JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Small businesses are being celebrated across the country this week, and Terrarium Plant Store in downtown Johnson City and the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce are encouraging people to shop small.
Terrarium Plant Store opened in downtown Johnson City nearly three years ago. Owner Kelly Sluder said being a small business in this location helps build a sense of community.
“I love the walkability of downtown, with easy access for everyone,” Sluder said. “So if someone comes to the farmers market or comes downtown to shop, they don’t need to make an appointment, they can just come and plant with us.”
Haylee Bode, an employee known as the Plant Guru at Terrarium Plant Store, also believes the location is beneficial for small businesses.
“We're happy because there's a lot of foot traffic,” Bode said. “So you meet so many different people here that you wouldn't otherwise meet, because they just walk around and stop by.”
Sluder said he frequently collaborates with other businesses downtown.
“At least 11 have opened since we've been here,” Sluder said. “We're a really tight-knit group of business owners, and we love the feeling that everyone who comes downtown is trying to do something fun. That's why we always have great customers.”
The Johnson City Chamber of Commerce helps businesses connect with the community.
Chamber President and CEO Bob Cantler said small businesses are the soul of the Johnson City community.
“What we appreciate about small businesses as a chamber is that for every dollar they spend, we collect $0.68 to stay in our community,” Cantler said. “So there’s a lot of value and purpose behind that, including the taxes on the investment that they give back to the business and the vendors they use. By keeping those funds here, we It keeps the business community healthy.”
Cantler said small businesses are unique and many visitors from different states come to Johnson City for those different options.
“When visitors come to our community, they want to find places to visit that are not found in their local community, whether it's a restaurant, a retail store or just a unique place,” Cantler said. .
Cantler said small businesses can visit the chamber's website to see how they can connect.
Terrarium Plant Store, along with other small businesses, will be participating in Spring Sip and Shop this Thursday, May 2nd in downtown Johnson City. I need a ticket. Available for purchase on the Downtown Johnson City website.
