Back to where it all began
Bead Creative offers three locations
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Sorting through the various bins of beads, customers at Bead Creative walk up and down the aisles forming a collection of different beads for their next project.

Owner Richard Alt of Amherst said his three locations, two in Amherst and one in Hamburg, have the most stock in the area.

"I built my business on three points: a large quantity of materials, good prices and great service," he said.

His newest location is technically his oldest - 3963 Main St. at Eggert Road opened 14 years ago when Alt was in business with a partner. It was his first attempt at running a business.

"I was looking for a business and my neighbor was opening a bead store, so we went into business together," he said.

The partnership ended and he opened two Bead Creative stores, at 5401 Sheridan Drive, Amherst, and at 140 Pine St., Hamburg.

In February 2007 Alt was approached about the space at 3963 Main St. being vacant and the landlord wanted to know if he was interested in taking the space.

"It had been a bead shop for many years," he said about it being an ideal location for a Bead Creative. "It was funny to go back in history."

With three locations, Alt said business has been busy as beading has been a growing hobby for the past several years. The Bead Creative stores offer space for parties and classes. They also go on location to set up bead parties for events.

Bead Creative has a variety of clients, including those who make jewelry as a hobby to those who make it as a profession. Alt said his stores are a supplier for local designers.

The selection varies from plastic to gold, wooden to crystal and everything in between, Alt said. He offers an African bead, called trade beads, that cost $50 each.

Many on the staff are beaders themselves and are available to assist the beginners to the experienced.

For information, call 626-4182.

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com