Elizabeth Donnelly will earn a bit of Iola entrepreneurial history when she reports to work next week.
Starting Monday, Donnelly, who’s owned The Shirt Shop for the past 22-plus years, is moving her business to 4 S. Washington Ave., sharing space with McCarty’s Iola Office Supplies.
With the move, Donnelly will carry the distinction as one of Iola’s few — perhaps only — merchants to have occupied a space on all four sides of the downtown square.
The Shirt Shop was at 3 N. Jefferson Ave. when she acquired the business from Mel Enabnit in April of 2000. In 2008, she moved to the old Shannon Building at 20 W. Jackson Ave.
And when that building sold in 2016, Donnelly relocated to the old Home Detail store at 9 W. Madison Ave.
Now, six years later, she’s on the move again.
“That’s the reason I’m doing this, because the building is being sold,” Donnelly said. “I just want to get the word out, to let my customers know I’m still here, still full service. Nobody has to worry about their orders.”
In fact, her workload is pretty much booked up through October, Donnelly noted.
“It’ll be busy,” she said.
Donnelly will continue to do screen printing and custom embroidery. She also creates vinyl lettering for signs.
Donnelly is uncertain what the store’s hours will be during the transition. She reached an agreement only on Wednesday to move to the McCarty’s site,” so there are a few things still to be decided,” she said.
Friday was her last day at the West Madison location.
She’s had her phone service transferred so customers can reach her via call or text (620) 365-5050. She also is available through Facebook or email iolashirtshop@gmail.com.
The move is the latest in a tumultuous 2022 for Donnelly, whose husband, David Ingle, died in January.
“It feels like it’s been the longest year,” she said — but also one that’s gone by in a blur.
The Shirt Shop has been a part of Iola’s downtown business community since it was opened by Craig and Cathi Summers in 1989. From there, it was sold to Larry Wilson, then to Mel Enabnit and finally to Donnelly.
