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Business Pulse- New store opens in Three Star Mall
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Chaz Allen, board chair of the McMinnville Warren County Senior Center, stands outside the center's Thrift Store on its opening day last Monday at Three Star Mall.
Seth Wright
Published: Jun 23, 2024, 2:54 AM

Senior Center Thrift Store now open

The fruits of the seeds the county sowed with the purchase of Three Star Mall are starting to emerge. The first new addition after much work is the McMinnville Warren County Senior Center Thrift Store which opened Monday.

I went by on opening day and was impressed with the size and the selection offered on the store's first day. The exterior belies what awaits those who enter. Much like Doctor Who's TARDIS, it's bigger on the inside.

The Thrift Store occupies a portion of what was formerly Goody's in the mall. Another chunk of the former Goody's space will soon welcome the McMinnville Warren County Senior Center.

I spoke with Chaz Allen, the board chair of the Senior Center, and he was pleased with the new space and the public's response to it on the first day. "It's been good. We've had a small crowd  come in and after today it should really pop off," Chaz said.

The store relies on donations, with all of the proceeds going back into the good work done by the Senior Center to help senior adults in the community by providing meals, assistance, a sense of community, recreation, health screenings and more. So, it's not only a great place to find bargains, but it is also a great place to donate your unwanted stuff with the knowledge you're assisting a good cause.

"People donate pretty much whatever. As long as it's not super tattered or soiled, we'll take pretty much anything," Chaz said.

The Thrift Store will be open Monday - Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Oh, oh, oh, O'Reilly ...

Morrison

There's good news for folks in the Morrison area. As is evident to anyone who has driven by and seen the sign which has recently gone up, O'Reilly Auto Parts is opening a second Warren County location in Morrison. 

McMinnville currently has an O'Reilly at 717 N. Chancery St. and it will joined by one in Morrison  coming soon between Prater's BBQ and the Family Dollar/Dollar Tree. Work is currently underway on the location. 

Last week, I reached out to O'Reilly corporate for details on the decision to locate in Morrison and for an estimated opening date. They acknowledged the request but I have yet to get answers. When I learn more details, I'll put them here.


Unemployment Rate hits all-time low

At the risk of sounding redundant, I'm back again writing about Tennessee hitting a new record-low in the statewide unemployment rate. That's news I'm happy to repeat. 

The previous record was set in April at 3.1%. The May unemployment rate broke that record, coming in 0.1 of a percentage point lower at 3%, according to data released on Thursday by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). That represents the best jobless number in the state since the Federal Government began reporting the statistic in 1976.

"Tennessee's booming economy and strategic investments in workforce development and job creation have set the standard for success nationwide,” said Gov. Bill Lee in a statement. “Now, we're making history with record-low unemployment, ensuring Tennessee remains a beacon of opportunity, security, and freedom for all."

In April, Warren County's unemployment rate was already at 3%. Warren County's workforce is listed at 16,672, of which 16,173 are employed with only 499 not employed in April. While the state's record-low rate was released on Thursday, April data for individual counties will be released by the state next Thursday. It will be interesting to see if Warren County dips below the 3% mark.

In addition to the good news on the unemployment front, the TDLWD revealed Tennessee employers created 3,300 new non-farm jobs between April and May. 

“Our state’s robust economy has created so many great job opportunities for Tennesseans looking for work or for those who want to improve their employment situation,” said TDLWD Commissioner Deniece Thomas. “Tennessee has nearly 80 American Job Centers where career specialists can work with individuals to find their best path to new employment.”

That's all good news, and hopefully I'll be back here next month telling you about another record-breaking rate.

Upton's leaving

Not all the business news this week is happy. Sadly, long-time business owner Dena Upton has announced she has decided to close Upton's Bridal and Formal Boutique.

Sept. 1, 2023 marked the eighth anniversary of the launch of Upton's Bridal and Formal Boutique. It originally began on Sparta Street before moving around five years ago to its current location at 1100 Smithville Hwy. Suite 111 in the Plaza Shopping Center.

Dena was brought into the formal wear field by her daughters who did pageants when they were in high school. 

"That kind of piqued my interest. So it started as that but we've gotten bigger into weddings than we were before. That's fun because it's always a happy occasion and I like helping people find the perfect dress. It's very rewarding," Dena said.

Dena's departure leaves a giant void in Warren County when it comes to bridal and formal wear. The outpouring of support and disappointment from the community upon hearing the announcement demonstrates just what a blow it is to so many customers, but Dena is open to hearing offers if anyone is interested in buying the shop and keeping the market for formal wear alive in Warren County. 

In the meantime, Dena is offering big sales coming up. Currently the entire store is 25% off, which means it's the perfect time for aspiring beauty queens to get ready for the upcoming fair pageants, for brides to prepare for the big day or for the class of 2025 to get a jump start on prom season.

Dena plans to close Upton's at the end of July, but until then, is open Tuesday - Friday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 


Until Next week,

same biz day,

same biz page

Thanks for reading and thanks to everyone who came to the Southern Standard's Customer Appreciation Day on Friday to say hi. Lots of banana splits were given away and lots of subscriptions were sold. We truly appreciate the community's support. 

If you have any business tips or if you have a business you'd like to have featured, please let me know at editor@southernstandard.com.
Business Pulse- New antique store sets down roots
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Nikki Childers
Published: Mar 23, 2025, 12:01 AM

You have likely noticed the change of byline on this page and, to provide an introduction about myself, I am a Warren County native and you or someone you know probably played baseball with my dad or worked with him over the years at Oster — which seems to be at least half of Warren County given I meet someone who knows him everywhere I go. It isn’t a bad thing, though; it’s actually nice to know our city, for its near-40,000 population, has never really lost its small-town feel.

I have been with the Southern Standard for almost eight years and worn a lot of hats, newest of all the role of primary reporter. While I am in no way new to this newspaper, I am new to penning this section. I have been covering city news for the better part of two years now, and I look forward to providing our readership with glimpses into the local businesses of our wonderful community we call home.

New Life for Antiques

One of the newest businesses to find its roots in Warren County opened at the beginning of the month. Those searching for an antique or unique piece with character and a story to tell can look no further than Old Oak Mercantile.

Owner and operator Sarah Blair is native to Warren County and has always held an appreciation for antiques, an interest which goes all the way back to her childhood. Niece to the late Iris Walker who owned an antique store for decades, Blair was introduced to the concept of giving old pieces new life from an early age.

A browse through Old Oak will reveal a wide variety of housewares, ranging from lamps and other tabletop fixtures to wall hangings, dishes and pottery. Blair keeps just a hint of modern in her offerings, but focuses most of her attention on the nostalgic and charming furnishings of yesteryear.

“We’re an antique store, vintage store and home of modern treasure all in one,” Blair explained. “History has always been my favorite and every little piece holds a story. I love meeting people and sourcing unique pieces from estate sales or wherever else I can find them.”

Blair indicated she had not set out to start an antique store just yet, but it was something she always wanted to do and the perfect opportunity landed in her lap upon discovering the store’s 110 N Spring Street location, situated in the building which once housed Kimmi’s Tea Room. The stars aligned and Blair jumped on the opportunity to share her affinity for antiques with the community and make her dream a reality.

“We were originally going to take over for The Rustic Daisy when it closed, but that didn’t happen and we found out about this location,” Blair said. “We downsized and it’s been working out really well for us here.”

Old Oak Mercantile is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed Sunday and Monday. Blair announces specials on the store’s Facebook page, which is regularly updated.

Barr’s Still Raising the Bar

A sustaining part of McMinnville’s small businesses and a name known to most anyone, Barr’s Fine Home Furnishings Inc. at 643 Beersheba Hwy. continues to thrive after 61 years in business. The late Earl Barr started the retailer in 1963 after spending three years in the Army and married his wife, Hazel, a year later. From there, the couple went on to create a business which would become a household name in the community — and for good reason. Hazel, son Mark and daughter-in-law Kim work together to continually provide their customers with the highest quality furniture and customer service possible.

“We are always committed to supporting our customers, even after the sale,” Hazel said of the company’s commitment to those who place their trust in the Barrs when purchasing from them.

Barr’s Furniture features well-established and high-quality brands such as La-Z-Boy, Sealy, England, Jackson, Hooker and Catnapper. Newest to the roster is Vaughan-Bassett bedroom furniture, which is 100% American-made. Vaughan-Bassett has been crafting furniture for over 100 years and is based in Galax, Virginia.

“Our focus has been to offer higher-quality furnishings at an affordable price,” Mark said of the company’s goal. “We believe in carrying as many things as possible that are truly American-made. In addition, La-Z-Boy, Catnapper and Jackson are made here in Tennessee.”

Mark continued, “We choose brands for their quality, reliability and their willingness to stand behind their products. Currently, we are working to expand our offerings from Vaughan-Bassett and get more American-made products and less imports.”

The Barrs and their dedicated staff promise great attention to their customers, offering prompt and free local delivery on items purchased from their store. Currently, select items in their inventory are as much as 30% off in order to create room for new pieces.

Barr’s Fine Home Furnishings Inc. is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed on Sundays. The store can be reached at (931) 473-3536 or barsfurniture.com and has an active Facebook page where sales and new items are often announced.

If you have a business — new or old — you would like to have featured, you are welcome to email me at nchilders@southernstandard.com. I look forward to meeting you!