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Jessica Marx putting on the finishing touches.
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The studio is open at Let’s Paint.
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was an outgrowth of gift items the car wash carried for customers to browse as their car was being detailed. Southaven native Lauren McKenzie worked for the couple in 2006 as a high school student and eventually returned to manage the store after graduating from the University of Mississippi. By that time, the couple had moved Ultimate Gifts to its current location and McKenzie had the opportunity to make the dream of a lifetime come true by purchasing the store from her former employers — at age 25. “I never thought I’d have a job I love everyday,” she says of her adventure as a shop owner. “It’s fun to go to market and see what’s trending.” Even better, her sister also owns a gift store in Marion, Arkansas, so the two often compare notes about merchandising, new product lines, and what’s hot in their respective markets. McKenzie, now 27, focuses on carrying an array of gifts from collegiate items, Vera Bradley, Kendra Scott and Ronaldo Jewelry, to a baby section and even a wedding registry. Local artwork and other Mississippi-made products such as pottery and gourmet foods have become a store staple. For that dressy occasion, step into Lola B Boutique (5847 Getwell Road), North Mississippi’s premiere formal and party attire shop. You’ll find the latest in elegant, beaded gowns by Sherri Hill, Rachel Allan, and Johnathan Kayne. Owner Lori Brassfield-Sanders says one of her core
“By mid-November 2016, 224 business licenses had been pulled in the city of Southaven, representing a diverse mix of retail, restaurant, and small business ventures.”
values as a businesswoman is giving back to the community. “We host charity events throughout the year, and sponsor Miss Amazing, a pageant for girls and women with disabilities,” says Lori. “So many women and teens volunteer from the Southaven community to make these events a success, we never have to solicit for help!” If you come to shop in Southaven, you won’t leave empty-handed. Come see for yourself.
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outhaven has long attracted shoppers from around Mississippi, but in November 2015, the city upped its game with the opening of Tanger Outlets Southaven. In 2016, residents and visitors from across the Mid-South made Southaven a destination to shop the 75 name-brand stores found at this upscale retail mecca. Designer and wellknown names like Michael Kors, Abercrombie and Fitch, Maurice’s and J. Crew, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, and Banana Republic are just a sample of the high-end clothiers you’ll find here. And let’s not forget a most delightful doughnut and cup of gourmet coffee from Krispy Kreme! Tanger, a North Carolina-based leader in outlet mall development, provides a huge economic bump to the Southaven economy, says Mayor Darren Musselwhite. “This is one of the highest-quality developments in the history of our city and will have a tremendously positive economic
impact with sales tax revenue, tourism revenue, and jobs,” said Musselwhite to The Commercial Appeal. Thus far, the center has produced 1,000 new jobs with more expected as several other nearby parcels on Church Road await development. The city anticipates earning $7.5 million annually in sales revenue. Shopping destinations like Tanger don’t just bring business to individual stores, however. Carmen Kyle, executive director of the Southaven Chamber of Commerce, says there’s an economic ripple effect that takes place as visitors spend money in neighboring restaurants and discover the city’s additional amenities. Landers Center, the multipurpose arena, is home to the Memphis Grizzlies’ NBA-D League and Mississippi RiverKings hockey team. In addition, Landers Center hosts dozens of concerts, family events, trade shows, and conventions throughout the year. The BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove, a live outdoor music venue, is home to the Southaven Springfest and a summer concert series. Tanger, located at the junction of I-55/69 and Church Road, is an attractive addition to Southaven’s shopping offerings and joins the ever popular Southaven Towne Center on Southcrest Parkway, an upscale, open-air shopping center anchored by Dillard’s, JCPenney, and home appliance and electronics giant HHGregg.
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