Bennettsville and Co.’s grand opening proves boon for city

BENNETTSVILLE — Located at 103 Broad Street, the little shop with the big windows came to life Tuesday, November 25, when Bennettsville and Co. threw open its doors and welcomed guests for its ribbon-cutting grand opening with special store hours of 12-7 p.m. Official store hours are to be announced on the city’s web site.

County leaders, business owners, and in some cases, proud momma’s, were all present to welcome Bennettsville’s newest edition to its City on the Move, Bennettsville and Co., the hustling and bustling new shop filled with shelf after shelf of unique goods and at least sixteen talented local entrepreneurs.

“We are so excited about the opening of this shop here in Bennettsville. It gives the opportunity for artists in the area to have a spot to call their own where they can showcase their beautiful work,” said Marlboro Chamber President Alexa Boan. She continued, “The Chamber is really thrilled to be a part of this day. It has been a long time in the making, has involved a lot of hard work, and we wish every artist here the utmost success.”

Chamber Chairman Gage Speight says he is looking forward to witnessing the venture’s future success as well. “Bennettsville and Co. offers so many possibilities for our local entrepreneurs, and we could not be happier to see their hard work paying off.” Speight added the store is looking to add racks and hangers for those in the clothing business who also lack a concrete location to set up their pieces. “It will be nice to offer those businesses a location other than online, then customers can see and feel what they are purchasing.”

Brittany Jones, who is the Director of Business and Community Development for Bennettsville, shared she is also very proud of the new venture and feels the new store can only be a boon to the City on the Move.

“We want to be a one-stop shopping destination,” explained Jones. “A lot of businesses have closed because of a lack of other shopping and eating options which had an impact on their sales. We don’t want our local people to have to drive to other places to buy what we can sale here. We want to be able to support our local talent year — round and not just seasonally.”

The building used to be a former police substation, and most recently, the visitor’s center, and Jones said the idea to open one store with several local businesses housed inside came when a decision needed to be made about what to do with the old visitor’s center.

“We are really excited about the steps we are taking to revitalize our downtown,” continued Jones, adding, “When we support our local entrepreneurs, we keep our dollars circulating here in Bennettsville. Bennettsville and Co let’s young entrepreneurs know their dreams are attainable.”

One such young entrepreneur is RaNaviah McNeil who is fifteen years old and is the owner and operator of Navi’s Creations. McNeil has been working at her business since the age of 12, pouring all her extra time into designing and carefully crafting elegant, one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, ink pens, keychains, and even lip gloss!

She said, “I am very excited, it feels like I am expanding.”

RaNaviah’s mom said she feels like the store is offering her daughter, and other entrepreneurs like her, an awesome opportunity. She said, “I am so excited to see her have this opportunity at such a young age. It is a really great idea.”

Creative Daize owner Daishanna Pearson says she got her start conducting sip and paints locally but is looking forward to having a location all her own to set up her artwork. She specializes in portrait and abstract paintings.

“I want to help bring the art scene to Marlboro County. I love seeing people having the freedom to enjoy expressing themselves through art,” says Pearson, who is currently selling paint your own ornament kits for the holiday season. She added, “There really is a lot of talent right here locally and a lot of people don’t know that.”

For Ikey Thomas, who is the owner of King’s Treasure, Bennettsville and Co represents an opportunity to showcase not only his art, but the healing and restorative powers it holds. Gifted his first crystal, Thomas felt its medicinal properties firsthand and never looked back. A lot of the pieces he makes he says are Native American and Gullah inspired. Thomas says he will be offering a series of upcoming workshops to teach others the art of wire wrapping and bead work.

While Bennettsville Councilman Cyheim McRae might not have any wares on display, he said he was delighted to be present for the store’s grand opening celebration.

McRae said, “This is a great addition to our city, and I am thrilled to see our small businesses having a place locally to generate income for themselves. I am looking forward to seeing this place expand — hopefully this is just the start, the gateway for bigger and better things coming to Bennettsville.”