Nov 19, 2007

New location gives Warm Splendors Country Shoppe exposureBy Jennifer RichBradenton.com

Bradenton — There’s lots to look at in Terri Vickers’ shop – cows, pigs, apples, gingerbread and roosters.Amid the menagerie is plenty of style – Americana, Primitive and Retro.

The Warm Splendors Country Shoppe on 301 Boulevard three blocks east of the DeSoto Square Mall reeks of ambiance. Even the structure of the shop – part frame building, part converted semi trailer – adds to the atmosphere. VIckers calls it the “blue metal building under the oak tree.”

The shop offers everything from Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, candles and tart warmers, stitchery and prints to plate racks, tin signs, pottery and barn stars.

As you wind your way through the sprawling interior, shoppers discover a new treasure trove at every turn.

“We are thinking of doing more consignment,” said Vickers, who blends antique finds at estate and garage sales at the shop with crafts from 20 suppliers. “Locals are always coming in and wanting to know if I have antiques.”

The shop’s homey feel is underlined by Vickers’ homespun retail motto. “I tell everyone, ‘Call ahead and I’ll make coffee.’ ” She then offers a visitor coffee in a to-go cup with coconut creamer.

Vickers, a former county employee, started the business in 1997 on State Road 70 with craft items she had made. The shop later moved to the Red Barn Flea Market and then the ill-fated Shoppers Bazaar. When it closed, Vickers found her new location. A former upholstery and satellite TV business, the shop has good retail exposure, she said.

Larger competitors like Cracker Barrel stores force Vickers to keep her merchandise reasonably priced. She carries everything from $1 miniature Christmas ornaments to a $125 folk art sculpture. To clear shelves for more Christmas merchandise, she is offering a free gift with every purchase through November.

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