New location, added services

Fear. Doubt. Outrage.

A number of emotions poured from the hearts of Americans following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, as planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

It was a day none would forget. For local residents Summer Mangum and her mother, Terri Woodward, it was supposed to be a celebration of them opening their formal wear shop, Summer's Formal Wear, on Limestone Street.

"We were going to open up," Woodward said, "but the events of Sept. 11 kept us from doing so."

The crisis did not keep the family from opening the shop days later, earning high marks from local customers.

Now seven years removed from the terrorist attacks, Mangum and Woodward are at it again, hoping to better serve clients at their new venue on East Montgomery Street.

"We saw that things were getting too small for us in there," Woodward said.

The store offers tuxedos as well as items needed for bridesmaid, debutante and prom dresses. Summer's now also offers clients the opportunity to have their wedding ceremonies and receptions onsite.

"Instead if going to the courthouse, you can come to our house," Mangum said. "We can offer them a simple ceremony or they can have all the trimmings that come with most weddings."

America's current financial crisis has caused things to slow down at many area businesses. While Summer's has been relatively successful, it has not been immune.

For that reason Woodward is pleading with local customers to stay in town to support Cherokee County businesses.

"We have everything that is in Spartanburg," Woodward said. "Just give us a chance."

The store is holding a grand re-opening this weekend.