By Brandi Watters, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer
ALEXANDRIA — This year’s Christmas parade will include twinkling lights and merry characters, but it will also feature the debut of three new businesses in downtown Alexandria.
Church Street Gallery, Art of the Child and Fab-You-Less will each host their official grand openings during the festivities Saturday.
Beverly Collins of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce said the debut of the businesses are further evidence that Alexandria is turning a corner.
“It’s really thrilling to think that something is finally happening.”
While other towns are facing empty storefronts as the economy struggles, Alexandria is debuting a total of five new businesses this season, she explained.
J & J Distributors and Studio 115 Salon opened in the last two months.
Judy Wallace runs J & J Distributors and said the new consignment shop will offer Alexandria shoppers a variety of bargains on anything from socks to toys and housewares.
She’s excited by the progress in Alexandria’s downtown district. “It seems like a lot is coming to Alexandria. A lot of people come to this town from Marion, Elwood, even Farmland.”
Joyce Rigney, who is debuting the Fab-You-Less women’s clothing consignment shop on Saturday, attributes the town’s success to a collaboration between citizens and the city.
“Honestly, I think it’s the dedication to the town — The mayor and the chamber of commerce backing business owners to try and help them out.”
Mayor Jack Woods said volunteers, citizens and town officials, including Director of Economic Development John Dockrey and Clerk Jan Lynch, have helped promote the downtown business district.
Sharon Hobbs is encouraged by the new businesses springing up around town. “We have a lot of citizens that are just interested in Alexandria. We want to see it come back to its ‘Small Town U.S.A.’ flavor. It just used to be such a wonderful town. It’s just great to walk around and see this.”
Contact Brandi Watters 640-4847, brandi.watters@heraldbulletin.com
