Gastonia residents Theresa Neumayer and Noelle France both run home-based businesses out of their spare bedrooms. As one-woman operations, they don't have the budget, the staff or the time to run a large-scale marketing campaign. But thanks to a new initiative from Lowes Foods, they've been able to put their candles, soaps and lotions in front of thousands of local customers each day, on display at the chain's Gaston County stores.
So far, this community focus has been a success for everyone involved — producers, customers, and the stores themselves — said Chris Beckstead, manager of the Lowes Foods on Hoffman Road. He explained that the idea grew out of a companywide meeting last year of all the store managers. “The company leaders wanted us to focus on going into the community and embracing the local artisans, the local producers, and capturing the local aspects of the community,” Beckstead said.
“We have a strong focus on local and we are proud to maintain strong partnerships with local farms and food producers all across North Carolina. By doing that, we are keeping money in the communities we serve and providing our guests with more interesting shopping choices,” said Tim Lowe, Lowes Food president, adding that the company currently carries more than 1,400 products it identifies as local.
Following last year's meeting, Beckstead came back to Gastonia and contacted the chamber of commerce as well as the Gaston County Cooperative Extension. That helped him bring to the store fresh blackberries from Lineberger's Maple Springs Farms in Dallas, tomatoes from Rhodesdale Farms in Kings Mountain, and fresh bread from Ladybug Bakery in Bessemer City.
The owner of Ladybug Bakery helped Beckstead get in touch with Neumayer and her Faery Kiss Naturals business. She, in turn, connected France, who makes Bayberry Woods Candles. The women’s products have been in store since July and September, respectively, and both say it's been a boost to their business.
“I'm very appreciative to have the opportunity, because I'm just a little one-person operation,” France said.
Neumayer agreed. “They've been very good to me ... I've received many messages (from customers) telling me they've found my soap at Lowes,” she said.
Both women started their businesses when they realized the types of products they wanted to use weren't available in stores. Neumayer didn't originally plan to sell her creations, she explained. “I started just making lip balms because I couldn't find one I really liked. I wanted something more natural,” she said. “I started making my own, and then I started selling them.”
That was in 2007. In 2009 she began making soaps as well, using ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil and cocoa butter, and started a website to sell her products online. She also made connections with local stores and gift shops, and began a shop on Etsy.com.
France began her candle-making business about three and a half years ago, when she wasn't satisfied with the ones she could buy. She bought a wax melter and started making candles in her kitchen, while also developing her own scents, like Autumn Wind and Spiced Lemon. Since she works full time as a geologist for an environmental consulting firm, France said she didn't feel able to set up and run a shop online. So when Beckstead contacted her about placing her candles in Lowes Foods, she jumped at the opportunity.
“They're putting their money where their mouth is. They're giving us local folks a chance,” she said.
Beckstead explained that for products to be sold in stores, the business owner has some paperwork to complete, such as getting bar codes for scanning at checkout, meeting insurance liability requirements and receiving approval from the corporate offices. He said he's been pleased with the program so far. “Why not support the folks who live and grow their food in the community?” he said. “The folks growing their food and making the candles, sometimes they need a break. Getting featured in the supermarket, that's huge for them.”
While Beckstead has initiated most of the relationships with local producers so far, he said he's open to hearing from others. Lowe, the company president, said the same in an e-mail. “We love to hear from new farmers and food producers. Those are conversations that we want to have. In fact, every Lowes Foods store has kits that help local farms and food producers get started. Just stop in and ask our store manager,” he said.