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Hot Springs Trail Map
.Parties . Banquets . Leagues . Pro Shop . Cosmic Bowling
977 W. Hwy 25/70 Newport, TN 37821
(423) 623-1420
Most Roadside Services AcceptedMost Roadside Services Accepted 860 W. Hwy 25/70 • Newport, TN
423-623-0008 WWW.EVANSAUTOMOTIVE.NET
Visiting The Smokies Summer 2020
Newport Dry Goods
Tourists search out this bargain destination
During the past fi ve decades thousands of people, many tourists driving through Cocke County, have discovered the unique retail world that is Newport Dry Goods and its creator, Carroll Kyker, who has lost track of the number of times he’s traveled to New York in search of great values for his Newport store.
Local residents already know about the home of “legendary low prices since 1959” facing the railroad tracks at Main Street and just off Highway 321. Tourists and new arrivals learn of it as if it is a mustvisit historic site presenting low prices every week in a large white-letter-on-black advertisement in the Newport Plain Talk.
The 1920s era brick buildings, wood fl oors, tin ceilings, are packed so tightly with racks and tables stacked with name brand shoes, clothing for men, women and children, you can’t walk more than a few feet before fi nding another low price. Mr. Kyker says the main reason the store is successful and so much different than others is “rarely a day goes by we don’t have a delivery truck with goods arrive for our customers.” If you shop major retailers, the merchandise may be priced from $19.95 to $159.95, but at Dry Goods the tags most likely carry $1.99 to $29.99.
“One customer told me he had just moved to Newport and what he liked about the store was we had quality merchandise but at cheap prices.” For example, Dry Goods has sold thousands of pairs of ladies department store brand panties that would list for $10.00 and Dry Goods’ price is $1.99. “New merchandise, name brands, arrive everyday and we sell these 25% to 70% off.”
While many are accustomed to Newport Dry Goods, they might take the store for granted, says Mr. Kyker, who tells the story of a Japanese couple who picked up a Visiting the Smokies publication at the Hartford I-40 Welcome Center, saw the article about the store and stopped overnight to visit. It was like meeting a celebrity to have a photo made with the Legend of Retail Low Prices.
The store name is known across America from California to Florida and tourists’ stories often refer to Mr. Kyker. Floridians were puzzled when they came across an East Tenn. friend who had not shopped in Newport Dry Goods. Others reported seeing the Dry Goods logo T-shirts in California: “Don’t miss a day or you will miss a bargain.” You can always fi nd men’s sports coats for $14.99 and it is not unusual for Nashville businessmen to drive three hours and buy several suits and coats. Men’s casual and dress shoes sold in retail chains at $79.99 sell for just $29.99.
If you chance to meet Mr. Kyker, who likes to walk the fl oor and greet customers, he might tell you: “We just got in a shipment of ladies’ tops, eight different famous brands. We are selling these $4.99 to $6.99” as he points to full racks. “One of our most popular sales in spring and summer is the Carroll Kyker Legend in Retailing swimsuit sale. “We just recently received more swimsuits with more to come.” Junior, misses, and plus swim suits sold in dept. stores to $69.99 carry a Dry Goods’ price of $10.99.
After a recent Memorial Day, two different women, one from Alabama and another from Georgia, shopped at Newport Dry Goods and had to get one of Mr. Kyker’s popular T-shirts. And, they asked him to autograph it. The Alabama woman remarked: “You’re the rock star of retailing.” While he is somewhat embarrassed by all the excitement over him and the store, he is glad to keep customers satisfi ed and signed the shirts.
People in other towns would like Dry Goods to share this success and open in their towns too. But that probably will not happen. So, folks will just have to keep driving to Newport and that suits him. More than a third of his shoppers come from outside Newport. Tourist shoppers make repeat trips every year to fi nd the latest bargains by the railroad tracks.
Sandals, logging boots, overalls, dress shirts, socks, dresses, ties, belts, even motor oil, chances are good you will fi nd it here and cheaper than anywhere else.
Newport Dry Goods is located at 255 East Main Street across from the old railroad depot and open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Friday hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. For more information, call (423) 623-2921.
Donna Jo’s Market & Subway ®
5040 Hooper Highway (321) • Cosby, TN 37722 423-532-7650
The Carver Family Invites you to join the fun at CARVER ’ S ORCHARD & Applehouse Restaurant
The Orchard Offers Fresh Fruits . Vegetables Locally-Made Jams & Jellies . Homemade Apple Butter & Pies . Nuts . Fresh Cider . Hand-Dipped Chocolates (Including Sugar-Free)
Grandchildren: Kylen, K.C, Kiersten, and Kaycen,
American Owned Locally Operated
Visit Our Other 2 Locations: Subway - Walmart 1075 Cosby Highway, Newport, TN 37821 423-625-2045 Subway - Cosby Highway 762 Cosby Highway, Newport, TN 37821 423-625-7700
Danny Ray & Irene Carver Daughters Stacey & Danielle
The Applehouse Restaurant overlooks the Smokies including Mt. Leconte. Each guest starts their meal with apple fritters, apple butter & fresh cider. The Applehouse Restaurant is open 7 days a week from 11AM-8PM OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 8-8 Orchard & Candy Shop Located on Hwy. 321 • Cosby, TN 37722 13 Miles South of Newport Exit 440 IN THE HEART OF THE GREAT SMOKIES ORCHARD (423) 487-2419 | RESTAURANT (423) 487-2710
