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The heart of Dexter’s downtown just brought three new businesses to the plate
By: Alli St. Amor & Aiden Weinmann
“We have people in constantly—every hour, every day,” – Turchin Jewelers, a new Dexter boutique. All around the small and secluded town of Dexter new businesses are popping up and changing the atmosphere of the downtown area for the better. From what was once a town filled with the basic stores used to fulfill necessities, now has evolved into shopping areas with new and exciting inventory that fits the desires of people across the board. Even the older businesses and boutiques are equally welcoming of these new aspects to the area of Dexter.
3Bird is a home decor and lifestyle store located on Main Street in downtown Dexter that has been around for almost 8 years. When asked if new businesses have affected their success, the response might come as a surprise to many. “No, not at all,” one of the owners of 3Bird Laura Keefer said, “If anything, we welcome new businesses as it brings more people to Dexter and provides more selection for shoppers.” Not only are the stores evolving, but local business owners said the amount of people that are showing interest in downtown retail has also increased. While it’s often said start-up businesses struggle to build up clientele and their name to get out into the community, Dexter’s local businesses have seemingly skirted that issue thanks to Dexter’s supportive buyers.
Eve and Annie is another newer small business located on Main Street. The solely fashion-based business provides customers with chic and trending clothing items accompanied by the perfect accessories to pair it with. Jenny Ryle, the owner of Eve and Annie, said that people are stopping in “daily, which is great.”
Grace and Proper is a perfect example of a small business that feels support
from the community. They specialize in entertainment pieces and home decor to help connect their customers. To unite the community, Grace and Proper uses an, “‘All is Welcome’ mentality.” They strive to target personal connections and to do so, their intended audience has no filter.
“I try to curate a collection where everyone could find something to help them connect with themselves or others. While we tend to have a more feminine shopper, we carry a variety of items hoping to reach each individual,” – said Breana Jackson
Turchin Jewelers also lives by this motto and focuses more on different demographics. “We have 13-year-old boys coming in and purchasing silver chains and crosses, and we have 90+ year-olds coming in with jewelry repairs,” one of Turchin Jewelers owner Marissa Turchin said. “We have couples coming in for engagement rings and wedding bands, and we have single individuals self-purchasing pieces that catch their eye. We don’t have a niche audience.”
Rosie’s. They offer a wide range of jewlery from everyday pieces all the
way to engagment rings.
Each item that Turchin offers is customized and has details that stick out to the eye of every customer.
Almost all of the new businesses in Dexter focus on lifestyle and fitting not only the needs of their customers but also their wants. 3Bird offers services
to promote their products, “people love that they can come in for a gift and walk out with the item gift wrapped in our bag ready to gift,” Laura Keefer said.
Other boutiques like Turchin also offer gifts. “We offer both sterling silver and fine jewelry as well as unique giftware,”Marissa Turchin stated. Eve and Annie focus more on the stylistic aspect of business while Grace Proper works with, “blankets, pillows, candles, artwork, etc. to create a special space.”
Breana Jackson said, they also carry puzzles, question games, drinkware, and cookbooks to help start conversations.
After we visited and interviewed each small business we curated our own opinions for all the businesses. One experience we had that was universal between each store is how inviting and kind they were. As we walked into Grace and Proper the store’s overall feel is extremely inviting. The store is spacious and each display area is enticing. As for the atmosphere, it’s very welcoming. The employee working the check-out area was talking with us as we shopped. We next stopped at 3Bird, when you walk in you see the whole store at once. Each display is so intricate; there is truly something in 3Bird for everyone. We next stopped into Turchin Jewelers, the feeling of this store is very calm and open. Everything is very neat which makes it easy to browse and see everything. There’s a large range of jewelry to choose from, so there’s something for everyone. Our final stop was Eve and Annie. When you walk in, everything is set up to perfection. This is strictly a clothing store with a few accessories here and there. All the clothes are chic and unique.
Joe and Rosies. 3Bird focuses on bettering the
home by making it feel and appear more pleasing to the eye. They also carry items for you to enjoy. They carry
jewelery to spice up the perfect outfit, clothing
for many occasions, along with some self care
products.
Overall we loved each business. The employees were supportive and welcoming. It was also apparent when they talked about their businesses that they are extremely passionate about what they do.
We encourage everyone reading this to show your support to our local businesses. Buying locally is a great way to support the community. Now with the new businesses, everyone has something to shop for!
All the businesses mentioned are on Main Street. Turchin Jewelers and 3Bird
are both located on the same side of the street as the gazebo. Eve and Annie is
located near the Dexter Creamery while Grace and Proper is located on the same side of the street as Dairy Queen.
