Has Oxford been Targeted?

By Jacob Batte

The city of Oxford and the University of Mississippi have known two primary grocery stores for over a decade with Kroger and Walmart. However, many citizens and residents aren’t satisfied. For several years rumors of a Target have been floating around. 

In a poll conducted by the Daily Mississippian, 91 percent said they were very interested in having a Target come to the small, college town. 

Meaghan Mike, a planning coordinator for Target, could not comment on whether or not the major corporation was considering Oxford as a possible destination, but she could confirm that they were looking to expand to the fast growing North Mississippi area. 

“We identify new store opportunities in trade areas that are underserved or have the potential for new population growth. We analyze extensive data on existing store performance, demographics, competition and market potential to identify trader areas which would be well-served by additional Target store locations,” Mike said. 

Mayor Pat Patterson, said the city is contacted all the time about new businesses potentially coming to the city, but could not comment on if he had heard from Target. Patterson said the city is happy to host new businesses, but didn’t see the necessity of a new grocery store. 

“Groceries are still groceries no matter where you get them from. Is Target really going to be able to come here and take loyal customers away from Kroger and Walmart? I don’t think so. I think they would be better suited in Tupelo or Desoto (County)."

Spencer Beaver, senior business major at the University of Mississippi, said he doesn’t think the competition would slow down the potential success the much called for chain would bring in. 

“Target is so much better than Walmart. I know there are two big chains here but I think that Target could easily overcome them. There is such a demand for real competition,” he said. 

Sarah Zornes, junior biology major at the University of Mississippi, said there is a wide market for Target, especially among those in greek life. 

“I would love to have a Target. Walmart sucks. We don’t all live in the backwoods, and that is what they cater too. Target just fits the Oxford mentality better. Kroger is ok, but they’re from the 1990’s. (Target) has more fresh food options, cuter clothes and is just all around better,” the Virginia native said. 

Cynthia Sellars, 59, of Oxford, said the addition of a higher quality franchise would benefit everyone. 

“I love Target. They have better deals and better quality products than Walmart. I would love for Oxford to get one. We’re a growing town and (Walmart) hasn’t upgraded their product. They need competition. At the least it would force them to step up their game,” Sellars said. 

Kevin Black, 47, is one of the few that isn’t in overwhelming support of getting another grocery store. 

“I like Walmart and Kroger just fine. I don’t think we need a new grocery store. But I have gone to Target before and it was pretty cool. I just don’t think it’s necessary.”

Oxford eateries hope to profit from Double Decker

By Jennifer Wilson

Oxford will celebrate its 17^th annual Double Decker Arts Festival this year featuring several concerts, artwork for sale, a children’s fair and a variety of food vendors.

Several local restaurant owners and employees are looking forward to sharing their food and making a profit by being a part of Double Decker’s “Taste of Oxford.”

Some of the eateries that are participating in this year’s festival include: Abner’s Famour Tenders, Honeybee Bakery, Tacky Shack, Rooster’s Blues House, Square Pizza, Two Stick, Chick-Fil-A, and The Rib Cage.

Clint Boutwell, owner of Tacky Shack and Char Grille Seafood & Steaks, decided to be a part of Double Decker for one reason.

“The money. That’s all,” Boutwell said.

 “Just kidding, I also want to get exposure for my businesses. Especially Char Grille, it has only been open about a month, and we are not on the Square like some of the other places participating, so we really want to get out there.”

This will be Boutwell’s first year to be a part of Double Decker. He said that he is not positive that a profit will be made, but is hoping for the best.

Tracy McCraken, bartender at The Rib Cage, also agreed that money is the main reason why most restaurants, including The Rib Cage, participate in the festival. She said she is confident that the restaurant she works for will see a great profit.

“The biggest reason for our participation is probably money,” McCracken said. “We have participated in the past and it is always a good money-maker.”

Although money is the first thing McCraken pointed out, she also said that The Rib Cage gets involved in the festival because this is “the coolest part of the year in Oxford.”

Similarly, Annie Williams, marketing director for Chick-Fil-A, expressed that they are not just participating to make a profit, but “to be as involved as possible in the community.”

“We weren’t able to do it last year, so we are really excited to get involved,” Williams said. “Of course we hope to make money, that is always a positive, but it is not the main reason. The main reason is to give back to the community.”

Honey Bee Bakery

by Sarah Fuston

When one thinks of the quaint town of Oxford, Miss., the infamous Square is often the first thought that comes to mind. Consisting mainly of local stores, the Square is a one-stop shopping oasis for all needs. Having success with a business outside of this thriving shopping center can pose some difficulties. Honey Bee Bakery, located on the other side of town, has managed to dodge this obstacle as one of Oxford’s most famous eateries.

“I would like to think our success could be attributed to our dedication to making every meal a wonderful experience,” said owner Shannon Adams. “We put immense time and effort into all of our products and I think it shows.”

Honey Bee Bakery has been featured in many magazines and newspapers and has an extensive list of awards and honorable mentions. From their cakes being mentioned in Southern Living Magazine to articles in Bon Appetit and Gourmet magazine, the locally owned bakery has had its share of publicity.

“When my daughter decided to attend Ole Miss, I immediately remembered the piece we did on Honey Bee,” said former Assistant Editor of Southern Living, Kay Acton. “When we came for orientation, I made sure we stopped there for breakfast; I couldn’t resist taking home two of their famous cakes.”

The bakery has made a point to buy locally and organically as often as possible. They have recently made a conscious effort to become “greener” as well; they no longer use Styrofoam and have implemented recycling.

“Running a restaurant can use up and waste a lot of resources in itself,” said Adams. “Why not put in the extra effort to do our part in helping out the environment?”

Located in the shopping center across from Wal-Mart, Honey Bee Bakery holds art shows and private parties on occasion. They also cater and make customized cakes and other pastries. Their dedication and authenticity may very well be the key to this bakery’s success.

“Since it’s out of our way, I would not go near as much if I was not obsessed,” said junior finance major Janie Williams. “I swear there is crack in their breakfast.”

Yellow Lovebirds

By Sarah Fuston

           

In the heart of Oxford lies the Square, home to the best locally-owned shops North Mississippi has to offer. With the majority of locals sharing an anti-chain position, it is no surprise the new store Yellow Lovebirds, a homegrown Mississippi boutique, is welcomed with eagerness.

After living in Charleston, SC, owner Carrie Hancock moved back to her hometown with the dream of opening a clothing store. In September 2010, the educational psychology graduate from Mississippi State University opened the first Yellow Lovebirds in downtown Tupelo. The family-owned shop became an instant hit.

 The store’s fast booming success prompted owner Hancock to start considering a second location. A month shy of the shop’s one-year anniversary, Hancock began making plans in August 2011 to open another. She set her sights on Oxford because of the Square’s shopping reputation.

“People go to Oxford with intention to spend money,” Hancock says, “and when you get down to it, the only way a store is successful is if people go in with the intention of spending their money there.”

Keeping an eye out for possible real estate, Hancock came across a property opening at the corner of Van Buren Ave. in January 2012, and jumped at the opportunity. Since opening in March, the Oxford location has been profitable despite the current recession. Already aware of the obstacle the economy poses, Hancock finds the people portion to be the biggest learning experience when opening an establishment.

“The biggest challenge has been dealing with the public and with personalities that are not like mine,” Hancock says. “I know how I conduct myself when I am in a store to make a return or when a situation arises, and dealing with people that react differently in those situations than how I would is rather difficult and frustrating.”

Completely family-run with Hancock’s mom and sister helping out, Yellow Lovebirds offers clothes, shoes and accessories at reasonable prices.

We had a wonderful time at the Yellow Lovebirds,” Tupelo customer Kelly Lee Brown says. “We shopped for three hours and could have stayed longer. Looking forward to our next excursion.”

The boutique’s economy-friendly reputation allows the store to compete with its more expensive neighbors.

“I appreciate Yellow Lovebirds reluctance to jack up the prices like too many other stores in Oxford,” Junior Accounting major Sophie Smith said. “The nice quality of the clothes and the helpful staff will definitely have me returning.”

Facing across from the Lyric, the store is located in between Tummies Maternity and Bottletree Bakery. Although Yellow Lovebirds does not currently have a website, customers can still browse through the newest clothing lines through their Facebook page. By calling the store and naming a specific Facebook picture, they will mail the clothing to the customer for a more personal online shopping experience.

“Well-made, but affordable can be hard to come by in Oxford,” Smith says. “I think Yellow Lovebirds has found its niche.”

Northern Mississippi economy on the rise

By Jacob Batte

Despite the struggling economy, recent polling numbers collected by the Mississippi Economic Council suggest that business and community leaders around Mississippi are optimistic about the state’s long-term growth potential.

The poll found that nearly eight out of 10 interviewees believed that Mississippi could experience the same kind of growth over the next 10 years that other Southern states like Georgia and North Carolina have enjoyed.

“Throughout the state, we’re seeing a real belief that there are opportunities to grow,” said Scott Waller, senior vice president of public affairs for the Mississippi Economic Council.

Unlike many parts of the state, North Mississippi has already begun to show signs of this anticipated growth.

Max Hipp, president and CEO of the Oxford Chamber of Commerce, said that there are pockets of places all across the country that are really hurting, but that Northeast Mississippi is poised for future growth.

“People are going to be seeking out places that are desirable to live, where there’s a quality of life, a variety of housing, a variety of job opportunities and we’ve been recognized as a place of economic strength for our size,” Hipp said. “Most people feel very positive around here about our future.”

In fact, Oxford was recently recognized as one of the top “micropolitan” cities in the United States. Policom, a company that specializes in studying localized economies, evaluated these cities, whose populations range from 10,000 to 50,000.  They ranked Oxford 26th out of 576 qualifying cities based on its consistent growth.

Christy Knapp, Oxford Chamber of Commerce’s executive vice president, said that it’s important for Policom to target that size of a particular grouping.

“There’s a lot that’s going on in smaller communities,” she said. “I would point to (local business) FNC as an example. Their clients are not here in Oxford, they’re all over the country. We’re glad they decided to stay.”

Knapp said that Mississippi is blessed to have Gov. Haley Barbour’s focus on economic development.

“He has been a key player and a key driver in helping to attract some of the projects that have come here,” Knapp said. “I think maybe that’s why people are feeling encouraged that our future elected officials and legislature will continue along that vein.”

In addition to Oxford, other parts of North Mississippi are also showing strong growth. Tupelo scored highly on the Policom rankings, falling just outside the top 100. Olive Branch was listed at No. 1 on Business Week’s ranking of the fastest growing cities in America from 2000 to 2010.

The many large corporations setting up manufacturing sites in North Mississippi also create strong job growth regionally. In addition to the well-publicized Toyota factory, lesser projects like Oxford’s Winchester plant can be strong drivers of growth for local economies.

“With Winchester coming on, we can look forward to another 1,000 jobs in the next five years along with 500 spin-off jobs,” Hipp said. “We’re talking a huge economic impact to the region of about $50 million.”

Despite many positive indications of growth and development, some Mississippians think the state has a long way to go before it can achieve the meaningful growth predicted by the respondents of the Economic Council poll.

Ole Miss economics professor William Shughart said Mississippi has barriers it must overcome before it can expect any kind of substantial growth. He has a different view than many Mississippians on the state recruiting large firms to operate here.

“We’ve got to get away from the mindset that you hand out favors to special firms, give them breaks, whatever,” Shughart said. “These economic development incentives are very costly and there’s no real evidence that they pay off in the long run.”

Shughart said he would rather see the state reduce regulations and taxes on all businesses instead of offering preferential treatment to a select few.

“If we cut the regulatory and tax burden on business, they would come,” he said. “If property tax relief and sales tax relief is good for Nissan and Toyota, it should be good for everybody else, too.”

Another issue raised by Shughart is Mississippi’s reluctance to do away with its inventory tax. In addition to more traditional taxes, each business is required to pay a percent of the value of the inventory they hold at the end of each year. This can deter companies that warehouse or distribute goods from operating in Mississippi.

Mississippi’s economy has many bright spots that are showing signs of improvement. However, Shughart said the state’s education problem is deeply rooted and will ultimately hinder the success of the state.

“Until the public education system starts doing a better job, we’re going to have trouble growing because the number one thing that businesses look for when they’re relocating is an available, trained or trainable, work force,” he said. “We just don’t have that.”

Despite the problems facing Mississippi, Hipp said he believes the state’s long-term growth is inevitable.

“When you think about it, the Carolinas grew like this 30 and 40 years ago,” he said. “People from the North were looking for places to go where they could operate cheaper and get away from the hustle and bustle, so they went south. As a guy from Ohio told me one time, Mississippi is still a frontier.”

Something of a dream
By Katherine Glenn

Mesmerized by the assortments of over 100 candies, you almost miss the amazing homemade milkshakes and Bluebell ice cream that the employees will whip up, just the way you like it. Homemade cupcakes, cakes and pies; Holli's Sweet Tooth of Oxford, Mississippi is too similar to something of a dream. Millions of movie fans can recall the character Charlie Bucket, a boy who got to experience the most amazing factory ever in the timeless Hollywood classic, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Like the oompa loompas in Willy Wonka’s factory, known for making fans of the movie smile, the candy loving employees at Holli’s are there to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Oxford schools let out for the day, and children of all grades wanting their chocolate fix swarm with anticipation to the square. It’s a spot where grandparents love to spoil their grandchildren and where parents begin their plea bargains.

Owner Holli Ratcliffe got the idea of opening the hot spot right after graduating from Ole Miss.  Establishing Holli’s Sweet Tooth in 2006, she felt Oxford could use a fun place on the Square that offered yummy treats to kids of all ages.

Unlike Mr.Wonka and his strict rules, Holli welcomes guests to indulge in their candy-loving passions. A few cozy tables inside the parlor set the tone for friends to come and relax, for lovers to enjoy something sweet or for those rare pauses in life to occur where nothing is on your mind except the alluring smell of homemade cake mix. Pet lovers can even bring in their canine companions to enjoy Holli’s dog treats.

Like the many personalities portrayed in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, children can be mischievous, especially when it involves candy. One child, similar to the greedy, self-centered, Augustus Gloop, could not resist the urge of stealing Holli’s decorative sign.

A few weeks after the incident, the good news was passed among the small community that Holli’s Sweet Tooth had put up its new sign.

A sweet little girl, who is a faithful Holli’s customer, was upset about the sign getting stolen, and asked her grandfather to make the store a new sign

The sign was signed, "To Holli, from Piper and Pappy Clark."

This candy and ice cream parlor specializes in fun and creates a memory that children will always hold onto. Holli's is one venue that has remained successful at keeping the Ole Miss community happy.

Holli’s sweet tooth is an inviting and warm atmosphere where customers become like family. With wacky combinations of chocolate truffles and sour gummy worms, customers can snag up their clear candy bags to stuff all that is desirable inside.

 “The goal is for everyone to leave with a smile on their face.” Ratcliffe said.

Oxford residents react to chain restaurants near Square

By Jennifer Wilson

Oxford prides itself on being the ideal small town. The official Oxford website, oxfordms.net, boasts several awards the city has received throughout the years, including: Money Magazine’s “100 Best Places to Live,” Outside Magazine’s “20 Best Small Towns in America” and a commendation for preservation of historic structures. The site also states “the primary concern of the citizens [of Oxford] has been to manage growth while maintaining the ambiance of a small college town.”

It is clear through the receipt of these awards that Oxford has established itself as one of the best small areas to live in. But with the influx of many new businesses, more specifically, chain restaurants, some residents are worried that Oxford is losing some of that “small town charm.” Several residents are especially annoyed with chain restaurants moving in and operating close to the center of downtown Oxford, the Square. 

Abby Loden, a senior at the University of Mississippi, said that the rapid expansion of businesses in Oxford doesn’t generally bother her, but she does not like the chains that are “creeping slowly closer” to the Square.

“Chain restaurants really take away from the feel (of the Square) in my opinion,” Loden said. 

Loden said that eateries like Checkers, Abner’s and the soon to be added Pita Pit steal some of the charm away from the historic look and ambiance of the Square. 

The recent addition of Checkers has incited some especially strong reactions. 

“I don't mind Old Venice or Soulshine Pizza. However, I hate Checkers being near the Square. It's an eyesore and the food is gross,” said Lindsey Clark, Ole Miss senior.

Recent Ole Miss graduate Brandon Grimes recognizes that Checker’s isn’t technically on the Square, but said that it’s still too close. 

“That place looks completely awful. There shouldn’t be any chain restaurants anywhere close to the Square,” Grimes said. 

Others think that it’s not about if a restaurant is locally owned, but more about the overall atmosphere and the quality of the food.

Christine Wilson works as a server for Soulshine Pizza Company. Wilson said she believes if it feels too much like a corporate business that it doesn’t belong apart of the historic downtown. 

“Soulshine has three locations, but it doesn’t feel chain-y to me,” she said. “The food is great and the cool atmosphere makes Soulshine fit in with the places on the Square just fine.”

Ole Miss alumnus Timothy Moore agrees that the quality of the food is more important than the type of business. 

“An Applebees on the Square would be jacked up, but I don't have a problem with something like Soulshine,” Moore said. “And Abner's is freakin' tasty, you leave that one alone.”

Although many Oxford citizens are extremely bothered by the addition of chains near the Square and feel that the small town they love is becoming tarnished, there are some that simply don’t give it a second thought.

Randy Yates, owner of Ajax, is one of those people.

“I don’t talk about other restaurants. I say, just worry about your own food.”

Mississippians toast stronger beer bill

By Meredith Moore

Residents of Oxford can raise their glasses in celebration of the passage of a bill that allows an increase in the alcohol percentage of beer across the state. With the change, restaurants and bars may expect to see an increase in business and an increase in the variety of beers allowed for sale.

 Gov. Phil Bryant signed the bill into law on April 8. The bill will raise the legal alcohol-by-weight (ABW) limit of beer manufactured from 5 percent to 8 percent. The new limit becomes law on July 1. This includes the professional brewing and sale of beer with higher alcohol content.

With the passage of this law, businesses are able to stock their bars with a variety of beers that previously would not have been allowed. This could broaden the craft beer industry in Mississippi, such as Lazy Magnolia, the state’s only craft brewery, located in Kiln, Miss.

Groups like Raise Your Pints, which has been lobbying for the change for three years, and many restaurant and bar owners, have supported the bill.

“I feel wonderful about the new beer law and I hope that we get the opportunity to change 75 percent of the tap wall because of it,” Irie on the Square bar manager Jennifer White said.

“I have to drive to Tennessee to buy my favorite kind of beer. This law will now add convenience to my life and I believe will increase alcohol sales in Mississippi,” said Elizabeth Hannah, student at Ole Miss.

Before this bill, beer was sold in Mississippi at the lowest alcohol content in the country, at 5 percent.

National, local gas prices on the rise

By Jacob Batte

The average price of gasoline nationwide is up to $3.92 per gallon of regular unleaded up 16 cents from just over a month ago. Though Mississippi’s average price is much lower than the national average, its price of $3.76 is also on the rise.

Over the past year there has been much controversy in the Middle East, where the U.S. gets a lot of its natural resources. University of Mississippi economics Professor Mark Van Boening said even the conflicts don’t seem to explain the current rise in price. 

“To be perfectly honest, I don’t really have a very good answer for you,” Van Boening said. “There’s been some uncertainty there, but it doesn’t seem like the uncertainty warrants the increase.”

With production costs largely unchanged, Van Boening pointed to the precarious situation in the Middle East as the likely cause of the increase. However, Van Boening said the magnitude of the increase is surprising considering that the Iranian situation has not had any recent developments.

“The crisis hasn’t gotten any worse with Iran in the past few months,” Van Boening said. “The Saudis said they would increase their input during the boycott of Iranian oil by the U.S. and Europe. So it’s hard to find an economic explanation for prices to be continually rising for the past couple of months.”

Regardless of why gas prices are rising, Ole Miss students are beginning to take notice. Anne McCauley is the project coordinator for the campus office of sustainability, which helps compose alternative transportation in coordination with the university and Oxford.

“We have definitely seen growth,” McCauley said. “I can’t pinpoint it to the rise in gas prices. I think there are many reasons. But this year we’ve seen a tremendous interest in all the alternative programs.”

A problem with alternatives including bikes, rental cars and the bus system is that they are limited to students who live close to campus or near a bus route. In response to this, some students are moving closer to campus to be able to take advantage of these options.

“I’m living in a house that’s a mile from the square, so I basically have to drive everywhere,” said Jordan Henry, an English major from Madison. “I’m going to live closer to campus next year so I can ride a bike or walk so I don’t have to pay as much money for gas.”

(2012 data)