Primitive Thymes may not be thought of as a new business since it is still owned by the same couple, Brad and Amanda Evans, who purchased it in November 2009. And, actually, the business has been in Ava for quite some time.
However, factor in the fact that this couple just added the inventory and equipment from recently-closed Ava business, Blooms-N-More, as well as a company in Ozark, and the business takes on a new look and Primitive Thymes will offer much more to the citizens of Ava.
Primitive Thymes will soon offer floral arrangements, including live and silks, casket sprays, balloons and much more.
The name will not change and they will still offer the same great country gifts and home décor – but in a larger, more accommodating location.
The store is currently nestled quietly on the square at 113 S. Jefferson but will soon be relocating to 1011 N. Jefferson in the building formerly occupied by Thru The Grapevine.
Amanda says, “I enjoyed having the shop on the square, but due to space the store must relocate.”
The last day for the store to be open in its original location on the square will be Friday. They are striving to be open in the new location by Feb. 1, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Primitive Thymes already offers four lines of candles, Willow Tree, primitive home décor, Case knives and much more. This is the only store in town that carries the two-gallon candle and Sorrento dishes.
Owners of Primitive Thyme - Amanda and Brad Evans and their children- Hope, Kaylee, Araina and Kegan
Amanda also likes to carry products from the local community such as Carolyn Wallace’s pottery, April Wilson’s gift tags and greeting cards, and Matthias Penn’s blacksmith. Amanda’s husband, Brad, makes all the furniture that is seen in the store.
Primitive Thymes offers all sorts of stuff ranging in price from 99 cents to several hundred dollars.
Commenting on her pricing strategy, Amanda says she never prices anything more than what she herself would be willing to pay. That must work, as she has many repeat customers such as Sara Sawyer who, “likes to shop locally and appreciates Primitive Thymes’ great products.” Connie Lee said she “enjoys the store’s atmosphere, the friendliness, loves the furniture and likes the idea of being able to order items not available in the store.”
With the expansion and the added workload, Amanda has hired three ladies who all have floral shop experience to help in the store. When Amanda was asked why she decided to take on the floral business she replied: “I was contacted by the previous owner of Blooms-N-More, Cathy Whorton, who asked if I would like to purchase some of her inventory. I thought about it and said, “I have been wanting to expand the store and offer another service to our customers. After Cathy called, everything just started to fall into place. By adding the floral department, I have yet another part of the business to hand down to my children.”
A beautiful hutch at Primitive Thymes allows for a beautiful display of decor and gifts.
She is hoping that the store is something that can be passed down to her girls and hopefully further down for generations to come. Amanda said her daughters already love to help rearrange and set up displays for the store.
In all reality, Primitive Thymes might not actually be considered a new business, but rather a business moving in a new direction and in a new location.
Primitive Thymes will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
The business can be reached at 417-683-3413 or on Facebook.
We wish you the best of luck with this new venture!
Reflections is a weekly column exploring Douglas County. This month’s series of articles highlighted some of the newer businesses in Ava.
