FAIRMONT —
Bill and Janet Lewis started their Fairmont business as a way to help people.
Their store, called Bill and Janet’s Hope Chest, is brand new. It just opened for business on Friday, Dec. 7, at 614 Gaston Ave., across from Fairmont Veterinary Hospital. A dollar from the first customer who stopped by that morning is mounted on the wall.
“We have about everything,” Janet said.
The shop carries a variety of antiques, furniture, vintage dishes, toys, clothes, jewelry and much more – both brand new and used. Customers can find an array of Christmas decorations, including wreaths made by Janet and her daughter Kacie Cunningham, who helps run the business. Holiday gift baskets are also available.
The family is planning to bring in new items every single weekend to keep their inventory fresh. The majority of the store’s merchandise comes from auctions.
Janet said she’s wanted to have her own shop since she was a little girl. Her father, the Rev. Richard Fluharty, has always loved auctions and is the person who got Bill and Janet interested in going to auctions themselves, which led to their business.
“He inspired it,” Janet said.
She said everything has seemed to fall into place for them as they have been buying inventory, which they believe is the Lord at work.
“All this is because of Jesus Christ,” Bill said.
He said that he and Janet want to help people as Christians, and they’re working to do that by buying and selling items at cheaper prices. Janet added that with the current state of the economy, their goal is to provide merchandise that families can afford, especially at Christmas time.
Janet, a Farmington native, has worked to take care of mentally and physically challenged people for 12 years. Bill, who is originally from Fairview, is self-employed and has owned his company, Mobile Home Services, for 25 years. The couple now lives in Rivesville.
The building on Gaston Avenue was the home of North Pole Ice for a long time, but had been empty for about the last four years. When Bill and Janet saw the space was for sale, they felt it would fit their needs.
A total remodel was required to transform the place into Bill and Janet’s Hope Chest. After six weeks of renovations, the store now has a new furnace, ceiling and lighting and has been painted.
“It’s been a lot of work,” Janet said.
She said all of the time and effort spent getting the business ready will be worth it so they can give people a helping hand. The business’ name, Bill and Janet’s Hope Chest, reflects the idea that they’re trying to bring hope to individuals who need something and cheer them up if they’re going through difficulties in their lives.
This month, customers can put their names in a box for the chance to win a ham before Christmas, and Santa Claus is scheduled to visit with kids at the store sometime soon. The business plans to sporadically offer giveaways and special attractions like these.
As for future happenings, a few part-time employees will be joining the store. Also, Janet and Kacie are in the process of getting their food handler’s cards so they can offer baked goods, and vendors will eventually be able to rent space in the shop.
The family welcomes people to stop by Bill and Janet’s Hope Chest, which is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Email Jessica Borders at jborders@timeswv.com or follow her on Twitter @JBordersTWV.
Business
Bill and Janet’s Hope Chest has ‘about everything’
- Business
-
-
FBI’s Next Generation Identification system boosts safety
The technologies of the FBI’s Next Generation Identification system are making communities safer.
On May 5, Increment 3 went live for the NGI program, which is the FBI’s new biometrics system that is an upgrade of the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS). -
Executive Café features ‘best of everything’
The Executive Café is providing healthier breakfast and lunch options with fresh ingredients.
This new restaurant, located inside the Alan B. Mollohan Innovation Center in Fairmont’s I-79 Technology Park, had a soft opening earlier this month and celebrated its grand opening on May 17. -
Report shows ‘true drivers’ affecting coal industry
A new report examines the major factors causing the significant decline in coal production in the region and the continuing trend into the future.
On May 14, Morgantown-based Downstream Strategies LLC released a report titled “The Continuing Decline in Demand for Central Appalachian Coal: Market and Regulatory Influences.” -
Spin Cycle Laundry Service launches June 1
Spin Cycle’s mission is to help the community by providing a quality, affordable service.
This locally owned laundry service will officially launch on June 1. The new business, owned by lifelong Mannington resident Diana Sypolt, will serve all of Marion County. -
GNC moves to new location in White Hall
GNC remains committed to helping customers “Live Well” and stay healthy at its new location in White Hall.
This corporate General Nutrition Centers store recently moved into the newly constructed, three-shop plaza beside Bob Evans, at 9642 Mall Loop Road, after being located in the Middletown Mall for many years. -
Marketplace Fairness Act helps level playing field for small businesses
Local business professionals like the fact that the Marketplace Fairness Act would treat all retail equally in terms of sales taxes.
On May 6, the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013 was passed in the U.S. Senate by a 69-27 vote. -
Morgantown conference designed to help small businesses prosper
The Teaming to Win Conference is designed to help small businesses in West Virginia grow and find success.
The event will take place at the West Virginia University Erickson Alumni Center in Morgantown on Tuesday, May 28, and Wednesday, May 29. -
nTelos Wireless has new home in White Hall
nTelos Wireless is offering savings on the latest products and services at its new home in White Hall.
After being located inside the Middletown Mall for about 10 years, the business basically moved across the street into the new shopping plaza beside Bob Evans, at 9640 Mall Loop Road. -
Winners named in West Virginia Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition
The West Virginia Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition continues to help bring business ideas to life for young entrepreneurs.
-
Beach Coffee Co.: Drinks and much more
Drinking coffee is a big tradition for Jennifer Beach and her family.
On April 6, Jennifer officially opened her business, Beach Coffee Co., at 200 Buffalo St., in Mannington. It’s located beside Country Prim & Folksy in the building that formerly housed Once Upon A Tea Room. - More Business Headlines
-
FBI’s Next Generation Identification system boosts safety
