Openings

Consumer Stories

The latest rage in photobooths comes to North Augusta

Before cell phones and selfies, there were photo booths. Now, the next generation of both is trending across the country and it’s for hire in the CSRA. The Electric Selfie 360 spins. It has lights and video. They are the product of technology, innovation, and pop culture. 360 Photo Booths capture 360-degree photos on a rotating platform and offer an eclectic experience to guests of all ages. Apparently, all those bells and whistles can turn business executives into teenagers “We were part of a North Augusta Chamber mixer in November

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Consumer Stories

Carolinas-based grocer to open store in Aiken

Lowes Foods is continuing to grow in the Carolinas and has announced five new locations including Aiken. That store will be built at the intersection of Whiskey Road and Powerhouse Road. Other new stores will include one in Indian Land, SC, and others in North Carolina. “We’re excited to be building additional Lowes Foods stores to serve the booming growth areas around Charlotte and northeast of Augusta, Georgia,” Tim Lowe, President of Lowes Foods said. “All five of our new stores are in various stages of planning and construction, and

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Consumer Stories

Startup businesses expected to skyrocket in 2023

When Jessica Gaskins moved Maddi P Boutique from Warrenville to Aiken last year, she knew it might not be easy. She and her team stuck with it and together, they have created a successful small business. Are you ready to be your own boss? Do you prefer flexibility over big profits? Are you dissatisfied with corporate America? Not ready to retire? Maybe, like Gaskins, you’ll be running a new business in the coming year. Business statistics from 2022 show that over 3.8 million new business applications were filed in the

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Consumer Stories

Canadian furniture design business moves to Aiken

Covid took a big hit on many businesses. Some reassessed everything about their business. A few reinvented themselves. Some closed their doors forever. Others moved to another location. For Dan Diotte, President and Lead Designer of Chattels In Design, the survival of his business encompassed all those considerations. “Once Covid hit, we reassessed everything about our furniture design business. I believe when one door closes, a new door opens and presents new opportunities,” Diotte explained. Chattels In Design started in Ontario, Canada in 2016 and later moved to Massachusetts and

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Consumer Stories

New York natives launch CSRA photo booth biz

When Katrena and her husband, Jason, moved to Augusta from New York City more than two years ago, she noticed there weren’t many businesses that offered 360-degree photo booth rentals, so she decided to start her own. The couple, who asked us not to use their last name, launched NYC to AGS 360 Rentals at the end of October and are currently working on marketing their new business. People can rent their photo booth for a variety of celebrations, including Christmas, birthday, and New Year’s Eve parties, as well as

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Consumer Stories

Local entrepreneur sells two companies, opens a new one!

Michael Hinson previously owned two CSRA businesses, and after selling those, he decided to use his interest in electronics to jump into the growing Bluetooth speaker business. In October, Hinson launched Big Dog Speakers, an online business that sells high-quality speakers that are much less expensive than those of his competitors. He said the waterproof, 40-watt speakers can reach a maximum volume of 105 decibels but still produce a clear, crisp sound. They can be connected to other devices, such as TVs and gaming systems, and used to charge cell

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Consumer Stories

Local antique shop begins first week in new spot

After being closed for three months, a local antique shop re-opened in its new location on Friday. Mema Had One has relocated from 2328 Washington Road to 135 Davis Road across the street from Good Earth Produce & Garden Center. The former location closed on Aug. 31. While the new location is much smaller, it will only be filled with items people want to buy, such as toys, artwork, collectibles, and gifts, according to the business’s co-owner, Pam Hayes. “We’re excited about the more curated items,” Hayes said. “We pride

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Consumer Stories

Custom golf cart business opens in Evans

A new business in Evans gives customers the opportunity to build a custom golf cart or give their old cart a makeover. Kart King, 4158 Washington Road, Suite 11, celebrated its grand opening yesterday. Until now, the company has provided retail sales and service at 1697 Broad St. in Augusta’s King Mill Park, but the retail side of the business has moved to the Evans store, according to Chandler Hall, Kart King’s head of operations and owner, Barry Hall’s brother. “We’ve decided to use the other location as our shop,”

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Consumer Stories

New grocery store location to open tomorrow in south Augusta

Much of south Augusta is a food desert, but an international grocery store chain is launching a new location in that area that will help to alleviate the problem. ALDI will open its fifth CSRA store at 3121 Peach Orchard Road tomorrow, according to the company’s website. Other locations are in Augusta, North Augusta, Aiken, and Grovetown. “Adding another affordable grocery option for south Augusta is a great step forward in helping to alleviate the food deserts that plague areas of our city,” said Augusta’s District 8 Commissioner, Brandon Garrett.

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Consumer Stories

Custom golf cart business to launch in Evans

If you’ve ever wanted to build your own custom golf cart, you’re in luck. Kart King, LLC located at 4158 Washington Road, Suite 11 next door to Just Beds in the Park Place 2 shopping center, is scheduled to open around Nov. 16, according to its owner, Barry Hall. Besides golf carts, the new store will offer a variety of accessories, such as LED lights, custom tires, and sound bars. But Hall said what makes Kart King unique is customers can choose their carts’ body styles, colors, and other features.

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