I [Shop] in the Corridor

"Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment 
where excellence is expected."

- Steve Jobs

Ah, one of my favorite pastimes - shopping. Seriously might even consider it an unhealthy addiction. But nonetheless, I would like to think of myself as a connoisseur of all things fashion. Which brings me to an interesting and often overlooked point about the Corridor. Right here in the heart of Georgia are some fabulous and unique shopping opportunities. Whether it is a hidden gem waiting to be plucked up at The Vault, the latest fashions at Ginger Michelle, or the newest shipment of North Face at Rodeo Beach, the Corridor has a lot to offer.

To get the inside perspective of the shopping scene in Macon I chatted up J.J. Hobbs, co-owner of Rodeo Beach in Mercer Village. I discovered that the hip outdoor gear provider started online for a good six years before opening a storefront. J.J. and her business partner, Christyanne Gaspar, did a little research and picked Macon, Georgia, as their launchpad because they liked "the community, the area, and the people." Nobody at the time was reaching the demographic looking for popular brands like Patagonia and Chacos. At the heart of the business's vision was a sense of trust between customers who would soon become friends. A dedication to the highest caliber of customer service - which was completely evident to me during our talk as J.J. personally welcomed everyone entering her store - is the kind of blueprint that has put Rodeo Beach on the map. Now, Rodeo Beach offers products that it knows Maconites want to see on their website and on their racks. From kids to grandparents and all ages in between, from those who exercise inside to those who recreate outdoors, Rodeo Beach will have you prepared for whatever lifestyle you choose - and make you look and feel good too. 

Though owning your own specialty boutique is a challenge within itself, J.J. finds triumph in being able to "provide jobs for a community of people we know and love." That kind of community stability makes any shopping deal you could find even sweeter. To know that you are buying quality items in a customer-centered environment that is providing local jobs, I just cannot think of anything better. So why not go shop local in Macon?! Check out Shoplocalmacon.com if you need a little help and let me know what y'all find out there. You know I love a good shopping story :)