When East Ridge resident Jay Anderson decided to open a retail clothing business he told his business partner that he knew exactly where he wanted to locate it.
“We ultimately want to open up several, “Anderson said Monday from sales floor of Factory Brand Outlet. “We wanted the first store here because it’s home.”
Factory Brand Outlet opened its doors on February 2. It’s located at 3708 Ringgold Road in the Osborne Shopping Center next door to East Ridge Animal Hospital. Anderson, whose professional background is in retail management, said he gets some foot traffic in front of the store as people leave the vet’s office or park near the UPS store.
“People walk by with their head down and they are surprised when they look up and see that we’ve got a store here,” Anderson said.
The only sign alerting the general public that a retail clothing store is inside the long vacated storefront is a six-foot-long temporary vinyl sign. Anderson said a permanent sign, which will give the store a higher profile, is on its way and should be installed some time this week.
“Nobody knows we are here,” Anderson said as he greeted a woman who came inside to browse.
Well, once people in the area walk inside and get a load of the prices, they are going to wake up.
Factory Brand Outlet has men’s, women’s and children’s clothing at discounts of 60 to 80 percent. Much of the clothing, Anderson said, is what’s carried by a major big-box store that was rumored to be coming to our area several years ago. So, in a sense, that much-rumored store coming to our fair city has arrived … only customers don’t have to pay the big box prices.
To give you an idea, one can purchase a “designer” women’s dress that retails for 90 bucks for the princely sum of $21.99. Denim jeans will set you back less than $15. Swimsuits – yes, ladies it’s that time of year – $12.99.
This one was my favorite … a designer purse that retails for just under $200 can be had for $24.99. I’m not making these prices up!
“You can buy a lot of items in here for $10,” Anderson said.
Boys’ sport shirts go for $6.99. A little girl’s dress sells for $8.99.
Men, you’ve got some deals, too. How about designer golf shorts with a retail price of $59.50 going for $9.99? You like?
I know that many in East Ridge complain about the appearance of empty store fronts in the Osborne Shopping Center. They complain about not being able to buy clothes from anyone but a thrift store.
Well, Anderson and Factory Brand Outlet has done something about it.
Factory Brand Outlet is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are closed on Sunday. You may call Jay at 423-771-7676. Check them out on Facebook at
Visit their Facebook page by clicking here:
https://www.facebook.com/Factory-Brand-Outlet-290587714839034/
