Goode seasons on Plymouth Road

Dixboro General Store owners Allan and Cheryl Good sell furniture and accessories alongside gifts, accessories and seasonal fare.

"We took a vacant, rundown property and renovated it, preserving as many of the original assets as possible," Cheryl Goode said. One thing that remained the same was the name, Dixboro General Store, as the establishment had been known since it was built in 1840.

Located on Plymouth Road, once the main route between Detroit and Ann Arbor, the store has seen life as an early general merchandise store, dance hall, gas station, barber shop, hot dog stand and antique store. The thing that sets Dixboro General Store apart from other similarly named emporiums is the extensive collection of gifts, furniture and accessories sold alongside more traditional country store fare of jams, jellies, soaps and Americana. "The historical building was perfect for adding charm to the things we sell," Goode said. "Not only are our customers interested in the merchandise, but it's fun to shop in a building with so much history and character."

The disappearing theme continues with the Goodes' merchandise, "We are known for having different product and when it's gone ... it's gone," Goode said. "With the exception of some of the staples such as Yankee and Lang, we try to find product that won't be seen in most area stores, if at all." She says they are always on the lookout for new vendors, ordering more than once a week, but rarely reordering the same things. "We are constantly changing the store around so that repeat customers experience something entirely different than their last visit."

With the exception of a few newspaper ads, Dixboro General Store's main advertising venue is a 40,000+ mailing list to which about five postcards and three newsletters per year are sent. An e-mail list of 5,000 receives something "exciting" about six to eight times per year. "We also support many local charities, and host 'charity days' where certain groups receive a percentage of what their people buy," she added.

Goode said the store maintains a reputation for great customer service in a unique setting, enhanced by music, food samples and an aromatic blend of candles and potpourri. "I can't tell you how many people walk in and immediately ask to be shown where they can buy what they are smelling."

The owners advise other retailers to listen to what vendors have to say about trends and best sellers, but "buy what YOU love, and that excitement you have about something or a particular line will be contagious to your customers." The most enjoyable part of their job is working with a talented and loyal staff whom they trust, and who respect the ideas and needs of each other.

Visitors to the general store will always find a celebration of the season with candy, food and jam tastings, live music, book signings, artist appearances or a special sale.