Stephanie Coffer and Ron Hilpot, Marlboro Street Antiques

Nominated by Bennettsville Downtown Development Association

Marlboro Street Antiques is a new business in downtown Bennettsville, established in 2009. The owners, Stephanie Coffer and Ron Hilpot, quickly turned a vacant, historic building into a profitable and unique full-line antique store. About 40 percent of their business comes from out-of-town shoppers.

From the start, Coffer and Hilpot were determined to make the business a credit to downtown Bennettsville and unique in its own right. The 4400-square-feet of merchandise is displayed so shoppers can easily see the merchandise. Two bays of the former auto repair business serve as showrooms for the antiques.

Coffer and Hilpot have not only brought life back to the historic building with a successful business, but they have also built two apartments on the upper level, one to rent and one as their home. This gives them a 24/7 presence downtown. In addition, they have enthusiastically participated in the Bennettsville Downtown Development Association, city marketing campaign and cooperative advertising ventures with other downtown businesses.

Contact: Ken Harmon at bdda99@yahoo.com or 843.479.3869