Ideas occur sometimes at the most unexpected moments. Such was the case when Leigh Dobbins had a flat tire, went looking for a phone and wandered into an idea that would make her quit her job, sell all of her possessions and move to a remote island in the Pacific.

Well, not quite that extreme. She did, however, leave her job in a non-profit to satisfy her love of shopping and quench her passion for wonderful finds. Why not open one big store with lots of individually owned boutiques that would also be home to a great tearoom featuring light and delicious treats? Something very unique.

Dobbins hurried to tell her sister, Anne Brasfield. Brasfield told her, "This is the best crazy idea you've had yet." Thus it was that the Shops at 5807, located at this address on Patterson Avenue, came into being.

Brasfield had retail experience. She and her best friend had opened Frillseekers in 1992. The shop had a loyal following of customers seeking baubles, kitschy home décor and glamorous gifts. Brasfield, who had a penchant for one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry and other funky stuff, decided that Frillseekers was a great way to satisfy her craving of the hunt, to keep what she wanted and to sell the rest to make money to keep her ambitious little cycle rolling along. But Brasfield's interest in the shop waned after she lost her partner to breast cancer. So she was ready for something big when Dobbins came along with her "crazy idea." The concept for the Shops at 5807 clicked for them. It is designed for 20 or so different boutiques, all individually owned, stocked and decorated with their own identities. It's a place to shop for that elusive mother-in-law gift, an incredible pair of jeans, that perfect accent for your home, adorable kidswear, art and jewels. It's a place to relax and nosh on the best chicken salad in town and a Savannah chocolate cake to die for. "It's an experience, a destination," says Dobbins.

The "small mall" is strategically located at Patterson and Libbie and allows retailers and artisans an opportunity to display their wares in an eye-catching, high-traffic way without enormous overhead costs. Each retailer pays a small monthly "shopminder fee" in addition to a monthly rent and nominal commission on sales. In return, and in addition to the space, shop owners get the benefits of Shops at 5807 advertising and marketing, a web site, packaging, gift-wrapping, staffing, security and utilities among other things. Just about everything is included and high-end, exceptional retailers are hand-picked.

"We take the hassle and responsibility out of owning your own storefront," says Brasfield. "We do it all."


She and Dobbins are delighted to be part of an evolving and growing West End retail area and are dedicated to providing a stylish and eclectic alternative for people who are frustrated with homogeneous stores and big-box crowds and traffic. More information is available by e-mailing owner@shop5807.com.

Source: WORKMAGAZINE