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Rodgers promoting local talent at Byler Station Gift Exchange

Kathy Rodgers hears downtown Russellville described as one of Franklin County's 'best kept secrets.'

As the owner of a downtown gift shop, Byler Station Gift Exchange, Rodgers hopes to see the day that description no longer fits. And with unique stores like Byler Station, Lizzy Claire and This and That, along with Destination Restaurant offering delicious meals, there's reason to be excited about downtown Russellville once again.

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce motto, “Shop Locally, It Matters,” rings true. And at Byler Station Gift Exchange, it matters even more because Rodgers has filled her store shelves with gifts made by local artists and craftsmen right here in Franklin County.

Rodgers, who lives in the Pebble community, is a retired Haleyville high school teacher, where she taught American History and Contemporary Issues for 20 years. Her retail experience includes operating a Christian bookstore in downtown Haleyville for approximately eight years.

Rodgers is offering a variety of specialty craft classes, tentatively set for Thursdays at 8 a.m., or 6:30 p.m. Some of the classes she has in mind include basket weaving, personalized mosaics, textile painting, loom weaving, crochet necklaces and origami, all in self-contained two-hour classes where students will either make the item or learn how to complete it after the class. For information on Byler Station's craft classes, stop by the store or call 256-436-9515. You can also check out the store on Facebook, by searching 'Byler Station Gift Exchange.'

The store name comes from Rodgers' home address, on a section of old Byler Road, Alabama's oldest road since it became a state. Approximately a century ago, there was a switching station located on old Byler Road where people bought provisions and rested their horses.

Rodgers uses the 'gift exchange' in her business name because she offers many different hand-made articles and crafts, all local, from at least 12 local artists. These unique gifts range from Paige Smith's clay jewelry to chopping boards crafted by Michael Pounders.

Byler Station Gift Exchange is located at 114A Jackson Avenue. The store is open Thursday and Friday from 10-5:30 and Saturday from 10-3.

Rodgers often hears customers describe Byler Station as “a store you'd expect to find in Gatlinburg,” which she takes as a compliment. From its wide variety of specialty gifts to the relaxing music playing in the background, Byler Station Gift Exchange is a great place to browse for that perfect gift for someone you love.

Rodgers strives to combine unique gifts with name-brand quality to insure customers find just that perfect gift.

I did not want a generic gift shop with things you could pick up anywhere. But we do have top-of-the-line brands as well, like Charles River apparel and Corkcicle tumblers and canteens,” Rodgers said.

Available in a variety of sizes and colors, Corkcicle tumblers are triple-insulated with non-skid bottoms and available for less than pricier Yeti products.

Byler Station offers custom monogramming on all items sold in-store as well as items customers bring from home.

Rodgers has a large collection of books by Alabama authors, keeping in theme with promoting local artists. You'll find several titles by Rick Bragg, Andy Andrews and other Alabama authors.

We want to offer unique items but it also builds your community if you allow local artists and craftsmen a place to promote their goods,” Rodgers said. “You don't have to travel out-of-town to find quality, unique gift items, nor do you have to wait weeks to have them delivered to your door,” she added.

As Byler Station Gift Exchange nears its first anniversary, Rodgers still hears from people who have 'no idea' the store is located in downtown Russellville. She hopes to continue with her business, but would like to see sales grow to local residents.

It's always tempting to think the grass is greener somewhere else or there's more opportunity down the road, but if you don't give your own downtown a chance to see what's available, this area will remain the 'best-kept secret around' and that's a shame,” Rodgers said.

We have several merchants with top-quality items from Lizzy Claire to Thompson's (Drapery) to collectibles at This and That. I want to encourage Russellville residents to check us out and if we don't offer what you're looking for, let us know what you'd like to see. Customers are the most important part of a business and without them, a business cannot survive,” Rodgers added.

Rodgers will host a Sidewalk Sale during August's Franklin County Watermelon Festival. You can always check out Byler Station's sale shelf, with items up to 25 percent off, and if you're in the market for fabric, Rodgers is holding a fabric closeout sale while supplies last.

Whether it's an antique cherry table or chair, monogrammed beach tote bags or personalized rain jackets, you'll find it all at Byler Station Gift Exchange.

Come see us for great gift ideas or something special for yourself,” Rodgers said.

 

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