Contributed by Jaharra Graves
Contributed by Jaharra Graves
Contributed by Jaharra Graves
“When this space became available, I kept thinking how we can do more? How can we maximize this space in such a way that more than one local business can benefit from it,” says Jaharra Graves, explaining how the genesis of Bennettsville and Co., a new downtown boutique opening Friday, November 21, came to be.
Contributed by Jaharra Graves
Contributed by Jaharra Graves
Contributed by Jaharra Graves
Contributed by Jaharra Graves
Contributed by Jaharra Graves
BENNETTSVILLE — “When this space became available, I kept thinking how we can do more? How can we maximize this space in such a way that more than one local business can benefit from it,” says Jaharra Graves, explaining how the genesis of Bennettsville and Co., a new downtown boutique opening Friday, November 21, came to be.
Graves is the Director of Tourism, Parks and Recreation and works closely with the City of Bennettsville and the Chamber of Commerce. She added, “Originally the idea was to make the space a pop-up store, but we really wanted something more consistent.”
Realizing she interacts with a large group of skilled local folks at different festivals and events, Graves got to thinking, how can the city of Bennettsville honor all its talent, and what better way could the city back small business than by housing them together in one location to shine?
“We have so much talent here in Bennettsville and we really want to lean into supporting that. The owners of these small businesses are the same as you and me, they have a dream, they provide an actual service, a tangible craft, and this gives them the platform to show that. It gives people a chance to purchase something actually made with love and not just manufactured.”
Graves says a lot of the vendors we see on market days, festivals and other events hold down a 9 to 5, working hard to put in the overtime necessary for their small businesses to grow, and often lack the resources and time to manage a concrete location fulltime themselves.
“Bennettsville and Co. provides them that space. It will also sell city merchandise as well,” shares Graves, who says the new store will feature 16 different local vendors all offering a variety of one-of-a-kind items.
Following a ribbon cutting for the new downtown boutique Friday, November 21, Bennettsville and Co will then welcome shoppers from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Currently, Bennettsville and Co. anticipates being open throughout the week from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and some Saturdays. A schedule for Saturday openings will be posted on the city website.
**Ribbon cutting and grand opening has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 25th from 12-7 p.m. **