ORANGE — It was a few years ago that Mike Bates, an employee at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, posed an idea to his wife, Fran Bates, manager at the local Rite Aid.
“Maybe we should have a store, make our own stuff,” he pondered.
“We’ll never be able to come up with enough stuff to fill a store,” she replied.
They were both apprehensive, but decided to take a chance. The result was Bates Crafters Gallery, which offers homemade crafts and refurbished antiques, including furniture.
The store — which has undergone expansion about every six months since opening in the summer of 2018 — has moved just down the street to a larger location at 80 New Athol Road, and is holding a grand reopening on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We started out as just one room, expanded into three rooms, and then basically took over downstairs,” Mike Bates said. “Now we have a new location. It’s a nice location and it’s got a lot of charm.”
The new space has six rooms with spaces rented by craftspeople to showcase their goods — wood products, etched and painted glass, crocheted items, jewelry, wall décor, signs, candles, primitives, baby and children’s items, cards, dip blends, chocolates, shelf décor and more.
According to Mike Bates, “99 percent is handmade,” and the business has 75 craftspeople renting space. Almost all of them are local — from within a half-hour drive.
“We’ve done well. There is phenomenal talent in this region,” said Mike Bates, adding that there is actually a waiting list for craftspeople trying to rent space. “Everything is unique and special.”
The new store is a one-level “ranch” style with cathedral ceilings, reclaimed barn beams and a “warm” atmosphere, Bates said. The hope is the environment will continue to draw returning customers, as well as get new people to see the store.
With a room called “Maggie’s Vault,” named after Fran Bates’ late mother, the store also provides antiques, and attracts a diverse group of customers.
“We have a great gift store,” Mike Bates said. “But the antiques add more interest and bring in a different clientele.”
What’s most exciting about the new location is its potential for even more expansion, Mike Bates said. There is a downstairs area that will be used to offer classes taught by different craftspeople, or a stained glass workshop, with the couple already having the equipment necessary for glass staining.
Outside, the three acres of “beautiful landscaping” provides an opportunity for a future gardening-themed area, with outdoor seats, maybe a coy pond, and other attractions to bring tourists to the store in the spring and summer, Mike Bates said.
In addition, a two-car garage is planned to become a showroom for crafted goods.
There’s not a time-table on any of the expanding efforts yet, Mike Bates said, with the focus right now being on getting the new store up and running. There will also be raffles for those who visit during this weekend’s grand reopening.
In any case, the couple of business owners are betting the new location will have residents repeating their slogan, “Have you been to Bates?”
Reach David McLellan at dmclellan@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 268.