“Morning Star Outfitters” is opening soon in the old January’s building at the corner of Broadway and Daniels in downtown Truth or Consequences. We interviewed the owners Rocky and Lynn Mondello, and present the transcript below.
What can you tell us about the products and services you’ll be selling?
Morning Star Outfitters will be selling sporting goods, specializing in youth team sports, and outdoor apparel, footwear, and gear. We also will be carrying a full line of scrubs for the medical profession as well as Truth or Consequences t-shirts, caps and other items designed and decorated in our Silver City location. “Outfitting” people for play and work!
You also run Morning Star Sports in Silver City. Tell us a little about that business and what its relationship will be to your new store in T or C.
Morning Star Sports has been in business in Silver City for 27 years. We began as a screen-printing company. We now have a full-service art department, embroidery, awards and retail store. We will be carrying the same great brands that we carry in Silver in the T or C store. Our company enjoys getting involved in and supporting local events.
What’s your connection to T or C?
We have been doing business in this area for 27 years. We have worked with the marinas at the lake as well as other businesses in T or C and Elephant Butte. Our family has vacationed here for 40 years and eight years ago we bought a house in T or C.
What was it about downtown Truth or Consequences gave you the confidence to open this store?
To us T or C is like a “sister” city to Silver City, with the Gila National Forest between us. Our store in Silver has met many of the needs in the local community and we feel that we can do the same here. Businesses such as the T or C Brewery and River Bend Hot Springs are proof of the possibilities of success in T or C
When do you think you’ll have your Grand Opening?
Our plan is to open in November
What do you think your open days/hours will be?
For hours we are looking at something like Monday – Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 12-5.
How many jobs do you expect to create in the first year, and what sorts of skills are you looking for? How should people apply?
At this point we would like to hire 3-4 people. Great customer service skills will be top priority. Knowledge of outdoor activity and sporting goods helpful. Willingness and interest in learning the products necessary. People can apply by bringing a resume to 421 N Broadway or emailing it to Jasper at retail@morningstarsports.com.
You’re outdoor recreation experts – any local favorite spots or activities?
Most of our recreation here has been related to the water. Our house is on the river and we spend the winter months kayaking on the river. We paddle board up at the lake and do quite a bit of cycling. We love the quiet roads for road riding and have taken many rides out to Engle. One of our favorite rides was out to Winston.
What else would you like the citizens of Truth or Consequences to know about your business?
We are excited to be a part of downtown Tor C. We look forward to getting to know what items are pertinent to people and hope to build a shopping experience that is fun and relevant.