(c)2009 NPT PHOTO BY DAVID POPIEL Two close friends at the Holley Shop are former employee Allene Gray, left, and current store owner Sandra Parks. Gray began work at the woman's clothing store in 1965 and Parks bought it in 1995.

The Holley Shop has been a familiar name in Newport retail business for more than 58 years and will be closing later this month.
Holley Shop owner Sandra Parks said it was time for her to retire and to retire the business name. The last day of business will be Saturday, March 14.
"There have been a lot of good times here. It was almost a semi-community center," she said with fondness of the store she operated since 1995.
At the Holley Shop with her was long-time employee and friend, Allene Gray, who started with the original store in 1965. She said it was opened by Mr. Goodfriend at the location off East Broadway occupied by the Men's Den.
The first manager of the "Holly Shop" was Bessie Justus followed by Mamie (O'Dell) Cobb, who changed the name by adding an "e" to Holly. Goodfriend sold the store to Cobb in 1965 and it was moved to 109 McMahan.
Allene Gray had been working at Huffman's dime store off East Main and her twin sister, Arlene Hightower, was working just east at McNabb's clothing. Allene, a friend of Mrs. Cobb, was asked to join her at the Holley Shop.
"She was a lovely lady. We sold shoes, handbags, sportswear, hose, and lingerie. People came from Greeneville, White Pine, Morristown," she said. While the women shopped, the men talked about their gardening.
When Cobb died Feb. 4, 1995, Parks bought the business. Gray advised her "It was a good business." Before this, Parks had operated the Sears catalog store for about three years.
Her husband, Wade Parks, a retired Newport businessman, had operated Crown Credit many years ago aided by Sandra Parks. She also had worked at Electro-Voice for about 11 years.
The Holley Shop was a regular Plain Talk advertiser, helping to bring in many customers who remained loyal. Parks said the most popular item was Sunday go-to-church dresses, and also sports wear. Dixie Belle Lingerie was prized too.
At 62, Parks said there were other things she wanted to do. "If I'm going to do anything but work" it is time to close the store. She intends to travel and also has rental property to keep her occupied.
"If you can say you're glad to see 99.9% of your customers, you've got it made. And so it was at the Holley Shop, where during the last days a couple of friends were shopping and gave her a hug. They were Diana Overholt and daughter, Lisa Overholt.
Many women have worked with either Cobb or Parks, who mentioned Donna Buckner, Betty Harrison, Brenda Freeman, and Lucy Thornton, among the workers.
Of course, another friend who will leave the store after being a part of it for more than five years is Parks' pet Chihuahua, "Tiny April," who was carried about the store during the close-out sale.
Although the sign hanging outside will come down, and the people and clothing that made the Holley Shop what it is will be gone, the memories there on McMahan Avenue will remain for generations.