Over The Moon wins Main Street award

Published 11:33 am Monday, June 24, 2024

Meridian’s Over The Moon Children’s Boutique was recognized for its customer service and engaging shopping experience Friday as it received the Outstanding Retail Merchandising award from the Mississippi Main Street Association.

The award was presented at the MMSA annual awards luncheon at The South in Jackson. Each year, the association recognizes local Main Street programs, businesses and volunteers for downtown revitalization efforts, events and other initiatives that help their local communities grow and thrive.

In his nomination of Over The Moon for the award, Meridian Main Street Director Matt Schanrock praised the boutique for its attention to visual displays and ease of navigation.

“The storefront itself is a visual treat, with eye-catching window displays that change seasonally and creatively reflect the current products and promotions,” Schanrock wrote. “Inside, the store is organized in a way that is both visually appealing and easy to navigate, with clear signage and helpful staff members always on hand to assist shoppers.”

Over The Moon, Schanrock wrote, provides great customer service but also goes above and beyond to provide an overall shopping experience.

In addition to Over The Moon, Meridian Main Street was also recognized as one of 30 Main Street programs to receive the Main Street Circle of Excellence. The award is given to programs that excel at meeting the MMSA requirements and operate efficiently in their local communities.

In a news release, MMSA Executive Director Jim Miller, said this year also marks the 40th anniversary of the state’s Main Street Association and is a good opportunity to look back over the past four decades to remember those who helped build the program into what it is today.

“2024 is a special year as we celebrate 40 years of Main Street and remember our founders and the leaders who have gotten our statewide organization to where we are today,” Miller said. “Main Street programs are an important economic driver in our state, and we honor and celebrate the local and state champions each year at our annual awards.”

According to the news release, Main Street programs were responsible for creating 372 new businesses, 868 new jobs and 170 building rehabilitations throughout the state in 2023 alone, adding up to more than $326 million invested in local communities.

MMSA currently has 48 designated Main Street programs, two network communities and 26 associate members throughout the state.