Destination: Shopping

By CEAN BURGESON
For Destination Cache Creek Magazine

“We’re always trying to find things that are new and exciting to offer our guests,” says Jennifer Wollstadt, Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Retail Operations Manager, who oversees the Gift Shop and the Mini Mart. An employee at Cache Creek for over five years, she’s worked here since before the most recent expansion opened in 2004. Before that time, she worked for a company providing retail expertise to several Las Vegas casinos, including the Rio and New York New York. An Illinois native, she has worked in the casino retail industry since graduating from college with a degree in biology. Her career took her other places, however, eventually leading her to Brooks, California.

At Cache Creek, she has been able to build the retail operation from the ground up. “Before we opened, we had a clear vision of providing a more ‘resort oriented’ line of merchandise for our guests,” says Wollstadt. “Our guests are interested in high end merchandise, fashion, and more unique items – so we have that.”

A great way for casino guests to utilize the gift shop is by using Cache Club points to purchase items. “About 80 percent of people use their points for purchases in the gift shop,” said Wollstadt. Gift cards are a popular purchase item also, and can be purchased using club points at the Gift Shop.

At the other retail outlet Wollstadt oversees, the casino Mini Mart, most of the purchases are convenience items like beer, sodas, snacks and sandwiches, and of course gasoline. Serving casino guests, employees, and Capay Valley locals, the store provides for the needs of a lot of regular customers. Her employees have even learned some of their personal preferences. “My staff knows certain people and will get the items that they like when they pull up to the pump so they are ready for them when they come in,” says Wollstadt. It’s this type of personal service that has made Cache Creek’s retail operations successful.

The future will add even more shopping opportunities for guests, explains Wollstadt. “The plan in the next expansion is for additional retail venues,” she says. “They would be individual stores, each with a unique positioning and each offering something different. One might be a sundries (or necessities) store, for instance. Another would likely be a fashion store, and another a high end gift shop. It will mean more merchandise and more variety.”

Wollstadt looks forward to being a part of the new retail operations during the next expansion, and doesn’t see herself leaving the employ of Cache Creek any time soon. “No, I’m not going anywhere else,” she says. “I love it here.”

Cardholder discounts in the Gift Shop

The Cache Creek Gift Shop is now offering discounts for Cache Club cardholders. Jade cardholders will receive 20 percent off, Ruby cardholders will receive 15 percent off, and Pearl cardholders will receive 10 percent off. Discounts apply for any payment type, but exclude tobacco, sundries, food, beverages, and paper goods. Good on regularly priced items only.