Jackson Free Press

With massive chain stores popping up left and right, the secret to success for small businesses is hauntingly simple: Stick together. That’s the plan for Drake’s Designs Florist & Gifts owner Ann Turner Williams and her business-neighbor, Chris McCoy of The Book Rack. The two stores in Jackson’s Canton Mart Square are teaming up for Books & Boos, Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Williams came up with the Halloween-themed open house while out on the town with her friend, Susan Marquez. The Mississippi writer told Williams that she recently finished editing “Just Out of Reach,” the latest novel from criminal defense attorney and author Belinda Stevens of Yazoo City, Miss., Williams’ hometown. Stevens also authored the parody book “50 Shades of Fur, by Missy Barkalot.”

Williams immediately thought of fellow small-business owner McCoy, who runs The Book Rack with his wife, Missie. While McCoy’s store once held book signings and special events, there hadn’t been one in years, and he wanted to change that. McCoy bought The Book Rack on November 1, 2013, from previous owners Mark and Sarah McMullin, and he’s been giving the store a face-lift ever since, redesigning the interior and increasing social media presence.

Books & Boos combines Williams’ love of art with McCoy’s love of literature. It also just happened to fall near Halloween, giving them a natural theme.

“We decided to do a night where Belinda Stevens would come, and I’d stay open and feature one of my artists, (Kristen Allen), a girl who works for me,” Williams says. Allen’s mother, Gail Lewis Manton of Designs by G, will display pieces at the event, as well. A Yazoo City native herself, Manton customizes wine glasses with hand-painted art. Paul Koury of Paul Anthony’s Market, a gourmet eatery, market and catering company in Canton Mart Square, will provide food.

Books & Boos is also a way for Williams to thank her long-time customers with an evening of wine, food and entertainment from musician Scott Stricklin. While she and her husband, Mike, have owned Drake’s Designs for 21 years, Williams has about 36 years of experience in floral arrangement and gifts in total, and she’s made baby wreaths and blankets for multiple generations of the same family tree.

“It’s all about the small businesses and shopping local,” she says. “It’s harder to compete with these big-box stores, but what makes us different is our relationships with our customers.”

Books & Boos is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at Drake’s Designs Florist & Gifts (1491 Canton Mart Road, 601-957-6983) and The Book Rack (1491 Canton Mart Road, Suite #7, 601-956-5086). Call either store for more information.