How’s your Main Street? Is it still the same as when you walked down it with your parents, grandparents, or friends?
In this week’s episode of Main Street Matters, host Terresa Zimmerman has a warm and nostalgic conversation with Stephanie Knoppe, the owner of, newly opened, Joe Lawrence's Haberdashery in Poplar Bluff. With a mission to restore Main Street’s charm and appeal, Stephanie and a handful of enterprising neighbors have taken on the ambitious task of building not just a business, but a true destination for her community - downtown, Main Street.
Stephanie shares her journey from starting with a prom dress resale shop, turning into a full women’s boutique, to opening a men’s clothing store in a historic building downtown—a dream that evolved from her love for Poplar Bluff’s Main Street. After acquiring and renovating several buildings, she’s turned a row of empty storefronts into a vibrant shopping destination, complete with unique offerings like custom ties, dress shirts, retro-inspired hats, and her signature displays—like a 1949 Chevy truck bed repurposed as a shelf.
She shared the challenges of launching a new business in a small town, admitting her uncertainty about how to do it well, ‘winging it’ she says, but staying driven by the feeling the town needs a men’s store. She reflects on the highs and lows of renovation, attracting new customers, and navigating brand conflicts, all while working to restore Main Street to the bustling community center she remembers from her childhood.
“Some of these buildings have such a rich history—they were the heart of the community. We’re just trying to make them that again.”
-Stephanie Knoppe, Owner of Joe Lawrence’s Haberdashery
Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that’s both inspiring and practical, as Stephanie shares:
Whether you're a business owner, a lover of Main Street, or just in need of a little entrepreneurial inspiration, this episode with Stephanie Knoppe will leave you motivated to support your local small businesses and see the value of a thriving Main Street.
Featured in this episode:
Stephanie Knoppe, Owner
Joe Lawrence’s Haberdashery
113 S Main
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Website: https://joe-lawrences-haberdashery.square.site/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelawrencehab/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Joe-Lawrences-Haberdashery/61554697385939/?_rdr
Mentions in show:
If you are around Poplar Bluff you can support by visiting them.
Mimi's Market & Royal Cafe https://www.instagram.com/mimis_market_and_royal__cafe
Archer Gift Shop: https://www.instagram.com/archergiftco/
Hilda Rose Bakery (coming soon) - https://www.facebook.com/people/Hilda-Rose-Bakery/61564450205840/-
Fox Trot Coffee - https://www.instagram.com/foxtrotcoffeeroasters/
Downtown Poplar Bluff - https://www.facebook.com/Downtown.Poplar.Bluff
Connect with Us:
Main Street Matters Podcast:
Website: www.mainstreetmatters.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetmatters1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/main-street-matters
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MainStreetMatters_MSM
Host - Terresa Zimmerman:
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