Thou Art sold

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Tracey Miller and Emmie Jernigan pose inside Thou Art. Jernigan has sold the business to Miller.

Tracey Miller and Emmie Jernigan pose inside Thou Art. Jernigan has sold the business to Miller.

While one Brewton business is closing its doors, another is ready to open in its place.

Thou Art owner Emmie Jernigan announced that sold the business to Tracey Miller of Atmore.

Jernigan said she’s enjoyed her time in the local retail industry.

“People here were so receptive when I opened,” Jernigan said. “I am so thankful for the opportunity, all the support. I would have never left this spot empty, and I know that Tracey will be an asset to the local business community.”

Jernigan said she plans to pursue other avenues.

“I’m not one to sit around,” she said. “I want to explore different career opportunities because I’m at a different point in my life.”

Jernigan said she and Miller have been friends for years and when she decided to sell, Miller was the first person that came to mind.

“And from there, it just worked out,” Miller said.

As the owner of Atmore’s Just Because, Miller said she plans to shift the Thou Art selection to more apparel and accessory items.

“I’m going to call the store ‘Talula Belle’s,’” she said. “I do plan to keep some of Emmie’s lines, but I want to offer more apparel, especially shoes.”

Miller said she will feature brands such as Yellow Box and Grazie and clothing by Lauren James, Spirit football jerseys, Dixie Peach Couture and Simply Southern T-shirts.

Miller opened her Atmore store in 2005.

“But the time came for us to branch out,” she said. “Coming to Brewton was a great opportunity; one I couldn’t pass up.”

To close out inventory, Thou Art will feature 30 percent off purchases this week, followed by 40 percent off next week and 50 percent off the week of May 13. The store will close on May 17. Jernigan said all gift cards will be honored; however, gift wrapping will not be available on discounted items after this week.

Provided renovations are completed on schedule, Talula Belle’s will open on the following week. Store hours will be Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Saturday until 2 p.m.