Return to retail results in growth; Flowers find favor with Vine & Branch owner

Vine & Branch owner Lai Ann Mitchell once had a shop in Clinton, Ky., but made a choice to sell the business.

It did not take long, she said, to realize she missed working in retail, selling and wrapping gifts, so she soon found herself working at Katie J.’s a gift shop in Mayfield, owned by Sherry Elliott Neeley.

As luck would have it, or, as Lai Ann put it, God’s timing worked in her favor, and Neeley decided she was interested in selling her store in Fulton, then known as Cissy’s, located at 202 Lake St.

In January of 2019, she became the new owner and was once again able to offer unique gifts, and a service new to her, fresh flowers.

The name change to Vine & Branch ultimately was chosen to generate a fresh interest in the business. Over time, she said, she would add to a running list of words, which she liked or had special meaning, and Vine & Branch was the winning choice.

While Mitchell coordinated an over haul to the aesthetics of the shop, she also made some inventory revisions, but strived to maintain the same level of unique, high quality inventory and personalized service the store had provided to the community for many years.

In addition to home decor, and gifts for all occasions, Vine & Branch offers stylish jewelry selections and accessories such as purses, wallets and clothing items.

Fresh flowers and a wide variety of of bereavement gifts are delivered to Fulton, South Fulton, Clinton, Arlington, Martin and Union City for customers. One convenient feature at Vine & Branch is the accessibility of their website, vineandbranchflorist.com where customers may place specific orders.

The Bridal Registry service has also gained popularity for local engaged couples.

“I have said before, we sell sentiment. Whether it’s something on a t-shirt, a wall hanging or a mug, customers are able to find gift items that fit perfectly, for the recipient,” she said.

“I have also been surprised at myself, because I would have never thought of me, buying a florist business, but I just love working with flowers now,” Mitchell said.

The hours of operation of Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The telephone number is 270-472-0918.

Mitchell has also expanded into Union City, Tenn., with the opening of her Vine & Branch store there, at 319 South Second St.

“The people of Fulton and South Fulton, with me not living here, have just welcomed me into the community. I love being here on Lake Street. The people of Union City have been the same way,” she said.

In her spare time, Mitchell enjoys her three granddaughters.

“When I am not at work, I am usually with them,” she said.