Ginaveve’s, Copper and Cotton, Garrett’s Sweet Shop celebrated with ribbon-cuttings

SAFFORD —Downtown Safford was filled Thursday evening with people celebrating big changes at three popular stores.

The Graham County Chamber of Commerce conducted ribbon-cuttings for the change of ownership of Ginaveve’s Market Place, and the move of both Copper and Cotton Lifestyle Co. and Garrett’s Sweet Shop and Bakery into new Downtown locations.

“The three businesses we’re talking about are tourism businesses — they’re bringing people in from out of town — they anchor our Downtown, all of them have sales tax involved; they’re three big parts of the puzzle for the economy in Graham County. So it was a big day,” said Vance Bryce, executive director for the Chamber.

At the ribbon-cutting for Ginaveve’s Market Place, former owners Jenny and John Howard said how happy they were that Lacy and Cade Bryce purchased the business.

“You guys have seen some of the wonderful additions in the last 30 days, by the way, but they have so much more coming. I am so excited for what they are going to bring and the ideas that they have,” Jenny Howard said.

Other speakers included Safford Mayor Richard Ortega, Safford City Manager Eric Bejarano and Chamber board member Reed Richins.

Copper and Cotton Lifestyle Co. moved into the building that previously housed The Venue on Main, and Safford Vice Mayor Arnold Lopez praised owner Tricia Garrett for her commitment to the city.

“I t was quite a lot of work moving, I know there was some tense times that took place,” Lopez said. “Thank you for staying with us on Main Street, and supporting the Downtown.”

Also speaking were Jaime Embick, Planning and Community Development director for Safford; Clay Mack, Graham County supervisor; and Quinton Youngker with the Safford Downtown Association.

Building owner Kym Gifford said Garrett’s Sweet Shop and Bakery’s relocation into the space that formerly housed The Vignette means the building is returning to its true purpose.

“Coming in here, seeing the change, seeing the bar put to use again, seeing the building put to use again the way that it was meant to when it was first built 100 years ago. There’s so much history,” Gifford said. “There’s so much love that has been poured into this building, and I couldn’t have found a better fit for the next chapter. It makes my heart happy.”

Other speakers included Safford City Council member Alma Flores, Graham County Supervisor Paul David, Taylor Miller with the Safford Downtown Association, Charmaine Chidester with the Chamber of Commerce and Safford Administrative Events liaison Mick Ruiz.

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