Small Business Spotlight: Youngsville's Unique Antiques
Small businesses form the backbone of our economy and add character to Main Street. They may not have the marketing budgets of large chains to reach shoppers around the holidays, but a little creativity and teamwork go a long way. In Youngsville, a collection of antique shops recently banded together to support one another and give local shoppers expanded access to unique finds.
“I wouldn’t say we’re competitors. If anything, we complement one another. Sure, we attract many of the same customers, but our inventory is so vastly different. I always tell my customers to check out the other shops while they’re out,” Railroad Antiques owner Tammy Beale said.
On November 29, one day after Black Friday, Small Business Saturday serves as a reminder to shop locally and patronize independent outfits. This year, Railroad Antiques, The Giving Tree, Tobacco Road Primitives, Tin Pig, and Mary and Company (all Youngsville stores) teamed up to create a unique holiday shopping experience. Complete with food, drinks, ice cream, and Christmas trees, the clever entrepreneurs welcomed dozens of guests scoping out the perfect gifts.
“In a way, it was really a celebration of our town. We have a uniquely thriving downtown for a place the size of Youngsville and the vast majority of our inventory is locally sourced,” Tammy said.
Unique to antique shops, Tobacco Road owner Patricia Anderson says nostalgia and community keep customers coming back.
“Most customers who walk in remember their grandparents and living life on the farm. We love it when folks share about the good old days. Old timers from the area frequent our shop to share and reminisce about the history of Franklin County and neighboring areas,” Patricia said. “We have seats just for them and are happy to make a cup of coffee just so that they can stay a bit longer.”
Everyone has a hard-to-buy-for friend or loved one. Tammy and Patricia agree that’s their specialty. With vast inventories ranging from quirky to historic, including a 19-foot orchard ladder from the 1800s sitting in Tobacco Road, shoppers are sure to find the perfect gift close to home.
The NC-13 Small Business Spotlight is designed to highlight wonderful small businesses and people serving our district. If you know of a great place to feature, please reach out to Congressman Knott’s communications team at quinn.slaven@mail.house.gov.