Around Our Town with Gene Merritt
Blog # 25
November 26, 2023

Margery Garrabrant and the Just Like New Shoppe

**Margey started this business in May 1974**

I have always been impressed by small businesses that have survived and prospered for many years, facing many challenges, as a testimony to their strong ownership and management.

No better example of a local business with these attributes is the Just Like New Shoppe, located at 1014 South Kerr Avenue in Wilmington. The shop was founded in 1974 by Margery Garrabrant. “Margey”, a local Wilmington girl, is the daughter of Emily R. and John R. Garrabrant and sister of Edgar Garrabrant, all from Wilmington.

I have personally known “Margey” since at least the second grade at Forest Hills School or earlier.

Margey attended Forest Hills School, Chestnut Street, New Hanover High School, and Wilmington College.

After college she became an X-Ray Technician for several years and got married, working in the medical industry for a while.

She met a friend in Wilmington who had opened a Consignment Shop in Chapel Hill and convinced Margey this type of business could be successful.

Encouraged by her friend’s recommendations, she open the Just Like New Shoppe in its current location in May 1974. Next May will mark the 50th anniversary of her being in business.

No business can be successful without strong help and support.

In 1995, Joyce Zimmerman became Margey’s business partner and has served in that role since then.

In 2011 Holly Langdon became the manager of the shop.

It is no surprise to me that Margey has been so successful. I know her as an honest, straight-forward, trustworthily person who has been a true friend to me and many others in the Wilmington community.

I know none of us are perfect, but I don’t know a single person who knows Margey well who does not love and respect her.

Happy 50th Margey!

Gene Merritt
Around Our Town with Gene Merritt
Blog # 25
November 26, 2023