Three Fred’s stores in the Golden Triangle will close shop by the end of May.
Fred’s corporate office announced today in a press release its closure of more than 100 stores nationwide. Two Columbus locations, 304 Fifth St. and 201 G Alabama St., and one West Point location at 26591 E. Main St., were listed among the 159 stores scheduled to close. Starkville’s location, on Jackson Street, was not listed as one of the affected stores.
“After a careful review, we have made the decision to rationalize our footprint by closing underperforming stores, with a particular focus on locations with shorter duration leases,” Chief Executive Officer Joseph Anto said in a press release issued by the corporate office. “Most of these stores have near-term lease expirations and limited remaining lease obligations. Decisions that impact our associates in this way are difficult, but the steps we are announcing are necessary. We will make every effort to transition impacted associates to other stores where possible.”
This closure comes months after Walgreens purchased Fred’s Pharmacy patient files, closing a number of Fred’s Pharmacy locations, including the Columbus store at 115 Alabama St., in the process.
Over in Starkville, The Cotton District continues to thrive as the artistic heartbeat in the college town.
Tammy Carlisle has spent her time serving in the corporate world but has since decided to switch gears. Tonight, she will host an open house for Minerva, a hair salon and art gallery wrapped in one.
Minerva, 203 Maxwell St., will have its grand opening this afternoon from 5-8 p.m. Carlisle, along with art gallery director Joe MacGown, will showcase the new “art spot” with refreshments, artists and live music from the jazz trio the Hep Cats. MacGown, a Starkville artist, said he has helped start galleries before in the area, and is excited about the collaboration with Carlisle.
The salon and gallery will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Be sure to check out Miverva’s Facebook page and website for poetry nights, open-mic nights and a slew of events geared to bringing artists together in one central location.
“We want to encourage and foster the understanding of art in the community,” Carlisle said. “I think creative people often don’t pool their resources together and this is going to be that platform. If you want to come sit in the back and write your poetry, you’re welcome to enjoy the vibe.”
Need a ride from a game, party or restaurant?
EZ-RYDR, a subscription or per-ride paid transportation service, launched earlier this week. You can download the app and sign up per ride or even an unlimited subscription for $300 per month. With six hired drivers, Starkville marks the third location for EZ-RYDR, with Oxford and Ruston, Louisiana, already underway.
CEO Kyle Staude said safety is the company’s No. 1 priority. Once a rider is in the vehicle, both the driver and rider have an SOS button in their apps that contacts local law enforcement. There is also a feature for female riders to select female drivers in their settings.
Moving on, in today’s world you’re likely attached to your cell phone. In that case, when something goes wrong, you need a place to fix it. Gators Computers LLC., in Starkville has moved locations. After 10 years on Martin Luther King Drive, Gators moved to 448 Hwy. 12 W. Suite 6. If your phone or computer starts to glitch, you can visit Gators Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
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