Cassville Democrat: Business: Business to expand floral inventory (09/03/09)

Designs By Debbie moves to a larger location Democrat Photo Designs By Debbie has moved into a larger location that features an expanded showroom. Owner Debbie Gatley purchased the building located at the corner of Highway 112 and Sale Barn Road in May.

Designs By Debbie has moved to a larger location at the corner of Highway 112 and Sale Barn Road in Cassville. The new store gives the business nearly three times as much showroom and work space as was available at its previous location.

"I really liked this location," said Debbie Gatley, who owns and operates the business. "It is a lot bigger. It has a full basement, which we are going to redo."

After purchasing the location, which previously housed Small Change consignment shop, Gatley and her husband, Stu, spent several months remodeling the building.

"We gutted and completely remodeled the inside," said Gatley. "We added a new big walk-in cooler that allows us to keep a lot more fresh flowers. We also have a lot more work area, which helps us be more efficient."

When the remodeling project was complete, Gatley used a beautiful decorating scheme to give the new store her personal touch.

"I really like reds, browns and yellows," said Gatley. "I looked for fabric for the windows and just decorated around that."

The new location features several large windows, which allow customers to see inside the floral shop as they drive by the new location.

Store offers more decor Democrat Photo Designs By Debbie's new store, which is located at the corner of Highway 112 and Sale Barn Road in Cassville, offers an expanded selection of home decor, Coach purses, a bridle registry, Webkinz, candles, a large selection of fresh and silk flower arrangements and a variety of wedding accessories. Pictured above, from left, are; Kristin Popanz and owner Debbie Gatley.

"I think this store shows our style a lot more," said Gatley. "The displays show up well in the windows, even at night. We have had a lot of people stop by and say that our windows are beautiful."

Designs by Debbie has been providing fresh cut flowers, plants, arrangements, balloons, tuxedo rentals and wedding accessories in Cassville for nearly 25 years. Gatley and her daughter, Kristin Popanz, who assists at the business, also offer home decorating services.

"The new store has allowed us to add a lot more home decor," said Gatley. "We also have many more designer Coach purses."

Other new products and services available at the new location include: a bridle registry; Webkinz stuffed animals; Tyler candles; and an expanded wedding accessories inventory.

During the next few months, Gatley plans to continue remodeling work in the basement of the building. When that project is complete, she plans to host an open house event that will offer free food and gifts.

"We will be going to the market in September, so we will have a lot of new things coming in over the next month or so," said Gatley. "I would like to invite everyone to come and see us at our new location. I also want to thank everybody who has followed us to our new store."

Designs By Debbie is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Orders can be placed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 847-4500.