Wine, food and furniture

New South Interiors, the upscale furniture store in the Cotton Factory downtown, is hosting a grand opening drop-in tonight from 5 to 8 p.m.

The store has been open for a few weeks in the renovated cotton mill, but is just now publicizing its opening. Tonight's event will serve food and wine, plus give guests a chance to tour the 23,000-square-foot shop.

New South announced its arrival in February with a huge press conference. Since then, owners Chip and P.F. Pryor have kept a low profile. The store opened quietly before its sign was even erected. Although, its not uncommon to use a "soft" opening technique in retail to iron out any wrinkles before advertising begins.

It will be interesting to see how New South unfolds. Opening a large, upscale furniture outlet in a part of town not known for its shopping is a big risk, especially as consumers are wary about making big purchases in a slow economy.

But the Pryor's are hoping to turn New South into a regional destination for furniture lovers. Their marketing plan is to cast a wide net well outside of Rock Hill. Billboards along I-77 are in the works, I've been told.

It seems the ultimate fate of New South is probably out of the owners' hands. If the Textile Corridor progresses, the store will eventually be at the gateway to a massive shopping and entertainment district. If the Textile Corridor plan stalls or continues to creep, New South may find itself as the only major shopping destination in downtown.