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Retail
Closings

Award-winning downtown retailer set to close

After six years of bringing clean beauty to Augusta, FIELD Botanicals will permanently close its storefront on Saturday, February 15, 2025. This decision comes after careful consideration and reflects the challenges that small businesses face today. “Since our opening in 2018, the retail landscape has evolved dramatically, making it increasingly difficult for small, independent businesses to compete with industry giants and shifting consumer trends,” said Jennifer Tinsley, founder of FIELD Botanicals. “Despite our best efforts to adapt, we have made the difficult decision to close the store. This decision reflects

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Staff Report January 15, 2025 No Comments
Consumer Stories

No Retail Room at the “Riverwood Inn”

100% of the existing buildings are now full at the shopping centers outside of Riverwood Plantation in Evans. Publix has more than half of the more than 100,000 square feet occupied between retail stores and out parcel properties at the intersection of Washington Road and William Few Parkway. Salt Interior and Design occupied the last space available recently, replacing a Taekwondo center. That business moved into a significantly larger space next to Rooted, a locally owned café. AR Workshop was the previous tenant next to Rooted. There are a few

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Neil Gordon January 5, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Synovus Sponsored Article: ‘Tis the Season to Protect Your Business from Fraud

Commercial fraud – from phishing attacks and identity theft to check fraud – has been on the rise, affecting businesses of all sizes, including those in Augusta. In fact, in 2023 80% of surveyed organizations were hit by actual or attempted payment fraud attacks, according to the 2024 AFP Payments and Control Survey Report. While the holidays are a time of cheer and joy, it can also be a time when businesses are vulnerable to the seasonal spike in fraud and scams. To protect your business, follow these tips. Verify

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Helen Caldwell, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banker at Synovus Bank December 25, 2024 No Comments
B2B Stories

History Meets the Present at New Shop

The CSRA is somewhat of an antique picker’s paradise and Edgefield, South Carolina has a new option for finding old treasures. The Magnolia Barn opened earlier this month in the original Hartley Barn built in 1920. For owner Sheree Tuttle, finding the location at 817 Buncombe Street, and opening the shop fulfilled a dream. It’s more than just about selling antiques. “The Magnolia Barn brings to life my three favorite things. I love antiques but I had a 20-year medical career, so I’m also offering a line of health supplements

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Mitzi Oxford December 22, 2024 No Comments
Consumer Stories

4th Small Business Saturday event ends Friday

The Soul City group is wrapping up its post-Helene present to the community this Friday after a two-week run-in downtown Augusta. (26) Downtown businesses are participating in a holiday decorating contest – the Soul City Spectacular. Windows, doors, and entire facades of buildings will be decorated in a festive holiday spirit. Businesses will be competing in the following categories: The Most Creative, The Most Colorful, The Most Elegant, and The Best Overall. According to John Porter, Downtown Soul City Director, “I think people are still feeling the emotional toll after

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Staff Report December 15, 2024 No Comments
B2B Stories

Record-breaking holiday spending expected

The just-wrapped-up five-day holiday shopping kickoff over Thanksgiving shows promise for the rest of the period. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported an estimated 197 million shoppers participated in the traditional start of the holiday shopping season. That surpasses the prediction of 183.4 million shoppers. The full holiday shopping season is Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. The findings were in a survey conducted for NRF by Prosper Insights and Analytics. ABD joined a virtual briefing NRF and Prosper Insights organized for news reporters. “Thanksgiving is a single five-day shopping period

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Dana Lynn McIntyre December 4, 2024 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Parker’s Kitchen opens newest store in Evans

Over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Parker’s Kitchen opened its newest convenience store/restaurant in Evans on the corner of Washington Road and William Few Parkway. ABD checked and Parker’s sold unleaded gasoline for as little as $2.45 per gallon. Drivers heading towards the lake from Washington Road in Evans will find it easy to make a right-hand turn into the 2-acre lot. Those heading from the lake, Riverwood subdivision, or Windmill area subdivisions will find it easier to turn right into the TPS store that’s located across the street from Parker’s

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Neil Gordon December 1, 2024 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Ray Ray’s opening second location in 2025

Ray Carnes, the founder of the Recteq grill is living proof that “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Carnes had a public spat in 2023 with former Columbia County commissioner/Sparkle car wash owner, Gary Richardson over his desire to build a competing car wash near Washington Road and the Riverwatch Parkway. Carnes got his plan approved after originally being denied. Carnes got an attorney involved and appeared on the Austin Rhodes program on WGAC and spoke to ABD. Carnes told us that construction is in full swing

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Neil Gordon November 26, 2024 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Countdown to Downtown Small Business Shopping Event

After families gather on Thursday for Thanksgiving and hit the stores for Black Friday shopping, next up on the calendar is Downtown Augusta’s Small Business Saturday Crawl. Look for the stars at participating shops on November 30, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. You can start the experience with Augusta & Co., 1010 Broad Street. They’re giving the first 150 shoppers complimentary locally designed canvas totes and Crawl maps. Each of the sponsoring businesses is also donating items and gift cards for gift baskets. Participants can enter to win a

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Mitzi Oxford November 25, 2024 No Comments
Consumer Stories

How to SCORE More Holiday Shoppers

As the holiday shopping season approaches, small businesses are gearing up for one of the busiest times of the year, from Black Friday to Small Business Saturday and beyond. SCORE, America’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, offers entrepreneurs practical advice to make the most of the season. Plan for the Holiday Rush Reflect on last year’s performance. Did you meet your sales goals? Use your previous data to forecast sales, set promotional strategies, and manage staffing needs to provide outstanding customer care. “It’s about more than just sales; it’s

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Staff Report November 24, 2024 No Comments
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