Shop Locally in Wilson (plus exciting news!)

(This post is sponsored by Designsensory, Inc. Opinions are my own.)

I’m a big believer in shopping locally and spending my money in small towns. I’m also a believer in making the best use of my time. I have better things to do than fight traffic for a parking spot in a crowded mall lot. Don’t you?

Sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and let me show you how fun it can be to shop locally in Wilson, Arkansas. Even with only a population of 903, I think you’ll be surprised at the unique shopping opportunities available.

Why shop locally?

Before I wow you with gifts galore, why is shopping locally important? I’ve written about this topic before, especially as it relates to local produce, but the benefits of shopping locally apply to every type product.

• For every dollar you spend locally, three dollars is pumped back into your community. This is called the multiplier effect. It’s a real thing.
• Local businesses help towns maintain and sustain a unique personality. Wilson has always been special, so let’s keep it that way and support what we have.
• Buying locally creates more local jobs and provides a long-term investment in community. These small businesses are not only employing local people, but they are creating and buying advertisement, printing, hiring attorneys, donating to schools, and so forth.
• Buying locally reduces the cost of transportation, congestion, and pollution. This is common sense truth, and planet Earth will thank you.
• And yes, local produce is tastier, fresher, and in season.

Shopping in Wilson? 

Yes! My sister and I had a fabulous time on our recent shopping trip to Wilson. Take a look at these inspirational gift ideas I pulled together from Wilson Pharmacy, Priceless Galleries, The Grange, and Gunn’s Supermarket. For illustration purposes, I created a few basic gift giving “groups” but many of my gift ideas work across the board for everyone. And keep in mind, the Wilson Pharmacy sells so much more than medication. Priceless Galleries has clothing and handbags. The lush ferns at Gunn’s Supermarket will spiff up your front porch in no time flat. The Grange sells biscuit mix.

In other words, don’t pigeonhole places. Get your pocketbook and go see for yourself.

For the Ladies~

Need a perfect birthday gift for your favorite female or a sweet gift for mom? Wilson Pharmacy has a feast of options—jewelry, perfume, frames, YES, all sorts of eye candy for every price range. Circle the date on your calendar. Mother’s Day 2017 is Sunday, May 14. Don’t dare forget.

Want bonus points? Add fresh flowers from Gunn’s Supermarket or a potted plant from The Grange.

For the Men~

Wilson has your man covered as well. For that special birthday, Father’s Day, or “just because”, check out the options from Priceless Galleries (below) and Wilson Pharmacy (further below).

For the Teacher~

End of school means a heartfelt thank you to those special teachers who work tirelessly throughout the year. Wilson Pharmacy has cards and small gifts sure to make every teacher happy.

The Grange has candles, plants, and fresh produce. Wouldn’t a teacher love a bouquet of locally grown Delta carrots? I would!

For the Gardener~

For the gardener on your list, Wilson Pharmacy has a charming selection of garden-themed gifts for home and porch including wreaths, “permanent” succulents, decorative pottery, bowls, and more. It’s a well known fact (in my mind) that bringing the outdoors inside makes for a calm home.

For the Cook~

Wilson Pharmacy has a large selection of gifts for your favorite chef plus oodles of wedding shower gift options too. I don’t know if brides still register for fine china, but I guarantee she’ll get tons of use out of that adorable green polka dot serving bowl. Even if she uses it for popcorn.

Every kitchen needs a cheese board made locally by wood artisan Khris Goble. Khris crafts his pieces from Mississippi County history using wood from old area homes and barns. Priceless Galleries carries a few of his pieces. Find out more about his work HERE.  (He makes gorgeous furniture, too.)

For the Baby~

Oh baby! When you see the cuteness at Wilson Pharmacy, you’ll be trying to think of a new baby to shower with presents.

For the Hostess~

The good guest always comes bearing a small gift. The truly organized guest keeps a well-stocked gift closet for such occasions. Or so I’ve heard.

For the Kiddo~

For the young (and young at heart), Priceless Galleries has a wonderful assortment of stuffed animals, games, and adorable rain boots. Also, in true southern style, Priceless Galleries can monogram anything not moving! Monogram your child’s name on a cute tote and maybe he’ll be more likely to rein in those Legos spread across the floor?

For the Fan~

For game day and everyday. Wolves Up and Wooo Pig Sooie!

For the Party~

Hit up Gunn’s before your fish fry, barbecue, or Memorial Day shindig at the lake. Ready or not, summer is coming, y’all!

For the Reader~

Speaking of summer, have you compiled your summer reading list? Wilson Pharmacy’s book selection spans garden, cooking, home decor, Delta history, fiction and non-fiction. They have classic and new children’s books, too! A book, a pair of cute reader’s, and a scented candle—yes, please and thank you.

For the Tastemaker~

Have you heard the latest Wilson news? White’s Mercantile will soon be calling Wilson home.

In May, White’s Mercantile will open in the old gas station space which has been completely restyled and revamped. (The gas station has relocated down the street.)

Are you familiar with White’s? If not, you might want to brace yourself because in my opinion White’s Mercantile will be yet another game changer in the rock steady reinvention of Wilson. White’s Mercantile is a hip and trendy general store owned by country music singer Holly Williams.

BUT. Before I discuss details of the store, I’d be disingenuous if I didn’t stop and say loud and clear in my natural delta twang: Holly is the daughter of Hank Williams, Jr.

Mercy.

This is where I pretend to be chill while inside I am dying of fangirl excitement because not only do I love her music, but I KNEW it was only a matter of time before Bocephus rolled on down Highway 61 to Mississippi County, Arkansas. And I wish my Daddy had lived to see the day.

Williams was drawn to Wilson not only because of the town’s cotton farming roots and close proximity to Memphis, but also because of the interesting cultural happenings in the area. Wilson will be White’s third location. The original is in Nashville. The second location in Franklin, Tennessee opened in 2015.)

Named after her maternal grandparents, Warren and June White, Williams describes White’s Mercantile as “a general store for the modern tastemaker”. (Tastemaker = A person who decides or influences what is or will become fashionable.) Each item sold comes with a personal story connecting it to Williams. The varied inventory includes apothecary items, trendy clothing for adults and babies, weekender bags, Bloody Mary mix, cookbooks, goodies for your dog, and Rag & Bone boots.

I believe in quality over quantity in everything. I believe in investing in things that you will love and cherish for years to come instead of mindlessly dropping money on things that will not keep relevant through the seasons and time and changes in your life. ” (Holly’s philosophy)

Wilson Mayor Becton Bell believes “the addition of White’s Mercantile to our town will help share the history and story of Wilson.”

And with this latest news, Wilson continues to ratchet on up the cool scale.

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

[tweetthis]It’s never been so hip to shop locally in #Wilson @whitesmerc @hollywilliams1 @GrowWilson #ad #buylocal #delta[/tweetthis]

Musical Pairing:
Holly Williams, The Highway