What is the primary purpose of your business?
The main reason that our gift shop operates is to sell signature gifts of Rome and fun gifts for everyone.
We spotlight local and state artists, authors and producers, supporting Georgia’s Creative Economies Initiative.
We feature unique souvenirs that appeal to both the local and visitor alike!
What is the business background of the owners?
The wonderful group that we have working up here on Jackson Hill comes from a variety of backgrounds.
They were brought to us from business, retail, marketing, public relations and communications sectors.
It is a very nice range that allows us to roll out great service to the community and its visitors!
Why did you start (or purchase) this particular business?
The Last Stop Gift Shop came about in response to requests from visitors looking for Rome souvenirs.
After these keepsakes got to where they were in huge demand, the Rome-Floyd Visitor Center began selling limited items. Several years later the business has grown into a larger inventory of local- and state-themed items.What makes your business unique?
The Last Stop Gift Shop sells many items created and/or grown in Georgia, Rome keepsakes, and acts as a gallery for local artists, authors and producers. We are very thrilled to be able to help spread the word about the great wealth of talent here in the area, and we believe it very important to support our local and state economies!
What do you enjoy most about your chosen profession?
My favorite thing about being here at the Last Stop Gift Shop and Rome-Floyd Visitor Center is getting to meet the tourists from all over the country and even the world. In addition, I also love meeting the talented people whose items appear in our store, and getting to spotlight those talents. We have a lot of that here in Georgia’s Rome!
What has been the biggest or most interesting challenge to overcome as a small business owner?
Going from a bigger retail environment to a smaller one has been quite an adjustment because here, fewer people wear more “hats.”
Many would be surprised to know how hectic it gets at our gift shop. At the end of the day, it is very rewarding to be able to help so many people on both the retail and tourism side of our operation!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
The Last Stop Gift Shop is the premier vendor for many of its consignors, and features everything from jewelry to food products, candles to postcards, as well as books from local authors.
We recently launched a website offering our best-selling items.
The online store features everything from T-shirts and other apparel, to signature glassware and Tervis Tumblers, in addition to more traditional souvenir like thimbles and spoons.
We are looking forward to watching that part of the business grow, helping us continue to deliver great customer service in person and online!
We have been excited to be able to take our love for local talent and develop it into an Art Market series featuring area artists, authors and producers.
We had a blast at our December Winter Art Market and Spring Art Market earlier this month.
We enjoy getting to meet new faces not only on a day-to-day basis but through the various events that we schedule into our year.
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