Conway business makes move in 60 days

Conway, Arkansas – After being asked to relocate and given just 60 days to do so, a business in Conway is finding the good in a stressful situation. “The thing is we really didn’t have a choice,” said Palmer Music Company Owner Preston Palmer.

In 2016, Palmer opened his music store on Oak Street back, selling instruments and offering music lessons.“Music has always been a big part of my life,” said Palmer.

According to Palmer, last month he got notice the property he had been leasing his space off was sold to another company.

Giving Palmer 60 days to vacate, the new owner’s intention was to tear the space down. “It was a whole lot of things that had to happen like yesterday,” said Palmer.

Suddenly he had two months to find a new space, get the permits from the City, renovate, and reopen. “I didn’t think there was any way,” said Palmer.

Construction crews were booked two months out and the artist he wanted to help design the space was busy as well, Palmer said. “I was like, I don’t have availability until July,” said Conway artist Jessica Jones.

According to Palmer, a move that quickly seemed impossible until it wasn’t. “I was able to find some friends of mine who were willing to bend over backward to help me out,” said Palmer.

Today, crews are hanging up lights and putting paint on the walls, working overtime to help get doors open. “It’s the solidarity of we’re all in this together,” said Jones.

According to Jones, the time sacrificed was a no-brainer, it’s part of being a local business. “We really do support each other,” said Jones.

Palmer says despite the stress the move was a blessing in disguise and the push they needed to expand. The new store is expected to open in Downtown Conway on June 1.