Name of Owner: Betty Hermann
Year you opened for business: 1980
How would you describe your business?
A fun, ever-changing store with different customer needs everyday.
Briefly describe your typical client/customer.
Someone who is having or going to a special event and is in need of that special something.
What is one thing most people do not know about your business that would surprise him/her?
We’ve been in business for 30 years!
What do you enjoy most about doing business in your district/community?
Everybody is close knit and tries to keep business right here with each other.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in Hampton Roads?
The fact that our inventory is pretty unique and I love to hear people say they have looked everywhere and finally found it here.
What challenges do you face as a business owner?
Competing with the big box stores.
What’s in store for your business in the future?
Maybe another 30 years?
What could local government do to help small business owners in your business district (besides lower taxes)?
More city involvement. More trees and shrubs. We did not get a tree out front because they said they ran out of money!
What is one thing your business district needs?
Enforce litter laws and reduce the amount of pan handers/beggars that frequent the same stores.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Our customers should not have to feel afraid or harassed by these people when they want to shop at our stores.
