Nineteen years ago, Beth Martin, owner of The Barefoot Cottage, stood inside The Secret Garden store in Newburgh, Indiana. Looking around the shop, which sold garden accessories and home furnishings, inspired Martin. She stood upon the steps in the store and declared one day she would have a business just like it.
At the beginning of February, Martin made that statement a reality as she completed the purchase of the building at 101 State St. It allows her to move her store, which specializes in home accessories and furnishings, from 7766 Fruitwood Lane in Newburgh to three miles away in the Historic District location.
The process began when Barbara Ulrich, the former owner of The Secret Garden, approached Martin about purchasing the building during last year’s holiday season. Martin says she wasn’t thinking of moving, but it was a strong financial time and buying the building would be another step in the right direction for her business.
“The ultimate goal is to own your own building. It makes sense from the business standpoint. These opportunities only present themselves very rarely,” says Martin. She points out owning the building is much safer than renting. It allows her as a business owner to invest in her future.
The move also allows her to expand on what Barefoot currently offers. Now Martin has around 3,000 square feet. The new building increases her space by 2,000 square feet. A portion of the upstairs will house Annie Sloan® decorative chalk paint classes and the upstairs patio terrace will be used during the warm months. She also will offer more customization options.
“In fact, we’re going to partner with another store owner in Atlanta and we’re looking at having our own furniture manufactured which is really exciting,” says Martin.
Currently Martin is liquidating the inventory from The Secret Garden. After a final sale in May, she says the store will close while some structural work is completed on the building. Her goal is to relocate and reopen Barefoot by late summer.
For more information about The Barefoot Cottage, call 812-401-3383 or visit its Facebook page.
