DAWG HOUSE etc's Abeed Bawa in his store at Mt. Berry Square Mall. (Doug Walker, RN-T.com)
What is the primary purpose of your business? To introduce a different line of collegiate apparel to the Rome market. I try to keep it very fresh on at least a weekly basis.
What is the business background of the owners? I am originally from Canada. I hold an MBA from Mercer University, Class of 2001, and have worked in the apparel industry ever since I got out of college.
Why did you start (or purchase) this particular business? The collegiate apparel fan is the most loyal, most passionate fan, especially Georgia fans. They are very supportive and passionate about the Dawgs. I am also a big Georgia fan. I try to help keep fans excited about their favorite college not just during football season but all year round.
What makes your business unique? We are the first collegiate apparel store that caters primarily to women. really believe that was an untapped market. Women love college sports just as much as the guys do, but women also like fashion, so what we try to do is combine fashion with their love for their favorite college sports program.
What do you enjoy most about your chosen profession? I like meeting different people. I enjoy visiting with people from all walks of life who come around, especially people who I wouldn’t think would be die hard college fans. Ladies frequently come by and talk to me about the different players, coaches, coaching staffs and it didn’t take me long to understand that they keep up with college football just as much as some of the guys do.
What has been the biggest or most interesting challenge to overcome as a small business owner? The economy. When people lose their jobs it means they have less disposable income to spend.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? We are in the mall located next to Victoria’s Secret after being on a cart on the other wing of the mall for the last decade. We come out with new products and new designs virtually every week. It’s very important for us to keep our merchandise fresh.
I would also check to see if their shirts are actually licensed or are they "bootleg" shirts since they cut so many corners on everything else.
B Coopers Ice Cream Shop that recently closed inside the mall was also owned by Bawa and Cooper. If anyone ever went by there to get ice cream you know that their freezers were empty more than they were full because they refused to order any ice cream. I believe I would research this retailer before I purchased anything from them.