Business of the Week – bettiann’s

You help your community thrive when you shop locally!

Be sure to read The Prowers Journal each week when we highlight a featured Business of the Week.

This week we spotlight “bettiann’s Gifts and Interiors” at 112 South Main Street in Lamar, owned and operated by Ruthie Esgar.

Bettiann’s Gifts & Interiors, 112 South Main Street, in downtown Lamar on the Santa Fe Trail, has a reputation of being the place where you can find the unique gift or the perfect home decor for almost any decorating style. Ruthie Esgar has been the owner of Bettiann’s since December 1, 1980, and she has expanded the store to more than three times the original size. Your phone calls to them will always be answered promptly and efficiently. She hopes to add a website in the near future to make it even easier to shop at Bettiann’s.

Bettiann’s has a long history as one of the main stores along Main Street, Lamar, dating back to the 1930’s when it was owned by the Peery family. Herschel Peery and the wife of a local minister opened the front part of the store to sell fine chocolates, Hummel figurines and books. The shop was only about 20 by 30 feet to begin with. After two years, the minister’s family left town, and the store changed hands and was called Goldie’s, a name that remained over the storefront for several decades. The selections slowly evolved to include gift items, of a popular and unique nature. About 17 to 18 years after being in operation, Goldie’s was sold to Bettiann Creaghe who again changed the name, and extended the length of the store and continued to stock classy and unique gifts for area shoppers.

Ruthie worked in Bettiann’s when she was a teenager and received a lot of training in what made Bettiann’s unique in customer service, and she continues to offer that same type of service that has spanned numerous decades. Kathy Lawrence became the next owner for four years, after Ruthie had left the area. When she came back for a visit, she noticed the store was for sale, and after a two or three hour deliberation, made a decision that has continued to serve her to this day.

During the past 31 years, Bettiann’s has expanded in size and in service. The travel agency has served travelers within a 100 mile radius of Lamar for quite a few years. They are bonded and accredited with an ARC certification for travel agencies in the country. As Ruthie says, “It’s not always the destination, it’s the journey that counts, and we want it to be as pleasurable and trouble-free as possible. We offer competitive rates because we can simultaneously scan 13 travel websites for the best offer for your plans, whether it’s by Amtrak, airplane or cruises and customized vacation packages.”

“Bettiann’s signature gift wrapping and bows are an added feature to all the gift ideas we offer. We believe that the complete package, the gift and the wrapping adds to the gift-giving and receiving experience. We want you to feel that selecting a gift from Bettianns should always be to recognize a happy occasion. We also offer free delivery to save you shopping time. Bettiann’s offers bridal and baby registered gifts. Bettiann’s usually employees two full time and seven part time staff and we’re open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm with extended holiday hours.”

“Bettiann’s has always been a downtown store, and has always strived to support the best retail interests and standards for Lamar’s citizens, shopper’s and staff. We know you’ll be able to find a greater selection out of town, but we ask that you give your local, hometown stores a visit first. Bettiann’s, 112 South Main in Lamar; call, click or come by. You’ll be glad you did.”

Photos by Russ Baldwin