Apple’s Ltd. meeting fashion needs for decades
Published 7:00 am Tuesday, June 9, 2015
QUALITY SUITS: Apple’s Owner Robert Applewhite assists a customer into a suit jacket. The clothing store stocks suits and tuxedos available for rent or purchase. Photo by Ashley Collins.
For nearly 50 years, locals have purchased clothes and accessories for their entire family at Apple’s Ltd. in Poplarville.
Since 1968, the family-owned business has continuously evolved to offer customers the latest fashions.
Apple’s owner and pharmacist Robert Applewhite said he decided to open the clothing store when the building next door to his pharmacy, Pearl River Drug Company, became available. When he purchased the building, he built the clothing store from the ground up with the help of his wife Betty Applewhite, employee Katherine Bass Moody and a local construction company run by football coaches from Pearl River Community College.
“I told the construction company to draw me up some plans and the store came out exactly as they designed. We’ve been here ever since,” he said.
Applewhite now shares the business with his daughter Pam Applewhite LaHaye, who has years of fashion experience under her belt. LaHaye graduated with a degree in fashion merchandising from Bauder College in Atlanta, Ga. After graduation, she went on to work as a fashion merchandiser and buyer for several department stores, including J.C. Penney.
In 1984, LaHaye moved home to Poplarville and joined the family business to help expand the store.
“We’re always out searching for something new for the store in terms of brands and accessories,” LaHaye said.
Southern Marsh Collection, Roxy, Columbia Sportswear, Patagonia, Levi’s and Brighton collectibles are some of the clothing and accessory brands offered at the store. Accessories include sunglasses, jewelry, shoes and home decor.
The store stocks suits and tuxedos, which are available for rent or purchase. They also offer services such as alterations, wedding registries and special orders.
“There are very few stores like us left,” Applewhite said.
Apple’s is located at 512 S. Main St. in Poplarville. The shop is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. It is closed on Sunday.
Follow them on Facebook at Apple’s Ltd., on Instagram at apple_ltd and Pinterest at Apple’s Ltd.
For more information, contact store staff at (601) 795-4546.
FAMILY BUSINESS: Sales Clerk Penny Thames rings up a customer. Photo by Ashley Collins.
