Eclectic in downtown Milledgeville recently announced its new location at 113 N. Wayne St., where the larger space now hosts a greater assortment of local art, signage, home accessories, jewelry, knick knacks and more.
Karen Barrett is the owner and founded Eclectic in October of 2014. When originally opening the store, Barrett wanted to open something defining of her personality that was diverse and showed interest in a range of items rather than a center focus. The name Eclectic is a direct reference to this idea and the diversity of products within the store. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, eclectic means to be composed of elements drawn from various sources. The store is true to this definition as it carries a range of items.
“A lot of my product is from local artists or related to our local community,” said Barrett. “I buy products locally and host events throughout the year to support our local artists.”
Eclectic has remained popular amongst the years with tourists, lake enthusiasts, and real estate agents for its large variety of souvenirs, house decor and signage. According to Barrett, products related to Lake Sinclair are a popular seller, especially maps of the lake. In her new space, a few products were also spotted with associations to the neighboring Lake Oconee.
Another popular item is the jewelry on display. Eclectic carries a variety of rings, necklaces, and other jewelry with a range of vintage to modern styles. In her new location, the jewelry section is flourishing with life from the decorative style that Barrett put so much time and effort into.
While her old location had a sense of order and style, the new building breaks the store into a variety of smaller spaces with different themes, products and decorative styles. Products are not just on display but incorporated as part of the ambience of the store. For example, a beautiful display of butterfly ornaments for sale adds a pop of color and fantasy to the collection of jewelry on display.
The store itself also hosts a range of signs, each with a different saying that can be found by looking around the ceiling and walls of each area. Many of the signage refers back to Lake Sinclair, relaxing, and other positive themes.
“We did a storewide sale preparing to close the location at 132 N. Wayne St.,” said Barrett. “It gave our customers a chance to come say goodbye to our old location, buy things on clearance and prepare for our announcement of the new location.”
Eclectic closed momentarily to finish preparing its new location and reopened its new doors to the public June 29. According to Barrett, there will be many new products and a lot of local art being sold at the store over the next few months.
“Market days [referring to the Christmas in July market] mean new inventory, so I highly recommend everyone visit our store soon to check out everything that is coming,” said Barrett.
To learn more about the store and its large variety of products visit 113 N. Wayne St. in downtown Milledgeville. Eclectic is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.