PEEBLES DEPARTMENT STORE
GRAND OPENINGPeebles Inc.
Store Manager: Mary Kay Hazelwood
Tel: (804) 445-0064
South Hill-based Peebles Inc. added a fifth national store in 1999 to the newly refurbished Tappahannock Towne Center strip shopping area on Thursday, October 28, in Tappahannock. With locations currently in 15 states, Peebles Inc. is recognized as a national leader triggering new growth in its fashion market niche geared toward middle America. At the end of the last fiscal year (ending January 30, 1999), Peebles' regional sales eclipsed $265 million. Today, all signs indicate prosperous growth will continue.
This Christmas, local residents shopped Peebles for a variety of popular home and family fashions. Offering a wide assortment of first-quality, moderately-priced both brand names and imported private brands (comparable in quality to the national brands but priced lower), Peebles guarantees something for every price range.
(l. to r.) Tappahannock Mayor Edward L. Hammond cuts the ribbon during the grand opening of Peebles Department Store in the redeveloped Tappahannock Towne Center strip mall. Assisting Mayor Hammond were Assistant County Administrator, Linda E. Lumpkin, and Tappahannock-Essex County Chamber of Commerce President, Emerson Hughes.
The 27,000 square-foot store was chosen for Tappahannock after a study revealed favorable demographics and market economics in the surrounding region. Local government officials were receptive to the Tappahannock Towne Center location with plans for redevelopment of the strip shopping area already underway. Furthermore, Peebles newest department store is centrally located within a one-hour or less drive for an estimated 80,000 Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck residents. Tappahannock Towne Center is jointly owned by J.F. Williams III, David S. Friedman, Michael S. McNally and Willis Blackwood.
At October's Grand Opening, Tappahannock-Essex County Chamber of Commerce President Emmerson Hughes officially welcomed Peebles Inc. to town, "We wish wholeheartedly to thank Peebles for its investment in our community, for improving the appearance of this shopping center - which definitely benefits us all - and for offering us an extraordinary reason to shop locally. Peebles, we know your location here will bring enthusiastic shoppers and continued community interest in what Tappahannock and Essex County have to offer."
"On behalf of the citizens of Tappahannock, I welcome Peebles to Tappahannock and Essex County," said Tappahannock Mayor Edward L. Hammond, who was present to perform the ceremonial ribbon cutting. "Tappahannock has been the retail and commercial center for this region for many years and we feel that Peebles will be an outstanding and welcome addition to the business community. Not only is Peebles offering our citizens and neighbors this beautiful facility, but also brings many other benefits to the community as well - additional employment and a much welcomed economic impact."
The 1999 Essex High School Marching Band performed during Peebles' grand opening on October 28.
At present, 17 associates in 14 divisions comprising 63 departments including, apparel, accessories and shoes, cosmetics, gifts and home fashions are employed at the store in both part- and full-time positions.
For over a century, throughout the mid-Atlantic and southern states region, Peebles Inc. has taken pride in knowing its customers - who they are; where they live; their likes and dislikes. "We aim to continue this tradition right here in Tappahannock," says Peebles Store Manager Mary Kay Hazelwood. "We are excited to be in Essex County and hope to remain a positive business presence that will soon attract other retailers to the area."
The County offers business developers and investors a wide selection of sites available for building and improvement along with several existing buildings, shops and office centers ready for immediate occupation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
R. Gary Allen
County Administrator
Essex County
P.O. Box 1079
Tappahannock, VA 22560
Phone: 804-443-4331
Fax: 804-443-4157
Email:llumpkin@crosslink.netLinda E. Lumpkin
Assistant County Administrator
P.O. Box 1079, 205 Cross Street
Courthouse Square
Tappahannock, VA 22560
Phone: 804-443-5241
Fax: 804-443-4157
Email:llumpkin@crosslink.net
