DuBOIS â Bubba Jayâs home decor store has opened in the DuBois Plaza, offering a unique collection of home decor and gift items, gourmet snacks and more.
Owner Mike Schepis, of Curwensville, said he always had an interest in the home decor realm, noting that his wife, April, along with his mother are huge decorators.
When this space became open in DuBois, Schepis said it seemed like the perfect time to dive into a new venture. The location is ideal, too, nestled in a busy plaza with other businesses like Jersey Mikeâs Subs, Dan Smith Candy Co., Sarveyâs Notary Service and H&R Block, with parking and visibility.
Bubba Jayâs held its soft opening and ribbon cutting with the DuBois Area Chamber of Commerce on March 26.
Located at 1213 E. DuBois Ave., the quaint shop is full of just about everything a home decor enthusiast can think of, including candles and wax melts, garden flags and ornaments and solar decor, wind chimes, porch nicknacks and pillows, and some popular characters âgnomes, frogs, bumblebees, sunflowers and more. Depending on the season, themed items can be found there, too, such as American flag wind spinners, for example. There is also a wall specifically dedicated to novelty license plates.
The Crossroads candles that Bubba Jayâs sells, said Schepis, are ones his wife has been burning for years, so he knows how good quality they are.
The goal was to bring something different to the area, a needed niche, he said, especially since with outgoing of the JoAnn Fabrics and Michaels craft stores in DuBois. Itâs also Schepisâ goal to offer items at an affordable price, noting âvolume over profit.â Bubba Jayâs is full of character, with much of the decor featuring quirky designs, funny quotes or little perks, such as light-up pillows. Schepis noted he aims to have as many American-made products as possible.
Some examples of gourmet snacks and food items include flavored pretzels, popcorn and Amish smokehouse jerky sticks, Jeffâs Jams & Salsas out of Howard, Pa., Happy Valley Soups out of State College, dip mixes and more. Once again, Schepis said the idea is to offer something different.
One of Schepisâ favorite parts about the new business endeavor, he said, has been interacting with people and helping them find and pick out items for their home.
The shop is extremely organized and visually pleasing, something Schepis said customers have complimented since the opening, as well as that itâs well spaced out. He said people have been very welcoming and supportive, mentioning that a store like this is needed in the area.
âEveryone always says theyâll be back,â he said.
Schepisâ plan is to continue to stay versatile, seeking and selling unique items that differ from other places. He mentioned he is looking into getting hanging baskets.
Thus far, Schepis referred to the Bubba Jayâs as an âamazing and exciting journeyâ with lots of interaction with the community. It has been rewarding for him, he said, to see people enjoy something he has dedicated much time into putting together.
Schepis will also be selling Bubba Jayâs products at the Hazen Flea Market and other vendor shows and festivals.
Customers can also order products off of the Bubba Jayâs website and pick them up in store.
Schepis noted they also offer a VIP/rewards club at the store as a way to give back to customers and offer extra perks.
Store hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Visit the Bubba Jayâs website: www.bubbajaysdecor.com and Bubba Jayâs on Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Bubba-Jays/61574200863263/?_rdr
