Barnes Supply Company

Barnes Supply stands out among the delicatessens, artsy specialty shops and clothiers that make up the eclectic retail corridor (Ninth Street). Decades ago, the store was the place of commerce for tobacco, dairy and poultry farmers who would buy seasonal fertilizer and seed.

But to keep up with consumers' tastes, the store's offerings have changed. 

Barnes Supply's second owner; Gary George, has replaced hardware supplies such as nails, nuts and bolts with contemporary garden sculptures, birdhouses and pet supplies-items typically found in specialty boutiques and gift catalogs.

What might seem a strange mix-pet and garden supplies-has turned out to be the right recipe for ensuring longevity of the business.