(Hannah Gunnell/South Indy Connect photo) Scott and Jackie Eanes (and their dog, Chewbacca) own and operate Take Root Country Store, located in the house at the corner of Madison and Euclid streets in Greenwood. They’ve been at this location for 13 years, and have owned the business for 28 years.
By HANNAH GUNNELL
Scott and Jackie Eanes’ 28 year old business, Take Root Country Store, originally opened with just one item for sale.
“Our very first product was these little plant rooters hanging in the window here,” Scott said. “We went to Brown County, Nashville, Indiana, to buy a gift for a friend as a housewarming gift, and we bought one of these. I bought one for myself because I was fascinated by them. We noticed they had a phone number on the box, so I called the number to ask about opening a business or starting to sell them, and we started from there. We got our business license and slowly grew into an entire country store.”
What originally began as a kiosk at the Greenwood Park Mall has since grown into a whole house at the corner of Madison and Euclid streets in Greenwood.
“We’ve owned this building for 13 years, and we were across the street for six years before that, so we’ve been at this intersection for 18-19 years,” Scott said.
They had no idea they’d be in business this long. But they stayed in it because they wanted to work for themselves, and they have a passion for the country style of home decor.
“It gives you a homey feel, versus a clean, sterile-style environment,” he said. “We’ve always liked Nashville, Indiana, so we thought we’d bring a little Nashville to Greenwood.”
Currently, the store is a winter wonderland, including candles, snowmen, and other holiday-themed decor. It’s Scott’s favorite season to decorate, and Jackie joked she has to stop him from decorating too early in the year.
“He’s the main decorator,” Jackie said. “What takes him an hour takes me all day. He’s the naturally gifted one.”
Scott has a preference for the U-shape of decorating. In a U-shape style, there is an item serving at a focal point in the center of the display, with other decor items to the focal point’s outside.
Even their dog, Chewbacca, can be seen wearing a Christmas sweater. The Eanes couple actually lives upstairs in the house — so Chewbacca is usually there when the store is open.
Throughout December, Take Root Country Store is doing a green envelope event. Anyone who makes a purchase can receive a green envelope with a coupon between $5-$100. Customers can’t open the envelope until they return to the store to make another purchase in January. This helps keep customers returning after the holidays.