Retail

What began as a railroad town in the mid-1800s after the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Companies’ line from Charleston to the Savannah River was built, would become a winter home for wealthy 19th-century equestrians from the north. More than 100 years later, another chapter is being added to Aiken’s history as a Christmas destination. According to Southern Living and an online site, Only in Your State, Aiken is THE place to visit this time of year. The publications describe Aiken as “a holiday extravaganza packed with festivities that are

Maddie P Boutique and Kels & Faith Company got a jump start on Black Friday sales by opening at 7:00 pm on Thanksgiving. The strategy paid off. Way before the doors opened, a long line of shoppers was already waiting despite the chill and rain. The two boutiques share store space at 126 Pendleton Street. The partnership has worked well for both. They moved together from Warrenville to Aiken in March of this year. Jessica Gaskins, the owner of Maddie P’s, attracts customers from 17 to 70. Kelsey Cook’s Kels

Michelle Lemmons wants to help her customers drink their way to better health. Lemmons owns The Vibe Nutrition, 4446 Washington Road, Suite 6, near Shane’s Rib Shack in Evans. The retail space used to belong to another nutrition business, The Healthy Hangout, which closed permanently in the spring of 2022. She sells a variety of nutritious items, such as sugar-free energy tea bombs, protein coffee, and meal replacement shakes. Shakes, which come in several tasty flavors, including Almond Joy, German chocolate cake, and Captain Crunch, contain protein, greens, vitamins, and

Maybe you didn’t want to grow up because you were a Toys “R” Us kid. But you can now shop for your own kids at the iconic toy store by visiting Macy’s in the Augusta Mall. Macy’s has partnered with a company called WHP Global to bring the Toys “R” Us brand to all its stores throughout the United States, according to a company spokeswoman, Stephanie Jimenez. Jimenez said the Augusta store opened its nearly 1,500-square-foot shop, which is located on the lower level, on Aug. 1. “Since last August,

Claire Riche has created a fun, interactive trick-or-treat event that helps to promote businesses in downtown Augusta. Riche is the organizer of the third annual Trick or Treat on Broad Street, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 29 starting at 5 p.m. During the free event, more than 40 businesses, including The Southern Salad, Grantski Records, and Knuckle Sandwiches, will distribute candy to children 12 and under. The event will also include an art show hosted by Augusta & Co. and the Greater Augusta Sports Council, as well as face

This weekend, an Evans-based company will give back to the community by hosting a large customer appreciation event. Recteq will host its annual Recteq Fest on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., at its showroom located at 4301 Evans to Locks Road. The free event will include a car show, product demonstrations, free food, giveaways, and live music. Founded in 2009 by Ray Carnes and Ron Cundy, the company sells a wide range of pellet grills, as well as rubs, sauces, and accessories. Besides Evans, it also has a