The General Store in Lakeland Florida - Where Nostalgia and Therapy is Alive!
If you have not discovered Downtown Lakeland’s newest old store that has everything from Band-Aids & Fix-A-Flat to Marlboros & Toiletries, Ice Cream, Chick-O-Sticks & Moonpies to Gift Baskets, Pet Toy’s & Ice Cold Grape Crush, even Nostalgic Toys (no batteries required) & Historical Lakeland gifts, why don’t you join me and discover it now as I share with you the nostalgic of Lakeland, Florida’s only “real” General Store. Terisa Glover and Terry Lauretta, long time friends, decided in 2007 that it was now or never to open up what Downtown Lakeland really needed - Groceries, Sundries & Memories.
Located at 125 South Kentucky Avenue in historical downtown Lakeland, the store is within walking distance from Munn Park and Lake Mirror nestled in nearby children’s museum, hotels, restaurants, cafés and specialty shops like clothing, antiques, pottery and art galleries. Folks from all over the world have visited and purchased items from this General Store. People stop by and ask for directions or have questions, which are kindly answered with a smile on their face.
Within recent years and still ongoing, Lakeland’s downtown revitalization program shaped into bringing new businesses, apartments, condos and lofts. People, who spend their lunch time stop by grab a snack and say hello to Terisa and Sparky on their break. I asked Terisa what makes this store so special to the people, who live and work downtown Lakeland? She replied that this store is also therapy to people that work downtown Lakeland. She watched folks who are a little bit stressed, come to her store to sit outside in the rocking chair intensely rocking back and forth and then soon thereafter soothing to the gentle glide of the rocking chair before going back to work. So, if you are in need for some therapy, why don’t you “Come By and Rock a Spell” or play a game of checkers.
What makes this store so unique? It’s not about pricing or the extra value you would get if you compare The General Store with Wal-Mart or Target. It’s about personality of the people working in this store and about the store itself, a small locally owned business, which should be about patronizing because you want it to be successful. Location, location, location….. if you happen to be living, working or spending time downtown, you will soon realize that the nearest Wal-Mart, Publix and Target are not within walking distance, especially if you forgot to bring home milk or bread. Why not leave the stress driving with the car, contribute to the environment and your health by walking to the store. The very friendly clerk will surely appreciate your patronage.
View of the store as you walk in – stylish and decoratively well done!
Known for carrying items such as milk, bread, sodas, toys – no batteries required, the general store also has home grown items, such as Lakeland’s Countrybees honey, homemade salsas and grilling salsas like “Hot Wachula’s”.
Walking into the store the window greets you with its display of seasonally decorated items inviting you to take your family to the beach and enjoy the rest of the summer.
The store’s great idea decoration of Rock City’s famous birdhouse shows beautiful detail.
See what the store has for you inside the birdhouse!
Looking for classics – filled with memories - look no further!
Meet Sparky (CFO) – she loves being the stress reliever and always loves friendly attention.
Lakeland Florida “The General Store” is open Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Their phone number is (863) 688-5900 and they also have a MySpace page.
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The General Store in Lakeland Florida – Where Nostalgic and Therapy is Alive
Petra Norris - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc. - Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker –
P.O. Box 92050 – Lakeland, FL 33804-2050 –
Telephone (863) 618-6919
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.
(863) 619-6918
HI PETRA!
I just love nostalgia! The store is so clean! Great post!
Have a great week!
Yvette - I appreciate you stopping by to comment. This store is so neat and unique here in Lakeland, which inspired me to do this blog.