Business in Elizabethton is continuing to grow and expand, and Factory Connection is no different. Friday morning, they held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new location.

Among them was the Elizabethton Chamber of Commerce. Executive Director Tonya Stevens said they wanted to support local businesses by helping them get the word out.

“We are happy to hear they have more space and visibility,” Stevens said. “Both shopping centers have grown over the years, and hopefully the move will draw more people to the store.”

Originally stationed next to Grocery Outlet on Elk Avenue, the clothing store officially opened their doors after their relocation to the space next to Beef O’ Brady’s.

“This is a much better location,” store manager Kathy Sherer said. “We will get better traffic here.”

The relocation has been a topic of discussion among the staff for the past several years, but Sherer said they have been waiting for the go-ahead from corporate before officially moving their doors.

“This shopping center is a better focal point,” Sherer said. “There are a lot of food places close by.”

The store drew customers to their doors before the ribbon could even be cut, showcasing what Sherer said was a surge in public awareness of the business.

“It is exciting,’ she said. “A lot of customers would catch us in the parking lot and ask when we were going to open.”

With the new location comes a larger space, and Sherer said they are taking full advantage. She said they are working to expand their product line, mainly into home goods.

“We offer a bit of everything,” Sherer said. “Our clothing starts at teen sizes.”

Home goods she said they plan to sell include candles and picture frames. More may come as Factory Connection figures out what works and what does not.

“We are excited to see how well we will do here,” Sherer said.

For those who are interested, she said Factory Connection is currently hiring for a “Third Key,” a management position. Those interested can fill out an application online at factory-connection.com.

She said this is only the beginning of the store’s plans for future growth.

“There is a lot more coming,” Sherer said.