New retail businesses optimistic about New Year

By Everett Brazil, III

The Newkirk Herald Journal

NEWKIRK — The world has entered a New Year with 2023, and many people are optimistically making New Year’s resolutions to improve their lives, whether that be to eat healthier, be more active, read more books or find a new outlook on life. Many businesses also see something to be optimistic about going into the new season, and for two local businesses, 56 Feed. Co. and Chaotic Creations the relatively new retailers Downtown Newkirk see nothing but growth going forward into the New Year.

Kaycee and Nila Brandon are the proprietors of 56 Feed Co., which opened in August 2021, and P.J. Malone operates Chaotic Creations, which opened earlier in the summer of 2022. Both are located only a few blocks from each other on Main Steet.

The shops offer a unique boutique offering of their own, with mugs, shirts and other collectibles in their respective shops. For 56 Feed Co., though, they also offer NAPA auto parts, livestock feed and supplements, garden ware and food items. They have seen great success recently.

Having only been open about six months, Chaotic Creations has seen increasing customers, especially through the holiday season.

“It’s been really good. We had a few slow periods, but November and December have been really good,” Maloney said.

Likewise, 56 Feed. Co. has seen an increase in sales for Christmas.

“I’ve done double over what I did at Christmas last year,” Kaycee said.

There were also slow periods for 56 Feed Co., but they have largely overcome them with a variety of offerings that speak to a variety of customers. One is livestock feed, something that has brought in new customers in recent years.

“This past summer, I added a brand of feed I didn’t have last show season, so that increased sales because the customers were having to go to Medford,” she said. “Hopefully more word-of-mouth will keep people talking about our store, and we will continue to grow.”

Both businesses are represented by Newkirk Main Street (NMS) and the Chamber of Commerce, and they are optimistic about the coming year for businesses across the community.

“As we move into 2023, I’m looking forward to a year of collaboration, partnerships and continuous improvement that will continue to stimulate Newkirk’s economic stability and growth,” said Dawn Brakey, Chamber president and NMS board member. “I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank those of you that are investing in Newkirk’s future, you know who you are, whether it be financially or by volunteering with your time and talents. Thank you and Happy New Year.”

As for the local businesses, they have plans to expand and offer new items to the community, maybe their own New Year’s Resolution, from a business standpoint.

“I would like to add, every year, a new brand to our line,” Kaycee said. “I intend to increase my online sales, as well.”

Malone is also ready to add more to the community.

“We do hope to bring in new merchandise, often,” Malone said. “I do hope to expand online and get the online business going.”