After four decades, iconic Mississippi shop is for sale

Published 8:20 pm Tuesday, December 26, 2023

After almost 42 years in business, Dennis and Darby Short are putting their gift store, the wildly popular Darby’s, up for sale.

“We are officially 41 years old, will be 42 in April. We are officially announcing that Darby’s, the gift store, is for sale. We would love to see it carry on,” Darby Short said.

The Shorts also own the building at 410 Main St. in which Darby’s is located.

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“A new owner could rent from us, or we could sell the building or even finance the building,” she said. “It would be great if it’s a couple who buys it. We are talking to a mother-daughter team about it now, but we will probably talk to many people before any sale comes to fruition.”

Darby and her husband will continue with their furniture and interior design businesses.

“I do love Darby’s. It’s been my Rubik’s Cube on life. I have absolutely loved the opportunity. It’s been such a fellowship we’ve had here with so many people,” she said.

The Shorts started Darby’s in Winnsboro, but a year later, moved it to downtown Natchez. The two have operated businesses in the 400 block of Main Street, beginning with Darby’s, for more than 41 years.

They opened Darby’s Furniture and Interiors in the old Kimbrell’s building at 520 Main St. on July 6 of this year.

Anyone interested in discussing the opportunity of owning Darby’s, a thriving Natchez business, should contact Darby or Dennis Short at Darby’s, 601-446-9737.