On Friday and Saturday, Sept 29 and 30, The Black Lab Trading Company will celebrate 25 years of doing business in Bluffton. The business will be celebrating with sales, refreshments, giveaways and more. 

Julie Stratton opened the Black Lab Trading Company in its current location in 1998, when her family purchased the building. Prior to that, she had a children’s clothing booth inside the Pandora Dry Goods store for 2 years. Stratton has had a love for retail since she began working at The Brass Buckle in Bluffton in the late '70s. The Brass Buckle was a men’s clothing store located where Bike Crazy LLC is today.

Stratton says that retail runs in her family. Her great-grandfather started Sprunger Shoes, in Berne Indian, and that her uncle continued running the store. The shoe store was in business for over 100 years.  

Stratton says she has been thrilled with being able to provide a unique retail experience for shoppers as well as hosting at least 20 different businesses inside her shop. At the Black Lab, you will find women’s and children’s clothing, home décor, gifts, furniture, antiques and many handmade items from artisans.

The Black Lab is located at 121 N. Main St. Bluffton.

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