Sue Jones introduced Michelle “Micki” McCray, part owner (along with her sister and daughter) of Dot’s as our guest speaker today. Micki was born in Jamestown and attended Jamestown and Southwestern Schools and well as JCC. She graduated with a degree in retail management which gave her a great background for opening a new downtown business. Micki married her high school sweetheart, Rex McCray, 47 years ago. They have two children, Shannon and Michael and two grandchildren. Micki retired from M & T Bank after 35 years. She has served on the boards of the Prendergast Library, Chautauqua Hospice and Creche. She and Rex enjoy winters in Calabash, North Carolina.
Micki began by sharing the impetus of beginning a downtown retail business on Third Street in Jamestown. Micki was happily retired when her sister and daughter decided they needed a change in their professional lives and came together with Micki to brainstorm ideas for offering something to their community. A restaurant was soon dismissed as a possibility as it required too much work for just 3 people. They decided a high-end gift shop would be perfect for 3 ladies who loved to shop. They purchased and renovated the old US News building in 2018, opening Dot’s in 2019. Micki gave an interesting overview of downtown Jamestown in the 60s and 70s and her and her sister’s fond memories of Saturdays browsing at retailers like Murphy’s, Bigelow’s and Fanny Farmer (which her grandmother managed), as well as exploring the Library and St. Peter & Paul. These memories led to the naming of the gift shop after her grandmother, Dorothy whose workplace, Fanny Farmer Candies was directly across the street from where Dot’s is now located.
Currently, Dot’s offers a full range of well-known and unique brands, highlighting home goods, women’s and small children’s clothing Jelly Cats, souvenirs, garden fun, gourmet and specialty foods, seasonal goods, jewelry, Bill’s memorabilia and much more.
As women business owners, they felt it was important to support the downtown community with their small business and give back, through charitable contributions to events supporting women and children in our area.
It will soon be their 6-year anniversary, and they reflect on the challenges (Covid & tariffs) and joys (their wonderful customers and shopping for inventory) which included much innovation to adapt to the ever-changing environment. They have increased sales each year in business and had their most successful Small Business Saturday last week.
Rotarians had many interesting questions and experiences to share with Micki about Dot’s. From my own experience, I would confirm that Dot’s has been an excellent addition to our community. I have several items in my home purchased either by me or my family. I would encourage everyone to read this week’s recording from the website for more interesting facts about Dot’s.
