THE LAST bite of your rocky road ice cream melts on your tongue, the waffle cone crumbling in your hand. Contentment settles over you as you perch on the cool black bench beneath the courthouse tower. A flashy sign catches your eye as a tail thumps happily against the glass of a store door. Owen’s Provisions & Apparel claims the window display, where beach-ready mannequins with Bogg Bags, Swig cups, and Nomadix towels welcome you inside. Your curiosity is piqued, and you push open the door.
Ding! The bell announces your arrival, and a cheerful welcome greets you. It came from a guy replenishing Dr. Squatch soap. Beside him, a curly-haired shop dog’s tail wags expectantly, patiently waiting for a head scratch. A “regular” chats with Will about a button-down shirt for an upcoming wedding. Will, seemingly on a first-name basis, already knows the groomsmen’s tie color.
Your gaze wanders over neatly organized shelves and clothing racks, showcasing a treasure trove of candles, DIY cocktail kits, backpack coolers, coffee mugs, and can coolers to keep beverages frosty. Southern Tide, Volunteer Traditions, Marsh Wear — it’s all here, alongside familiar names like Burlebo, Duke, and Drake. You can’t help but smile, intrigued by the possibilities ahead.
Though initially hesitant about retail, Will Painter found his calling at Owen’s Provisions & Apparel, a venture fueled by his parents’ lifelong love for fashion and a desire to bring something special to their community.
“We dove headfirst into building a business that would fulfill our family’s dream and meet Coffee County’s needs,” Painter said.
The family’s adventure through business ownership began with rolled-up sleeves and determination, fully renovating the building on the square. In 2019, they opened their doors, the air thick with possibility and a hint of anticipation. The shelves, then sparsely populated, held the weight of their hopes and dreams.
Painter’s mother manages the finances meticulously, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. His wife, skilled at social media, creates engaging content that resonates with the local community.
The early days were a whirlwind. The specter of the pandemic loomed large, casting an air of uncertainty.
“We were new and pretty nervous about it, but we were able to survive COVID thanks to the support of our community,” Painter said.
Slowly but surely, the store transformed. What began as a glimmer of possibility transformed into a combination of adventure-filled apparel and polished business attire.
Down-filled jackets and camouflage waders now share shelf space with delicate blouses and high-quality business wear, catering to mountain treks and special occasions. The store has adapted to the diverse needs of its patrons, each item hand-selected with the community in mind.
Owen’s Provisions & Apparel is more than just merchandise. It’s a haven where strangers become friends, drawn together by the owners’ warmth and the shared love for their town.
“I’ve met a lot of new people that have become lifelong friends and wonderful customers.”
The future holds exciting prospects. Expanding the shop’s online presence is a goal, but at the heart of it all, the focus remains on providing a space where community thrives, dreams are realized, and family bonds are strengthened.
This passion stems from their family hobbies and the outdoors. Memories of countless days spent by the lake are evident in the store.
“We spent a lot of time on the lake, camping, hunting, fishing — anything to do with the outdoors. We enjoy it all.”
Community involvement embeds itself into the store’s DNA.
“We sponsor a lot of Coffee County sports, high school, and even some middle school sports, from football, bass fishing, and baseball,” Will shared.
“It’s a family operation, and we love being a part of all of our customers’ lives in some way,” he continued.“Whether it’s renting a tux for a wedding or finding the perfect outfit for beach memories — we see those pictures on Facebook and know we’re part of their experience.”
Business ownership is a roller coaster ride, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges for the Painter family.
“The biggest lesson we’ve learned,” Will reflects, “is how much a sense of community matters to small businesses and store owners. Knowing people’s names, seeing their faces — hearing about their experiences is important to us.”
At Owen’s Provisions & Apparel, community is in the air you breathe. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of outdoor adventure or the elegance of life’s special occasions, the shop is here to outfit your journey.
Feel the soft bamboo of Free Fly shorts for warm summer days or the excitement of discovering your first game-day outfit to cheer on your team. Every item holds the story of a brand new adventure. The story begins with you. GN
