For over 40 years, Carter County has continued to see a stalwart of service being provided by Jacklyn Isbell.
2016 has been no different for the business, which received this year’s Star Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Home Decor Store and Best Gifts & Collectibles.
The years have been kind to the store, according to owner Jacklyn Isbell. Along with the years, the community has also provided a fair share of kindness to the store.
“When 2008 hit and the economy went down, people still supported us,” Isbell said about the support from the community. “That was huge and that was one of the reasons why we’ve been able to keep our doors open. People continue to support local stores, which I couldn’t even begin to tell you how important that is. People need to keep shopping local and support their local stores. I feel like we’ve been blessed because people have done that and continue to do so.”
Developing the bonds with customers comes natural for Isbell and her coworkers, who greet each individual with a smile while meeting their needs for decorative items.
“People I probably would have never met over the years, have now become friends and family,” Isbell said about the one thing she loves about the business. “If you haven’t seen them for a couple of days, you start to worry about them. There’s also several ladies that have worked here for over 30 years. I just enjoy it and appreciate everyone.”
The history of the store dates back over 40 years ago, the owner added.
“My parents started the store about 46 years ago,” Isbell said. “At that time, it was called Zimmerman’s. Once I bought the store from my parents, I changed the name to Jacklyn’s because it could no longer be under the same name.”
Jacklyn’s Hallmark has moved from a couple of locations. The business was first at the shopping center near Burkes in town before migrating to the shopping center near Greg’s Pizza. Isbell added the store has been in their current shopping center for 40-plus years.
Meeting decorative needs comes with the territory, Isbell said, adding the community tends to love the Hallmark ornaments provided by the store.
This year’s ornaments, which are on the way, will commemorate the recent 50th Super Bowl with former Denver Broncos and University of Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning.
For more information, contact Jacklyn’s Hallmark at 423-542-5111.