Two Golden Triangle businesses open for a combined 85 years are closing their doors.
In Columbus, Cheri Smith confirmed Monday that New Life Christian Supplies will shut down by the end of the month. Smith’s parents — J.L. and Ruby Williams — opened the Christian book store in 1977. She became owner of the store at 1920 Hwy. 45 N. in 1995.
“After 20 successful and enjoyable years in the business of ministry, I have come to the decision to close,” Smith wrote in an email announcing the closure. “This has not been an easy decision and one made with roller coaster emotions.”
The Dispatch asked Smith why the store was closing.
“I don’t have the local support I need,” she said, adding that she hopes people in the Golden Triangle support homegrown businesses more often.
More than anything, she said, she would miss her customers.
“Through the years I have made many friends and will always cherish those relationships,” she said.
A tentative closing date is Jan. 17. Between now and then, everything in the store is 50 percent off, excluding communion and offering envelopes. Displays are also for sale, Smith said.
In Starkville, Bill Robinson confirmed that Robinson Western Auto also plans to close. Robinson’s parents — V.J. and Faye Robinson — took over the store at 308 University Drive in 1965. When they retired, their son stepped in. Now Bill Robinson says it is time for him to retire.
“It’s time for me to move on,” he said. “It’s mixed feelings.”
Robinson said the people of Starkville and surrounding areas have been good to his business. He will miss those relationships, and his employees, the most, he said.
As he looks to get rid of his merchandise through the next several months, Robinson said prices have been reduced. The business offers appliances, electronics, lawn and garden supplies, Stihl brand equipment, Honda generators and more.
Back in Columbus, Hampton Inn & Suites will open in Columbus next week.
Mark Castleberry, the developer behind the hotel, confirmed that the business at 1915 6th St. N., near 18th Avenue North, will open for business Monday. It is a four-story building that will feature 88 rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness center and a 400 square foot meeting room, according to Hampton’s corporate website.
Castleberry said the hotel will employ about 25 people.
Lastly, two notes from Starkville.
CJ’s Pizza in University Square Shopping Center will close next Thursday.
“The building that we are currently in has been sold,” the restaurant’s Twitter account posted this week. “Thank you Starkville for everything you have done for CJs.”
The CJ’s Pizza locations in West Point and Columbus remain open.
Taco Del Mar, in Cotton Crossing Shopping Center, opened Wednesday. The restaurant chain offers “offers a fast, fun and delicious alternative to traditional Mexican food,” according to its corporate website.
The Starkville location is the fifth Taco Del Mar in Mississippi.
Browning on Business is a weekly column that runs each Thursday. We want your input. Send items and tips to [email protected] or [email protected].
William Browning was managing editor for The Dispatch until June 2016.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.