Page 12 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2021

COAST NOTE
story by Lynn Lofton
Shopping local is still relevant in this age of technology and online shopping. Some of the many outstanding local businesses share their thoughts on what they offer as they prepare to observe Shop Small Saturday on November 27.
Melissa Hamilton, owner of bijoubel in Bay St. Louis, says she has stayed in business by changing with the times. “Every year
I have to re-evaluate. For instance, last year when everyone was working from home, I got into lounge wear and pajamas, and they really took off,” she says.
Hamilton says her customers like to try on clothes and see the apparel in person. “Also, they like the personal attention I give them.”
S.F. Alman has been in business in Gulfport for 38 years.
“We have changed our business model over the years,” Ferrell Alman says. “For example, we added more outdoor clothing and equipment brands as they became popular. With the advent of the internet and on-line shopping, we had to adapt and adjust by utilizing it to the way we do business.”
Rose Alman added, “We offer personalized service to assist shoppers with their clothing and gift needs, along with specialty and exclusive brands and merchandise not available in large stores or is not convenient to shop for online. Our store offers the ability to support the local community by keeping customers’ money local.”
For 10 years in Biloxi, Peace by Piece has offered a specialized service and products and has been so successful they’re moving to a larger space in January. They sell quilts, quilting services and fabrics.
Owner Bell Kessler relates that she and her sister opened the shop after each retired from intense careers. “Quilts are special,” Kessler said. “No one ever throws away a quilt. We can repair quilts and answer questions. Quilting is relaxing, rewarding and fulfilling.”
Kessler’s sister decided to go home but her daughter has joined the business, which now has five employees.
weathered a lot at Panache in Gulfport but is going strong. “We’ve had the recession, road construction, a new location, more competition, changes in the way people shop, and then COVID,” she enumerates.
However, shoppers enjoy her brick-and-mortar boutique. “We do marketing and communicate through social media, but have come back to our roots,” Fairley said. “We recognize that people are shopping through different platforms, but they can’t provide service. Clothes fit people differently and we can help with sizes in the store, plus a great shopping experience.”
Rebeca Strickland Fairley is a young business owner who has
NOVEMBER 27
12 | November 2021 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living