Small town shop offers big city merchandise

Ever since Jerry Whitworth left Arkansas in 1970 to open a clothing and gift shop, holidays have been his busiest time of the year.
“There’s no doubt about it,” said the four-decade owner of downtown Iola’s McGinty-Whitworth.
Of course, when more customers come into the store, more dollars come in as well. But it’s not the money Whitworth is after. Walking into the store he and wife Sharon bought in 1969 — then called Trout’s — patrons find merchandise not typically found in small-town shops.
“We’re not just clothing. I don’t think a lot of people realize we have stuff for men, too, and we cover all ages,” he said, using the word “eclectic” to describe the shop’s inventory.
Whitworth said being able to sell anything and everything — from name-brand women and girls apparel like Miss Me jeans and Snoozies slippers to regional collegiate sporting apparel and gifts and gadgets for the hunter in the family — and saving local residents a trip to Lawrence, Kansas City or Wichita is what running a retail store in a small town is all about.  
Aside from the convenience of the store’s location — 101 E. Madison Ave. — McGinty-Whitworth customers get an optimum shopping experience, Whitworth said.
“You get personal service and there’s actually someone that can answer questions that’s right here,” he said. “You have to go hunt around to find someone at a store in Kansas City.
“I think that’s the key” to succeeding “as a small-town business man,” he added.
With a continuing tradition of good service and shopping convenience, the only thing left to offer holiday shoppers are some discounts.
And there are plenty. In Tuesday’s Register, McGinty-Whitworth released a holiday catalogue. In it is a coupon good for 30 percent off anything pictured in the flier.
“People have options,” Whitworth said, referring to the array of items in the catalogue.
Featured discount items include: black and white checked scarfs — $9.99; black shawls — $29.99; Da Vinci toggle bracelet and earring sets — $12.99.
And merchandise not specifically discounted is almost always the same price or cheaper than what can be found at a large retail chain, Whitworth said.
“You’ll get the same price at Macy’s for those Miss Me jeans,” he said.
McGinty-Whitworth is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday during the holiday season. The store is until 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays until Christmas.