Locals Only gift boxes are popular with locals and out-of-towners alike. (Staff photo by Emily Crisman)Like many real estate agents, Eric Landrum gives housewarming gifts to clients who have purchased a home. Thinking it would be nice to show the new homeowners a bit of what the talented folks in the Scenic City have to offer, his wife, Danielle Landrum, spent hours collecting local products, such as Barley Bones dog treats from Nooga Paws and Rustic House candles from the Chattanooga Market.
When he showed her finished gift basket to co-workers, they told him she could sell the baskets if she wanted to.
Landrum ended up selling $1,000 worth of gift baskets in two weeks just by posting photos on Facebook, she said.
She continued to compile and sell baskets to supplement her regular job, but was doing so well, she decided to quit her day job and open a storefront.
In May, Landrum opened Locals Only in a 450-square-foot space in Miller Plaza. The brick-and-mortar store proved to be as popular as it had been online.