Their simple objectives where far surpassed. Customers returned with carloads of goods, asking the Broockmans to sell them on their behalf in exchange for part of the profit. The adventure was so successful it was continued the following weekend and the next.
On Saturday and Sunday mornings, lines formed outside the door as word spread of the 'neat little shop with all of the rich peoples' stuff run by two friendly sisters and their mother.' Business was brisk. People came from all over the tri-state area to buy, sell, browse and shoot the breeze. In response to customer demand, Cynthia and Leslie began opening the shop for two hours each weekday during staggered lunch hours from their 'real jobs.'
From the beginning their goal was to ensure that every visit to The White Elephant, Inc. was worth the trip. Customers responded by coming in droves to the clean, neat, organized store with the friendly, personal service. The White Elephant, Inc. quickly grew into a full time business. Friends were hired to help operate the increasingly busy shop. A second store was opened in Warrenton within a year. A thrift store, WExchange, followed shortly.
Years later, the stores continue to thrive. They are still the kind of store where people want to shop; a warm, friendly environment where everyone is welcome. The kind of place where you can buy, sell or just come for the free entertainment of looking around at all the neat 'stuff.' We strive to uphold our high standards, providing a wide selection of quality goods at reasonable prices and creatively displaying them in clean, neat, organized stores with friendly, personal service.