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What-not shop has 'eye appeal'

Staff reporter

Everyone knows where the store is located. How can you miss it? It's bright green!

That's exactly why Teresa Carroll, owner of TC's What Not Shop at 901 E. Main, Marion, painted it an eye-catching color.

"I want people to notice my store when they drive by," Carroll said, and to have no doubt that the store is open for business.

Carroll understands retail business and knows one of her strongest marketing tools is attracting the customer to her store.

When the customer comes to her shop, "the eye buys," Carroll said. "That's how women buy.

"I look for what I like or what would sell at a reasonable price that everyone can afford and enjoy," she said.

Jewelry, stained glass, candles, purses, and other items that are primarily designed for women are on display, but a closer look reveals there's something for everyone.

K-State and KU items, leather apparel, photographs by Les Broadstreet, furniture, home furnishings, food items, and antiques are among the items in the store. There's no more booth space available but Carroll is willing to take more consignment items.

"I have 12 booth-renters," Carroll said, which offers a variety for the discriminating buyer. She has started a list of those interested in renting a booth space if one should come available.

Stock rotation and new items will keep customers coming back, Carroll said.

"It changes daily," she said, with more items added and different goods offered by the various vendors who have booths.

Most of her customers are women but some are men shopping for gifts for women.

Carroll is planning seasonal promotions with the next one being for Mother's Day when shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase special gifts designed especially for mothers.

Now that she's been open nearly six weeks, how's it going?

"I love my location and appreciate the town's support," Carroll said. And she's heard a lot of comments — positive ones — about the color of her building and her store.

"I know if I offer quality merchandise in a quality store, it will be a benefit to this community," she said, and that's what she intends to continue to do.

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