As part of the revitalization of downtown Hattiesburg, that area has seen seven businesses open their doors this year, along with 20 new stores in the last three years and 16 renovation projects to existing businesses in 2023 alone.
That trend continues with the recent opening of three new businesses – Pop & Company, Savvy Pair Shoe Boutique and Honey Clothing Company – located at 203-205 Mobile Street, in an area formerly known as “The Ruins” by locals because of its former dilapidated state. To celebrate that accomplishment, a joint ribbon cutting for the businesses was held September 25 at the site, which was made possible with renovations made by building owner Harry Goff and his business partners Chad Edmonson and Charles Price.
“We’re super glad to have (these businesses) here, and I know that Mobile Street has really become one of the leaders in the whole downtown renaissance, along with North Main (Street),” Mayor Toby Barker said. “I would say that being here for the ribbon cutting is one thing, but continuing to champion these businesses with your dollars and your voice is important.
“It’s a special kind of dedication for people like Harry (and his business partners), who put their money, vision, resources and time – and all of their frustrations with working with the city – into buildings like this. It’s a special kind of dedication where people like (the owners of the three businesses), who put their livelihood on the line to invest in this area. I think that demands our support, that demands our voice, and today is just another great day for downtown.”
Brief information on each of the businesses is as follows:
POP & CO.
Pop & Co. specializes in gourmet popcorn, ice cream and other treats.
Popcorn flavors include Cheesy Cheddar, Caramel, Dill Pickle, BBQ Ribs, Garlic Parmesan, Pizza and Wings & Ranch, among many others. Ice cream flavors include, but are not limited to, Brown Butter Bourbon Truffle, Crazy Vanilla, Oatmeal Cookie Craving, Peanut Butter Twist, Praline Pecan and Strawberry Cheesecake.
Snack items such as candy also are available.
“I feel great about it; I think this was a business that needed to be in downtown,” said owner Nick Fairley, who also owns Fairley’s Wings, Downtown Nutrition and Main Street Sno in downtown Hattiesburg. “This is more of a kid-friendly environment; we needed more of that to bring downtown.
“That was one of the keys that was missing (in this area).”
For more information, visit the store’s Facebook page or call (601) 602-2285.
THE HONEY CLOTHING CO.
The Honey Clothing Co. offers several boutique items, including tops, tees, denim, shorts, skirts, rompers, jumpers, dresses, outerwear and formal gowns.
That includes KanCan High-Rise Button Down Fray Hem Super Skinny, Flying Monkey Flares, High Rise Distressed Flares, tennis skirts, Teagans, The Wrap It Dress, Maggie Fit Casual Tee Dress and more. Newly-arrived items include clear sports bags, the Get’em Game Day Pullover, the Delia and the Tinsley.
Gowns are offered in the Classy Formal, Fearless, Shine Bright Formal and NightWay Halter Shimmer, among others.
The boutique is owned and operated by Crystal Rogers and her daughter Lily.
“We have anticipated this day for quite some time,” Crystal said. “We would like to thank Harry (and his business partners) for having the vision to bring this place back to life; it was literally ruins, and now it is such a place of joy and beauty for us.
“We are forever grateful for the support and encouragement (from our neighboring business owners), and we hope to be an asset to you, your business, the downtown community and all those who make downtown Hattiesburg a destination place.”
For more information, visit the store’s Facbook page, email honeyclothingco39402@gmail.com, or visit www.thehoneyclothingco.com.
THE SAVVY PAIR SHOE BOUTIQUE
The Savvy Pair Shoe Boutique offers individualized “sit and fit” services in a relaxing environment with personalized customer interaction. The store features a wide variety of shoes, including comfort shoes, sandals and sneakers.
One of the current featured items is the Mephisto sandals, with unique Soft Air technology. Customers also can find several travel bags and laptop bags, such as the HHB Harper in Kelly Green, Cognac or Red.
Owner Sherrone Haskin McDonald said her goal is for her shop to be reminiscent of the personal way in which customers purchased shoes decades ago.
“The ‘sit and fit’ model is definitely one from a time long gone, when store associates would have conversations with you, know your name, measure your foot and sit on a shoe stool,” she said. “Savvy is definitely a throwback to those days when my mom bought me shoes from Smart Shoe Store in the Cloverleaf Mall.
“One of my favorite pair of shoes from (there) was actually a red patent leather pair of flats, so I do remember that. I want to bring back that nostalgic feeling for Savvy Pair. Our motto is ‘Shoes That Make You Smile,’ and it’s based on three core competencies: customer service, professionalism and comfort and style.”
For more information, visit the store’s Facebook page, call (601) 402-7086 or email savvypairboutique@gmail.com.
Some of the work for the three businesses was made possible by the Downtown Hattiesburg Association’s 2023 Façade Grant Improvement Program, which focuses on supporting the growth and revitalization of existing commercial properties in that area’s historic conservation district. That program, which awarded matching grants from $500 to $10,000 for façade improvements, was funded through a partnership with the downtown association, the City of Hattiesburg, Forrest County, Mississippi Power and the Hattiesburg Landmark Preservation.
“We’re excited today about the grand opening and ribbon cutting for three new businesses – and not just three new business, but three new retail businesses, which we are shy of in downtown Hattiesburg,” said Shawn Harris, who serves on the board of trustees for the Downtown Hattiesburg Association. “We’re so fortunate they’re here today.
“The transformation of this building from its former dilapidated state into its current beautiful condition is a testament to the importance of preserving historic structures. The façade grant program is a tremendous partnership … which is a $200,000 fund for façade grant improvements, and to date, we have committed $100,000 of those funds for projects like these.”
Goff said he is excited to see the new businesses come to the renovated site.
“I could not have picked three better tenants for these three slots,” he said. “This is what we need (in this area), and it’s three perfect retail spots that we needed for downtown.”
