Business has been booming for a new general store in Lutz.
Sherman’s General Store opened its doors on Feb. 6, replacing Annie’s Garden Shed at 100 Fourth Ave., N.W., in Lutz.
(Courtesy of Debra Sherman)
David and Deb Sherman operate the store. They also own Deb’s Whistle Stop Depot, the Whistle Stop BBQ, the Whistle Stop Gardening Center, Dillard’s Trading Post, and the Shabby Squirrel.
The 1,000-square-foot store features homemade jams, jellies, fruit butters, relishes and pickled vegetables made exclusively for the shop by Webster’s, a food wholesaler.
The general store also offers a wide variety of homemade, all-natural soaps, lotions and candles.
Since opening the new store over a month ago, sales and customer interest have been “phenomenal,” Deb said.
“Everything is doing well,” the store owner said. “We ordered 22 cases (of preserves) and sold out in two weeks. “Nobody else has (the products), but us, which makes it nice.”
Along with her husband, Deb has “carved out a niche” in operating shops that offer unique items that can’t be found at your average retail store.
“I try to only put things in here that are unique. If it’s not unique, I don’t want to carry it,” she said.
After opening her first shop—Deb’s Whistle Stop Depot—in 2010, Deb didn’t expect the family’s businesses to flourish like it has.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)
In addition to “one of a kind” items, she attributes the shops’ successes for their ability to generate repeat customers and out-of-state visitors.
“It’s been very much a trial and error with how things would go,” Deb said. “Over the years, it’s basically due to our customer base and word of mouth getting out.”
While racking up sales every day is rewarding, Deb most enjoys dealing with customers, and showing them around her shops each day.
“You build up a relationship, and it makes it very enjoyable—meeting people and getting to know them,” she said.
Sherman’s General Store
What: A 1,000-square-foot shop that offers homemade jams, jellies and preserves, as well as homemade soaps, lotions and candles.
Where: 100 Fourth Ave., N.W., Lutz
Hours of operation: Monday: Noon to 5 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: Noon to 4 p.m.
For more information, call (813)-949-8600, or visit DebsWhistleStop.com.
Published March 16, 2016
