Indie Revive opens doors in Philippi

PHILIPPI – The Philippi Convention & Visitors Bureau recently paid a welcome visit to Indie Revive, Philippi's newest Main Street business.

Wanting to capture foot traffic and falling in love with the large window facing Main Street caused Indie Revive to move into its newly established Main Street location. The business had been previously located in the Mansfield area of Philippi.

Owner Danielle Budge and her right-hand woman, Wanda Keener both were excited to find the newly renovated commercial space in the Woods-George building at the corner of Main Street and Mason Street, across the street from the Philippi Public Library.

The new boutique specializes in curated vintage and thrifted clothing, handmade items, music, and treasures. The vintage clothing was the impetus for the business according to Budge. She says that she had accumulated a growing inventory of family clothing and jewelry and realized she had a potential business on her hands.

The possibility of a business prompted Budge to ask her Nana, Wanda Keener, to join her in the business venture and thus began Indie Revive. Budge says she and Keener are very selective in what they accept for sale in the shop; they curate everything before it becomes part of the store's inventory. Besides the adult clothing, the new store also has children's clothing, vinyl records, a collection of diamond art supplies, jewelry, and odds and ends. All of the items are priced to sell, most in the $6-$15 range.

Budge is still trying to determine the best hours to open for the public. Generally, the doors are open Tuesdays through Saturdays. Customers should call 304-365-6078 or contact Budge at deescreativestudio26@gmail.com and ask for the store hours. Indie Revive's Facebook page may also help with this in addition to showcasing the day's specials.

Initially working in photography, Budge had earlier plans to open a photography shop but changed her mind when she saw another photography shop open its doors. She is pleased she has followed the retail path and looks forward to customers visiting the store to see its many offerings.

While visiting the new Main Street business, the Philippi CVB presented Danielle Budge and Wanda Keener with a framed print of the Philippi Covered Bridge, the traditional welcome gift the CVB gives to new businesses. The print is given as a welcome and to show appreciation to the business for its confidence in Philippi as a great location for the business. The CVB Board of Directors began this type of welcome visit in 2021 and to date has visited and welcomed nearly 30 small businesses to the Philippi business area.