$1.3M renovation in downtown Greer underway

Along Greer’s newly-laid Trade Street, Rep. William Timmons, R-S.C., recently hung a swinging sign inlaid with a congressional seal — signaling to pedestrians that his Upstate hub is open for business and a blocked-off downtown is no more. 

Timmons isn’t the only occupant making the most of Greer Station’s renovation. 

The first auction house in downtown Greer and a floral design studio will join the mix after striking a partnership with the owner of Mutt’s BBQ to put fresh faces at 103 and 105 Victoria St. Barbecue czar Randy Jones recently purchased the properties as part of a $1.3 million investment. 

“The building in Greer was purchased based on my past experiences in Greer and having owned and operated a business in Greer for 23 years,” Jones said in a news release. “I have great faith in the city’s continued growth, and I feel the city has a great administration that is both pro‑business and watches out for the needs of the community as a whole. I am glad to be part of the city of Greer’s growth of Victoria Street with two very strong businesses.” 

Urban Petals moved to downtown Greer in 2017 and subsequently opened Urban Petals Lifestyle Boutique in 2018 at 101 Victoria St. next door to the new location.  

Over the past few years, demand for Urban Petals Lifestyle Boutique’s home decor, gifts, plants, and fresh flowers, as well as Urban Petal’s floral design services, has boomed as the company began to supply events across the Southeast and New York. 

The renovation will enable owner Anna Stouffer to expand the company’s capacity and create a new design studio classroom. 

“We quickly outgrew our location on Trade Street and are thrilled to move into 105 Victoria St. as soon as construction is completed,” she said in the release. “Urban Petals is proud to be a part of this amazing community.” 

Olive’s Branch Auction Gallery, expected to open this fall, will facilitate the sale of antiques, art and collectibles. 

“My move to Greer two years ago was such a positive change for me, the Greer community has offered friendship and support from day one,” Deb Mastny, owner of Olive’s Branch Auction Gallery, said in the release.  

She stated that it was the support of the Greer business community that encouraged her to open the gallery in the first place. Especially in light of the challenges small business — especially those that rely on live events — must overcome during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We appreciate the efforts of Randy Jones to develop retail space on Victoria Street as part of the city’s vision,” Greer Mayor Rick Danner said in the release. “Today’s announcement about the upcoming expansion of Urban Petals and opening of Olive’s Branch Auction Gallery will further add to the vibrancy of our central business district. We congratulate Urban Petals on their continuing success and expansion and it is a pleasure to welcome Olive’s Branch Auction Gallery to the community.”