The Corner Downtown

Alana Morris is no stranger to Saline County, having made it her home for over 20 years. However, her boutique in downtown Benton, The Corner Downtown, is essentially the “New Kid on the Block,” having recently opened in August 2023.

Alana expressed that she has always enjoyed working with people and helping women feel beautiful. Her hope is that every woman who (like most) has things about herself and how she appears that she doesn’t particularly like, will feel valued and beautiful. She states, “Helping even one person feel good about themselves is all I need to know that I am doing the right thing. Helping them feel confident going out into the community allows them to be a positive citizen.”

The Corner Downtown is nestled on—you guessed it—a sweet little corner in the heart of downtown Benton, where boutiques and little shops are a’plenty. Alana offers clothes for every shape, size, and occasion, and for every part of life, including loungewear, work attire, date nights, and special events. She also supports local artisans with paintings and jewelry. 

Personally, Alana has always enjoyed contributing to her community. Over the years, she has volunteered in local schools, First Baptist Church, CJOHN, and Abba Charities. Her new “Corner of Downtown” now allows her even more opportunities to support her local community by donating to various organizations and hosting events for local non-profits. 

With a thankful heart, Alana mentions the village of friends and family who have been so supportive and encouraging in her new venture and phase of life. Her mother, Ann Morris, is dubbed as her biggest fan. Her daughters, Jordan and Avery Tackett, have helped with graphics, logos, and social media. Her son, Chandler, has been instrumental in the launch of her new website, shopthecornerdowntown.com. 

Alana’s best friend, Stacy Scott, has been an encouragement. “She kept me going when I didn’t know what to do next!” Alana exclaimed. Other friends have shopped the store, modeled her clothing, painted and moved furnishings, and have just been a great support to her during the opening process. Alana did not want to even begin to name all the people who have been so helpful, for fear of forgetting someone. “But it has definitely been a group effort, and I could not do it without my people,” says Alana.

For the customer, Alana advises her patrons to try new things and styles. She also encourages people to see the importance of small, local businesses in our community. Each customer is important to a small business. Alana explains, “When you spend money in my store, it allows me to employ people, pay my bills, and invest in our little town.”

I prompted Alana to describe to me the perfect shopping experience at The Corner Downtown. She shared her vision as, “Warm and welcomed from the moment they walk in. We greet every customer with a smile and warm welcome. Letting them look and explain what they are looking for and making suggestions. I tell a lot of women not to look at the size on the tag! Wear what works on your body. Then that customer finds the outfit that gives her confidence and allows her to show off her beauty.” Who could not love the heart and individuality that Alana and her team strive to give every customer?

The Corner Downtown has a few Christmas events scheduled, including Christmas Girls’ Night Out on December 12th (featuring Full Face by Hallie, Forever Fused with Mandy Bennett, Dear’s Décor by Anne Mann, and A Beaded Bracelet with Stephanie Davis) and Jingle Bites & Santa Sightings with Abba Charities on December 16 (Cookies & Photos with Santa! Tickets will be available through Abba Charities.).

In short, Alana loves Benton. She loves getting to know others here and hearing their stories. She moved here in 2000 to raise her family in a “family oriented” community. Her three children are now grown and “adulting,” and she now has two bonus children and loves them so. “Family and friends are what I value most in the world and I am so blessed by so many around me. My couch at The Corner is always open, and I usually have soda, water, and coffee. Come see me!”

Put The Corner Downtown on your list of Christmas stops. You will be glad you did!