Shoppes on Main, a collection of artistic vendors, had its grand opening on Saturday.  

Vendors offered gifts as door prizes, and guests got a jump on their holiday shopping.  

“I’ve wanted my own store for eight years.  This is a dream come true,” said Owner Allison Creel. “The support is overwhelming—from the city, from other stores and from our vendors.”

Before opening the Shoppes, Creel sold her own line of personalized gifts as 33 Cedar Street Creations. She was a part of last year’s Hummingbird Festival, where she began to research the idea of a long-term location for herself and for other vendors. 

“I reached out to some talented people who needed a place to showcase their stuff,” she said.    

These vendors are now together as Shoppes on Main, at 203 1/2 East Main Street. The location has selections from 12 full-time vendors, including Creel’s 33 Cedar Street line, and other vendors who will cycle through every weekend.    

One of those weekend vendors is Carla White of Carla’s Creations 561, a sweet shop offering   candy and baked treats. White’s booth was next to Creel’s at last year’s Hummingbird Festival, and they began talking. Now, they are friends and fellow shop owners.

“I love the diversity. We have everything from cookies in a jar, to mugs, to mixes for desserts and rub mixes,” White said of the Shoppes’ vendors.  “You can do all your shopping in one place.”

Creel’s husband, Chris, had the same thought about the new venture.

“I love the variety of different vendors we have,” Chris said. 

He and Allison met at last year’s Hummingbird Festival, so Hogansville seemed the best location for the Shoppes.  

“Hogansville is such a cool place,” Allison Creel said.  “I met my husband here.  We got married here. This is where we do everything.”

The LaGrange­—Troup County Chamber of Commerce organized Saturday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Chamber Chair Elect George Bailey was there to welcome the Shoppes.  

“This will make downtown and the community grow, make it a nice place,” he said. “It’s good to see this building filled with a business. It’s a nice building, and I think they’re going to do good.” 

Shoppes on Main is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.