Tuscumbia Retail Development celebrates 15 years at FiddleDee D!
Members of Tuscumbia Retail Development welcomed visitors to FiddleDee D! on June 24 in honor of the store’s 15th anniversary.
According to TRD, the idea for the store began when a grassroots movement of women held a meeting and expressed concern that more merchandise — items which would appeal to a large number of women shoppers — was needed in downtown Tuscumbia and within the town’s perimeter.
An informal study was launched during that holiday shopping season, and information was compiled that gave them a list of items and types of shops that would offer them the full shopping experience that they desired.
With the support of the mayor and City Council, and with assistance from the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Community Development program, they undertook further study, setting up a market plan with a map showing a potential market area.
Tuscumbia Retail Development became incorporated as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the retail climate of the town.
The women held meetings, socials and fundraisers to further the cause of revitalizing the shopping district. The community’s response was tremendous.
In July of 2010, the vision was fulfilled when Fiddledee D! opened its doors in downtown Tuscumbia, offering an incubator program for small business owners to join as individuals into a cooperative sales effort.
In this retail cooperative, they have the opportunity to try out a merchandising concept before making a heavy investment.
Operating costs and work hours are shared, making participation in Fiddledee D! ideal for those who wish part-time work or who are hobbyist business owners.
FiddleDee D! currently houses products from a number of businesses, from gifts and jewelry to home décor and food.
In the fall of 2015, the building that houses Fiddledee D! was redesigned, and the store held a grand reopening to offer a brand-new look to loyal local customers and visitors alike.
During 2020-2022, adversity struck our nation, our town and all retail shops with the COVID 19 pandemic.
Through the loyalty of our customers and the dedication of our volunteers and our small business merchants, Fiddledee D! was able to survive and indeed thrive.
The use of social media and personal service for curbside shopping helped us to “weather the storm.”
Speaking of storms, most recently Fiddiedee D! miraculously escaped damage from a tornado that hit our downtown. We lost our sign, but not our spirit.
In celebrating 15 years in business, TRD looks to have many more successful years for Fiddledee D! and for retail development in beautiful downtown Tuscumbia.
