to what her former student was doing. “Still playing store”, Sue replied.
So next time you’re out and about on Fremont Street, stop in to browse and be amazed at what has sprouted from a few dried flowers over 30 years ago; and don’t worry, the smell of gasoline and oil has long since been replaced with pleasant scents, aromas and sights that will cause you to linger longer than you’d planned.