The search for brand-name clothes and other merchandise at outlet prices led those shoppers to northwest Jackson County, and subsequently, to other treasures available there.
Mayor Charles Holman said that’s one of the reasons he’s happy to celebrate VF Outlet’s 25th anniversary in Graceville this year.
He said the company provides an anchor that helps stabilize downtown Graceville.
“A lot of people come in just to go shopping at VF Outlet, but they get here and go eat at restaurants, shop at other stores, look around at what else we have to offer,” Holman said. “It’s really so beneficial to this community in a lot of ways. It provides a lot of jobs, and we’re proud that they’re here.”
VF Outlet manager John Turner was with the company when the Graceville facility was Vanity Fair Mills – a sewing factory established in 1970. He provided a summary of developments from there.
“VF Outlet opened in October 1985, originally occupying 12,500 square feet in the Vanity Fair Mills manufacturing facility,” Turner wrote. “Within one year, VF Outlet expanded to 50,000 square feet. Additional construction in 1986 added 11 other factory outlet store spaces and VF Outlet became VF Factory Outlet Mall. In 1993, Factory Stores of America acquired the mall and VF Outlet remained as the anchor store for the complex.”
The 25th anniversary counts from 1985, when the outlet first opened. At that time, Turner had become an assistant manager, and was promoted to manager in 1987.
Holman said Turner has been a worthy leader, and points out that he’s made sure VF Outlet is also an important partner in civic events.
For instance, many activities in the upcoming Graceville Harvest Festival will take place on property adjacent to the malls, courtesy of the owners and Turner.
Holman said Turner serves on the Harvest Festival committee, and has a lot to do with orchestrating the event.
Graceville City Manager Eugene Adams also acknowledged the VF Outlet’s contributions.
“It’s a major attractions, and I’m sure it affects every restaurant in town. It’s a full-blown business partner. They house the Harvest Festival, which is coming up on Oct. 16, and they have a big role in it.”
Adams said he thinks part of the success and longevity of the business can be attributed to the dedication of long-term employees like Turner and others.
“John Turner was born and raised in Graceville, and his parents lived here most of their lives,” Adams said. “His mother (Kathleen) was the city clerk 35 years or more, so the roots run deep and I think that has an effect.”
Turner agreed that the core of long-term employees is a key to the business’ success, and said that several luncheons and other celebrations are planned this month to recognize their contributions.
Since it opened, the store has finished every year among the top 25 in sales volume among 77 VF Outlet locations across the country, Turner said.
“Our success over the past 25 years is attributed to our wide customer base, which encompasses all of northwest Florida, southeast Alabama and southwest Georgia,” Turner wrote. “We are very fortunate to have a fine staff of experienced and loyal associates who are dedicated to keeping VF Outlet Graceville among the top performers in our company, and providing the best customer service they can.”
Five VF Outlet employees have worked with the store since it opened in 1985. They are Shirley Randolph, who has 38 years with VF; Gloria Dickens, who has been there 31 years; John Turner, 29 years; Janice Watford, 28 years; and Loreatha Spears, 25 years.
Gloria Dickens said she started when she was a young married woman who saw security for her family in the company’s employee benefits.
It became much more.
“For me, it was a form of security because of the benefits that the VF offered,” she said. “The way we were able to use our 401k, for example, that really helped me when I needed it.”
Three decades later, she said, the VF Outlet workforce is more like family than a group of co-workers.
“So many of us have been here for so long, I think we have a sense of commitment and dedication that comes from within and from supporting each other,” she said. “I just think it’s a great company to work for, and that goes a long way. There are situations and difficulties anywhere you go, but it’s like a family here because you make adjustments to get along and help each other, just like you do in your home life. It’s coming together to get a job done. I’ve made lifelong friendships; I have relationships that have gone on long after the person has retired.”
A warehouse specialist, Dickens helps make sure the flow of merchandise runs smoothly from warehouse to the showroom floor. She also helps on the floor, running registers when needed, assisting customers and filling a variety of other roles.
She and other employees also help in the company’s community outreach, like the upcoming breast cancer awareness drive.
Next weekend, they’re having a bake sale at the mall. She’s not cooking for it, but she’s recruited some friends and family to do so. She’ll be there, helping at the event in other ways.
As the 25th anniversary gets under way next week for Dickens, Turner and the other VF Outlet employees, the city of Graceville is proud to be home to the business.
Adams said he was particularly glad that Prim Avenue, which fronts the VF Outlet, was freshly overlaid in time for the celebration.
“That was a joint project of the city and Jackson County. County Commissioner Ed Crutchfield helped make that happen,” Adams said. “The center line of the road is the city limits, so the jurisdictions got together to put down a new paving overlay. We’re happy for them and for everybody that travels the road to them.”
SOURCE: Jackson County Floridian by Deborah Buckhalter
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