THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 21, 1996 TAG: 9602200100
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
Under new ownership, Southern Accents, the town's only licensed Hallmark Cards dealer, will be expanding its Hallmark product line.
William Sprenger, the gift shop's new owner, said he plans to add party goods and to increase the selection of photo albums, stationery and Christmas ornaments.
Southern Accents also will begin carrying antiques, gourmet foods and garden accessories, including birdhouses, wind chimes and garden statues.
Sprenger, who lives in Portsmouth, bought the store at 913 S. Church St. in late December and assumed ownership Feb. 1. Southern Accents was opened in 1982 by Mary Ann Bailey and Nancy Wilson.
Sprenger worked in the restaurant business before buying Southern Accents and says he was attracted to Smithfield's atmosphere. And he hopes to move to the area later this year.
``I like the quaintness and small-town atmosphere of Smithfield. People are friendly.'' by CNB