While reading through the articles found on Newsbank, there seemed to be a common theme. Athens is mentioned as “the perfect place” for many different types of retailers. In the first article I read, journalist Don Nelson explains the concept of the what was then new store Community. In the article, written in 2010, Community’s concept and signature fashion line are explained and introduced. The passion and interest in vintage and artistic clothing items still fills the streets of downtown Athens, and students and townies alike have only fallen more in love with Community since its opening. Since the article was published, Community has moved locations and grown it’s presence in Athens.
The second article that I read was about the opening of another Downtown Athens retailer, Fab’rik, in 2012. The article mentioned that Fab’rik is not just about making sales, but also about serving and giving back to the Athens’ community. The retailer participates in many philanthropic programs, and although the price range is slightly higher then Community’s, the two retailers have some of the same overall goals. Fab’rik has multiple locations throughout the South, but the article recognized that the Athens’ location focused on making the community around them better any way they can. These values still remain true today, as Fab’rik continues to partner with philanthropic causes on campus and throughout the city.
The third article that I read was written in 2011 and focused on consignment. Consignment and thrift stores still seem to have a large presence throughout Athens, and this article provides a list of locations as well as an explanation of how the consignment process works. Athens has always been a town full of vintage vibes, and many consignment and thrift stores have opened and closed even in the short amount of time that I have lived here. This article, although many of the stores listed are no longer open, still reigns true for the average Athens consumer. Students still flood thrift and consignment stores to find unique pieces and residents shop there to find interesting items with a little spunk.