Two local business owners in the heart of downtown Ironton are optimistic the city will see an economic revival — one they hope to play a part in.

One of those business owners, Kristi Hall, opened Showcase Trophies and Awards with her husband Dwayne last September in the Masonic building on North Third Street in Ironton.

Hall recently retired from the Federal Correctional Institute in Summit, Ky., but wanted to keep busy, and so far, the business is steadily picking up.

At Showcase Trophies and Awards, you can get just that — trophies for any major accomplishment, plaques for achievement, ribbons and medals.

The shop also offers customized vinyl graphics for T-shirts, tote bags and the like, as well as window decals, name badges and hats. Anything that can be engraved, glass or wood

“We do a lot of fundraising shirts,” Hall said.

And school spirit is welcomed. Recently, Hall was commissioned to design uniforms for the seventh grade Ironton baseball team. She has also designed apparel for 5K runs, dance studios and church events.

“If they have it in their head, we can put it down on paper,” Hall said.

Hall was born and raised in Ironton and, for her, owning a business downtown brings back memories from her childhood of shopping on the weekends back when every storefront was filled.

“I just want to build the town back up,” Hall said.

With the mom and pop business mindset, Hall also encouraged another business owner to give their idea a shot in Ironton.

Simple Living opened in the Masonic building last November.

Owned by Sandy Parmley of Summit, Ky., the retail outlet store offers brand-name clothing and accessories at low prices.

A self-proclaimed clearance shopper, Parmley said she opened the shop, not only because it was something she always wanted to do, but to offer nice clothing to people for cheaper prices.

“I want to make my things affordable,” Parmley said.

Items range from $3 to $50 and all items are new, purchased from various online vendors and liquidation sales. Parmley carries women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, as well as handbags, bedding and some primitive items. The items are not consignment, she said.

The winter months were a bit slow for Parmley, but she said things were starting to pick up.

“People are ready for the spring collections,” she said.

Even though Parmley lives in Kentucky, she said she hoped to fill a need with her clothing store.

“Everyone wants their town to grow,” Parmley said.

With warmer weather around the corner and the Rotary fountain to be turned on, both Parmley and Hall said they hope increased foot traffic downtown will bring in more customers.

Simple Living is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Showcase Trophies and Awards is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or by appointment.