Betts Overflow & More overflows into former River Market space
Published 8:00 am Friday, October 4, 2024
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Betts Overflow & More held its second ribbon cutting in a year on Thursday. The overstock company expanded its business into the River Market’s former space on Fob James Drive. Like the market, Betts Overflow will now include vendors.
Store owner, Jessica Betts, said the inspiration for such a quick expansion came when River Market closed unexpectedly. The former business put out word in April that vendors must immediately come to pick up their goods without explanation. Betts said many of those vendors stopped by her store, which occupied the smaller space next door, and told her of the situation.
“We were needing a larger space to store all of the goods…when the opportunity came to lease the building, I saw it as a good chance for me to be able to reopen and also let those businesses come back in,” Betts said. “[It] kind of pulled on my heartstrings a little bit, and it just worked out really well.”
The left side of the business will be the overstock side, with the right half being reserved for vendor booths. So far there are 44 vendors already moved in and the last few booths are already claimed and soon to be occupied.
Betts said there is a company moving in that will sell tea, coffee and other goodies in late October or early November. They will announce who the company is at a later date.
The store includes other community partnerships with the Chattahoochee Humane Society and the Valley Arts Council.
“[CHS] have a lot of medical bills to treat all the animals in the area, so 80% of the proceeds from any pet purchase go to support our local humane society,” Betts said. “Also, all of our local artists are going to be given the opportunity to showcase their artwork in the back and have a place to sell all of their local artwork.”
Chambers County Commissioner Debra Riley spoke on behalf of her husband and Valley mayor, Leonard Riley who was unable to attend.
“Congratulations on your business, and we are excited about it. And just best of luck. I had Jessica as a student, a very smart young lady…so I know she’s going to be a great business owner,” Riley said of her former student. “I am so proud of you.”
Riley added that the city of Valley, specifically Fob James Drive where Betts Overflow & More is located, is growing.
Two new subdivisions are going in off the road. In the city, Riley said there is $35 million of construction going on, including two new parks.
“We’ve decided to just focus on the vendors…and build the community relationships,” Betts explained. “I feel like this gives all of us a chance to be successful.”