Small Business Saturday is all about celebrating the entrepreneurs who pour their heart, hustle, and vision into the communities they serve. This year, we’re thrilled to highlight two North Carolina staples that embody exactly what makes shopping locally so meaningful: Ashworth’s Clothing in Fuquay-Varina and Gentleman’s Corner in Cary. These independent retailers are perfect examples of why people choose to support small business and shop local businesses year after year.

Both stores have deep roots in their towns, loyal followings, and a genuine passion for serving their customers well. We sat down with each of them to learn more about their journeys, their communities, and what fuels their success—true small business stories from standout community retailers.

Ashworth’s Clothing – Fuquay-Varina, NC

A Fuquay-Varina fixture, in business for 88 years and counting, Ashworth’s Clothing is woven into the fabric of the town’s past and present. Their storefront is a hub for returning customers, new faces, and generations of families who rely on them for quality clothing and a truly personal touch—everything you hope to find in local clothing stores and small fashion boutiques.

How do you define success as a small business owner?
That’s easy. Repeat customers! When you’ve satisfied your customer and they come back, and bring a friend or family member, you know you’ve done something right. That’s the heart of what makes Small Business Saturday and the small retailer spotlight so special.

What makes Fuquay-Varina special?
Friendliness and our welcoming community helps set us apart. Plus, we’re filled with generational families which has helped build our rich history. But Fuquay is growing, and we’re lucky to have both old and new faces helping shape our future—something we see celebrated by those who love to support small business and community retailers.

What are some other local businesses you love?
We are big fans of Stickboy Bread Company (the walnut and raisin sticky bun is a favorite) and The Mill, a go-to spot for coffee before work or a drink afterward. Honorable mention are our amazing neighbors on Main Street, the Original Strength Gym, helping keep our community fit—great examples of independent retailers that enrich the area.

What would your advice be to aspiring small business owners?
Be emotionally invested. Build relationships. Have a servant’s heart. Give your customer a great experience each and every time they walk through your door. These small business stories are at the core of why people choose to shop local businesses.

What do you love about Johnnie-O?
It’s fresh, on trend, colorful, and an incredible value for the quality. Johnnie-O can be enjoyed all day…morning to night. It’s really a ‘do it all’ brand.

Gentleman’s Corner – Cary, NC

Tucked right into the heart of downtown Cary, Gentleman’s Corner has grown alongside the town’s recent wave of revitalization. Owners Emily and Worth have created a welcoming, style-forward space that blends classic menswear with a modern shopping experience. Their store has become a trusted local destination, largely thanks to strong word of mouth and the relationships they've built within the community—hallmarks of thriving local clothing stores and small fashion boutiques.

How do you define success as a small business owner?
While it is certainly easy to quantify success with a dollar sign, what really makes us feel successful as small business owners is having a good relationship within our community. Much of our business is word of mouth, and when our customers speak highly of us, we reap the benefits of that as their friends and family turn into customers too. We know that if we are able to prioritize those relationships, the rest will fall into place—another example of why Small Business Saturday shines a small retailer spotlight on stores like ours.

What makes Cary, NC special?
We have had roots in Cary for a long time, and it has been incredibly exciting to be a part of the downtown transformation. While it is always important to be an active part of your community, it has been really cool to grow as a business alongside other small businesses in an area that is exploding and truly understands what it means to shop locally and support small business.

If the store had a theme song…
“Suit & Tie” by Justin Timberlake and JAY-Z… fitting for a menswear shop, and also one of Emily and Worth’s favorite jams.

What are some other local businesses you love?
They proudly support fellow downtown spots like Villa 19 (a chic women’s boutique), Albatross (a pub with golf simulators and incredible smashburgers), and Home for Entertaining (a niche home goods store offering cooking classes)—a showcase of the independent retailers that help Cary thrive.

What would your advice be to aspiring small business owners?
It requires a ton of hard work, but it will be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. These small business stories are what make Small Business Saturday meaningful.

What do you love about Johnnie-O?
It has a little bit of something for everyone…golf, beach, gym, or a rehearsal dinner. It helps us be the one-stop shop that makes shopping easy for everyone.

Here’s to the Shops That Do It Right

From Cary to Fuquay-Varina, these two stores remind us what small business is all about: community, connection, great service, and a whole lot of heart. They represent the best of independent retailers and community retailers, proving why people choose to support small business and shop local businesses every day—not just on Small Business Saturday.

This Small Business Saturday, we’re raising a glass to the local shops that keep our towns vibrant, and to the customers who choose to support them year after year.

Thanks for shopping small. Thanks for shopping local. And thanks for being part of the Johnnie-O family.

Find your local retailer on our store locator: Find an Authorized Johnnie-O Retailer Near You.