ENID, Okla. – In small towns across the country, local businesses are struggling with the harsh reality of declining foot traffic and economic challenges. A combination of economic uncertainty, competition from larger retailers and changing consumer habits have many small town shops struggling to survive. As these cornerstone institutions struggle to survive, the fabric of small town life is threatened, and with each store closure, local identity and community spirit is lost.
According to the SBA’s 2023 U.S. Small Business Economic Profile, small businesses created a net 7 million new jobs in the private sector between March 2021 and March 2022. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2013 to 2023, small businesses were responsible for 55% of all net job creation in the United States.
Enid, Oklahoma is home to many small businesses that donate to sports teams, hire employees, collect taxes, etc. Additionally, small businesses often support other local small businesses as customers and suppliers.
Small, locally owned businesses tend to define the character of our communities — they make Enid a destination for residents and visitors alike.
The best way to boost your local economy is to buy goods and use services from businesses founded by Enid residents. Local businesses add to the overall health of our local economy and are the bedrock of our community. Below are some examples of great independently owned businesses in town:
Frozen Shake Mini Golf
Looking for some great family entertainment? Stop by Froz’n Shakes Mini Golf, an ice cream shop and indoor mini golf course just east of downtown. Enjoy an 18-hole indoor blacklight mini golf course, a small arcade, 12 delicious flavors of ice cream, and freshly squeezed lemonade/lime juice.
Froz’n Shakes Mini Golf is located at 430 E. Maine. They are currently open Thursday through Friday from 2 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. They have happy hour on Saturdays from 4 to 6 p.m.
Mini golf costs $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12. For more information, check out their Facebook page.
Manopolis Men’s Boutique
Enid has had a shortage of men’s clothing stores in recent years, and the closure of the local Dillard’s left men with few shopping options. Jamie Absultan saw an opportunity and opened a men’s clothing store in downtown Enid.
Manopolis carries shirts, jeans, shorts, sweatshirts, boxer shorts, socks, men’s fragrance and more. Brands include Tommy Bahama, Flag and Anthem, 7 Diamonds, Mavi Zach, Joe’s Jeans, RVCA, Silver Jeans, Billy Jealousy, Nicoby and BillyBelt.
And let’s not forget the ladies’ offerings: Manopolis stocks a wide range of women’s perfumes, colognes and gift sets, including brand names such as Juicy Couture, Prada, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Chanel, Dior and Calvin Klein.
Manopolis is located in downtown Enid at 218 W. Randolph. Order online by visiting their website at Manopolisboutique.com or call (580) 548-7878 with any questions.
Thistle Creek Mercantile
Need a gift for a special occasion? Stop by Thistle Creek Mercantile at 610 S Cleveland St. Suite 214 in Sunset Plaza. We carry Mountain Man Nut and Fruit Company and Oklahoma made products. We also make gift baskets. For more information, visit http://www.ThistleCreekMerc.com.
Walkers Western Store
Walker’s Western Store has made a major improvement to downtown Enid, Okla. The new Enid store is located at 128 W. Randolph in the old C.M. Miller building on Randolph Street, many local residents will also remember that building as the home of S&Q Clothiers.
Walker’s Western Store carries a wide variety of Oklahoma-made products, including boots, hats, clothing, purses, jewelry, belts, fragrances and more.
For more information about the store, please visit their website at https://www.walkerswesternstore.com or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/walkerswestern/.
Creative Comfort
In the heart of downtown Enid, a new home decor retail store has opened, fulfilling a lifelong dream of Mary Klassen. Using her talent for interior design and newfound time to pursue her passion, Mary opened a unique and stylish home store. This dream became a reality in November 2023, thanks to the support and collaboration of her daughter, Connor Zaroudek, and lifelong friend, Connie Oostbo.
Creative Comfort is a haven for anyone looking to enhance their living space. From chic furniture to stunning artwork and unique décor items, the store offers a wide range of items to cater to a variety of tastes and styles. Whether you’re looking for a striking piece to complete your living room or a subtle accent to add elegance to your bedroom, Mary’s store has something for everyone.
Keep an eye out for different sales happening every week in store and on our Facebook page. We are located at 125 N Grand and you can email us at creativecomfortenid@gmail.com.
Costello’s Continental Cuisine
After proudly serving Enid for almost 20 years, Costello’s Continental Cuisine has updated their approach. Costello’s is located at 610 S. Cleveland, Ste 222 in Sunset Plaza.
Under the new hours, Costello’s will be open for brunch Thursday through Saturday and every other Sunday, with lunch hours from noon to 2pm on Thursday and Friday, dinner hours from 5pm to 8pm on Thursday nights and 5pm to 9pm on Fridays.
On Saturday, the restaurant will host its first-ever happy hour from 3-5pm, offering affordable wine, beer and appetizers, followed by dinner from 3-9pm. Enjoy half-off wines like Italy’s Placido Pinot Grigio and France’s Hob Nob Pinot Noir, half-off beers like Oklahoma-brewed Coop F5, and a selection of affordable appetizers straight from the chef’s kitchen.
Additionally, every other Sunday, Costello’s will host a reservation-only brunch from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM featuring popular brunch items from a limited menu prepared in Chef Costello’s kitchen. To make a reservation, email costelloscontinentalcuisine@gmail.com or call (580) 234-7510.
Laura Lee Boutique
Lora Leigh’s is located inside Evans Drug Center and carries the latest in women’s fashion, gifts and home decor. Stop by 1106 W. Willow for the best in holiday fashion and home decor. Check out their Facebook page for weekly specials.
