Shop Local Support Small Business

Shop Local
Support Small Business

Story by Gain Parsons

Pooler is a vibrant, rapidly growing community with small-town charm and plenty of modern conveniences.

The city has maintained its local roots, with many locally owned businesses flourishing alongside larger retail outlets and national chains.

One of the most popular local attractions is Tanger Outlets, which draws visitors from all over the region. However, beyond the big-name stores, Pooler boasts a variety of locally owned gems like Lovezzola’s Pizza, a Pooler staple for over four decades. For sweet treats, locals frequent spots like The Cake Corner and The Ice Cream Stop, which are beloved for their homemade and hand-crafted goods.

In addition to its dining scene, Pooler is home to several locally owned boutiques, gift shops, and specialty stores that cater to residents and visitors alike. The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is also in Pooler and draws history buffs from around the area, contributing to local tourism and the vitality of nearby businesses.

Whether you’re exploring historic sites, enjoying local eats, or shopping at one-of-a-kind stores, Pooler’s locally-owned businesses reflect the community’s growth, heritage, and tight-knit spirit. Check out a few of our favorites on the following pages.

Ellen Claire Soapery

A background in nursing, an interest in skincare from a medical standpoint, and a history of psoriasis culminated in the start of the Ellen Claire Soapery.

After 37 years as a registered nurse, Dee Dee Morris started the shop with bath bombs. It has since grown to include an array of products like soaps, scrubs, lotions, and hand-poured candles. The line covers everything from head to toe for every family member. There’s a full line of shave soaps, beard oil, and deodorants for men. And even special shampoos for the pups.

They take their blue and white Bubble Bus, stocked with Ellen Claire products, to events in the area; host classes; and are available for private parties.

912.373.SOAP (7627) | ellenclairesoapery.com | 3130 Highway 80, Suite B, Bloomingdale

Hours: Tues.-Fri.: 10am-6pm; Sat.: 10am-4pm; Sun., Mon.: Closed

The Randy Wood Music Store and Venue

The Randy Wood Music Store and Venue is billed as, “The home for all things music in Coastal Georgia.” Shoppers will find a selection including guitars, banjos, mandolins, fiddles, upright and electric basses, along with accessories such as strings, stands, tuners, capos, and cables.

For music lovers, Randy Wood doesn’t stop at selling instruments. He also repairs them and offers guitar lessons. For those who prefer to listen rather than play, he has an extensive collection of vinyl records covering all genres. Additionally, The Pickin’ Parlor hosts nationally recognized recording artists and is available as an event venue.

912-748-1930 | www.randywoodmusic.com | 1304 East US 80, Bloomingdale

Hours: Mon.-Sat.: 10am-6pm; Sun.: Closed

Downbeat Music Center

“Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us,” Martin Luther.

At Downbeat Music, people can learn to, “Calm the agitations of the soul,” with violin, ukulele, bass guitar, voice, piano, guitar, or drum lessons. The beginner and the advanced musician will find a full inventory of folk instruments, amplifiers, guitars, and accessories from several popular brands.

Downbeat Music also offers in-house guitar repair by technicians with more than 30 years of experience, which carries a one-year warranty.

912-737-2102 | downbeatmusiccenter.com | 216 U.S. Highway 80 East, Pooler

Hours: Tues.-Wed.: 10am-7pm; Sat.: 10am-5pm; Sun., Mon.: Closed

D.A.M. Fine Cigars

When Darrell Boyette was introduced to a premium cigar, a dream started percolating—to someday own a cigar shop. He started on the path to fulfilling the dream when he moved to North Carolina and began working for Tinder Box Cigars.

For 20 years, he climbed the ladder eventually becoming general manager of all six Tinder Box Cigar stores. However, that dream of owning a store never died. With two decades of experience under his belt, he moved back to Georgia and opened D.A.M. Fine Cigars, named for his wife, Debbie, and two of his best friends, Andy and Mike.

Along with cigar accessories, the cigar enthusiast will find premium hand-rolled upscale cigars direct from manufacturers such producers as Fuente from the Dominican Republic, Padron from Nicaragua, and Fratello from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.

Boyette also offers a house brand, which he developed to suit his taste profile but with the general client in mind.

912-988-3008 | damfinecigars.com | 110 Southern Junction Boulevard, Pooler
Hours: Mon.-Sat.: 11am-7pm; Sun: Closed

Geechee Girl Apothecary

On Saturdays she’s at the Richmond Hill Farmers Market and from Thanksgiving to Christmas the store is open from noon to 4 p.m.

When COVID-19 started, Marrisa Rawls reached out to her heritage for ways to build immunity and keep herself and her husband healthy. Armed with the knowledge she gained as a child she started tweaking old family recipes and folk remedies.

Geechee Girl Immunitea was her first blend of tea — it was a hit with her family and friends. From her home in Pooler, she started creating new products and now offers an array of bulk herbs, natural skincare, smoke blends, and other natural health products. As her line and customer base grew, Rawls was ready to move the business out of her home and into a storefront in Savannah.

912-759-1253 | www.geecheegirltea.com | 2109 W. Bay St., Savannah

Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 10am-6pm

Hello Retail Therapy

Sometimes a little therapy is all one needs to rejuvenate and get back to life. After 13 years as a critical care nurse, Serena Yao switched gears and turned her love for shopping into Hello, Retail Therapy, a shop full of unique finds. She is always on the hunt for interesting gift ideas and plans to hold special events and pop-ups at the store.

In addition to the retail, which includes gifts, clothing and accessories, Hello, Retail Therapy also offers permanent jewelry, ear piercing options and Mahjong classes.

912-667-1882 | helloretailtherapy.com | 1000 Pine Barren Road Suite 110, Pooler
Tues.-Sat.: 10am-6pm; Sun. (in November & December): 10am-3pm; Mon.: Closed

The Salt Table

The Salt Table has salt and a whole lot more. Owners Carol and Dave Legasse have earned multiple local and international awards for their hand-blended salts and seasonings developed to bring a unique flavor to one’s culinary arts.

Their customers will find more than just the seasonings, which they create at their Pooler location, as their line has about 300 products. As members of the Georgia Grown Program, the Legasses offer their customers a wide range of specialty foods including, but not limited to, condiments, balsamic vinegars, infused oils, salsa, dip mixes, and local crafts, all produced by Georgia small businesses.

912-988-1059 | www.salttable.com | 1370 US Highway 80 E, Suite K, Pooler

Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 10am-5pm; Sat. 10am-2pm; Sun: Closed

The Finder Things

The Finder Things is full of one-of-a-kind pieces carefully curated by Judy and Danny Lancaster. Vintage furniture they come across that needs restoration finds new life in the hands of their daughter Heather Croft, owner of Croft Creative Company, which specializes in furniture restoration and upholstery.

Whether they’re on the hunt for a piece of home décor or a unique gift, customers will discover hidden gems throughout the store. The collection of finds at The Finder Things includes quaint to quirky accessories, art, and accents that will fit neatly into nearly any decorating style.

The family-owned and operated business recently welcomed its third generation to the sales floor—18-month-old Milo who Judy said, “Runs the show.”

912-988-1921 | www.thefinderthingssav.com | 329 Highway 80 East, Pooler

Hours: Wed.-Fri.: 10am-5pm; Sat.-Sun.: 10-3pm

Pooler Plant Pick-Up Station

Pooler Plant Pickup Station is a family-owned, full-service garden center. With more than 23 years of experience with plants in the Low Country, Ross and Heather Harrison help customers make the right plant choices for different areas of their yard.

For those seeking more than just advice or are not the do-it-yourself type, they also do landscaping and paver installation.

If inspiration is hitting when the garden center is closed, people can go online and explore their full catalog of trees, flowers, shrubs tropical plants, ground cover, and more.

912-777-8887 | poolerplants.com | 1513 Quacco Road, Pooler

Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 8:30am-5:30pm; Sat.: 8:30am-4pm; Sun.: Closed

Polk’s on the Go

With more than seven decades behind them, Polk’s Plus & Polk’s on the Go remains a family owned and operated produce market. In addition to a large selection of seasonal produce, boiled peanuts, plants, local honey, milk, and eggs, Polk’s has a jar room filled with an array of jams, jellies, salsas, and other jarred goods.

Knowing that not all their customers can get out to them, Polk’s on the Go has a weekly delivery service, which helps families keep their refrigerators stocked with fresh fruits and veggies.

They also host three festivals a year starting with a summer kick-off in May, a fall festival in October, and a Christmas festival in December; for these events, vendors are invited to set up in the parking lot.

912-348-3617 | www.polksgo.com | 807 US Hwy 80 W, Pooler

Hours: Wed.-Sat.: 10am-6pm; Sat.-Tues: Closed

Top Shelf Ammo

Top Shelf Ammo specializes in all things related to firearms and gunsmithing. They carry an assortment of rifles, handguns, and shotguns; ammunition; and accessories.

Their services don’t stop at the retail counter. They have a team of gunsmiths to assist with gun cleaning and maintenance, as well as repair, modification, and customization.

They also partner with Reticent Warrior Tactics to offer safety and gun courses. Stop the Bleed is a two-hour life-saving course. Handgun Fundamentals combines classroom instruction, and dry-fire laser and live-fire training. The course is five hours plus a one-hour lunch break and travel time to the range and is suitable for new and experienced handgun owners. The Home Defense Close Quarters Battle Course is a six-hour advanced-skills course for people with a high level of handgun proficiency. Attendees learn readiness techniques and how to develop a tangible home defense plan.

912-357-5083 | www.topshelfammo.com | 1370 US Highway 80 East, Pooler

Hours: Tues.-Fri.: 11am-6pm; Sat.: 10am-4pm; Sun., Mon.: Closed

While Pooler is home to many great little shops and boutiques, people can take an easy drive into Effingham or Bryan counties for more choices to include: