Summer Avenue store stocks flags, banners, streamers for any occasion

By James Dowd, Memphis Commercial Appeal, April 26, 2008

With the Memphis in May International Festival, Mother's Day and Memorial Day fast approaching, the folks at Flag Center on Summer are bracing for some swift winds of trade.

Be it a symbol of Turkey, which is the honored country for this year's MIM, a banner to express love and appreciation for the world's greatest mom or reproductions of the good ol' Red, White and Blue, Flag Center has it covered.

Dennis and Maureen Criscuolo own and operate the Flag Center on Summer Avenue. 

Their Shih Tzu, Legend, also helps man the store. (Alan Spearman/ The Commercial Appeal)

And if it's not there, chances are pretty good that the store can get it.

"Our motto is 'We Are Everything Flags' and we mean it," said Dennis Criscuolo, co-owner of the business with wife, Maureen. "We have fun and enjoy what we're doing and I think that comes across to our customers."

A certain sense of frivolity is evident to anyone passing the shop while breezing along Summer, as colorful flags flap in the wind and amusing lawn spinners whirl in almost-constant motion. Vibrant streamers beckon customers to stop by for a visit and once inside, visitors are likely to be greeted by Legend, the couple's beloved Shih Tzu.

"He's a great conversation starter," Maureen said of the well-groomed canine. "There are a lot of animal lovers around and they always enjoy talking about their pets, so having Legend here is another way we can get to know our customers better."

Recently, the couple got to know plenty of new folks by selling lots of Tiger blue during the University of Memphis men's basketball team's national championship quest. And now it's all about helping folks spruce up for spring and prepare for the city's annual month-long celebration.

"This is the busiest time of year for us, when people are putting out flags and flowers and giving their homes a fresh new look," Maureen said. "A lot of people go all out for Memphis in May, so we offer a nice variety of items they can use to celebrate Turkey. And with Mother's Day just around the corner, we suggest a bright flag as a gift that she'll love.

"In addition to considering flags as unique gifts, a growing number of people are discovering estate flags, Dennis said. The banners offer an upscale traditional look to complement any exterior and come in a variety of designs, including monograms.

And just in case you're wondering, the most popular initials, sales-wise, are B, M, H and P.

But the shop doesn't just provide in-store merchandise. Custom orders constitute the bulk of business, with many firms purchasing large flags for their companies. A new program offers businesses the option of paying a flat monthly rate for flag maintenance and annual replacement.

And for those who just can't get enough of flags, there's an online club that features monthly newsletters, seasonal flag merchandise and discounts for members."We're always trying to think of ways to better serve our customers," Dennis said. "I like to think that's why they keep coming back."

Flag CenterOwners: Maureen and Dennis Criscuolo

Employees: 4

Address: 4550 Summer

Phone: 762-0044

Web site: flagcenter.com