Starting a small business in a small town is no small feat.
For Morris “Woody” and Linda Woodruff, that's what they did more than 20 years ago when they took over ownership and operation of Ava's China & Gifts in Russellville. The couple purchased the business and the shopping center previously known as Village Square Center on Highway 43 in July of 1996.
While the area around Ava's has changed (Walmart opened across the highway 11 years ago), the Woodruffs have maintained the same business ideals and values they started with two decades ago.
“We're updating our inventory daily. It's important to get new items in for our customers,” Linda said. “From locally made jewelry to Christmas décor, we want to carry what our customers are looking for. We're blessed to have great employees and excellent customers here.”
Along with employees Kristen Mason, Carmelita Coan and Lisa Moore, Linda works year-round on Ava's Christmas inventory. Ava's will host its annual Christmas Open House November 4th, 5th and 6th.
“We order our Christmas inventory in January, and it comes in during July. We keep it in storage until the holiday season begins,” Linda said.
The shopping center also houses successful businesses, including Lee Nails, Nationwide Insurance, CashMasters and a new business, Cottontails Boutique.
A video store recently closed, and Woodruff is renovating the entrance to that business to create a separate storefront as the video store shared a front door with CashMasters.
“We're putting in a separate entrance, and I believe that will make it more attractive to someone wanting to rent that property,” Woody said. “It's a 3,200-square-foot building, and we're renovating it, including painting throughout.”
The Woodruffs are in the process of painting the exterior of the entire center, as well as removing outdated gutters and installing vents in the back of the building.
“We've got good tenants here who are reliable and that shows by how long they've been in business. We do our part to maintain the building and take care of our responsibility, and that helps build our relationship with our tenants,” Woody said.
Woodruff said Walmart's arrival on the highway more than a decade ago has had a positive effect on their business.
“We're in a central location near Walmart, and that's attractive to a lot of businesses. Plus, Walmart's traffic has helped increase our business. We need to grow Russellville as much as we can,” Woody said.
While Woody oversees the exterior renovations, he leaves the business decisions to his wife. Ava's features unique gift ideas and seasonal merchandise, like the current Halloween inventory.
And you'll always find Hunter, the Woodruffs' Yorkshire terrier, sitting on his perch inside Ava's.
“We may be on the deed, but Hunter owns the building,” Linda said.
For information on business space available in the Ava's center, contact Woodruff at 256-627-4674.
