On this CEO Exclusive, we talk with Kari and Derek Chitwood with Peach State Pride about confronting the issues surrounding the Amazonization of retail, the disruption of different parts of the supply chain and how to compete in this new online world.
Started in 2009, Peach State Pride stems from a love of Georgia’s history, heritage, and people. Founder Derek Chitwood grew up working in his grandfather’s peach orchard every summer as a boy. Born and raised in Canon, Georgia, his upbringing cultivated his love of Southern culture. After studying history at Georgia College in historic Milledgeville, Chitwood moved to Athens where he started Peach State Pride. Today he resides in Watkinsville with his beautiful wife Kari Beth. Peach State Pride is headquartered just outside of Athens in Historic Downtown Watkinsville, and the line is currently available in over 100 stores across the Southeast. Kari and Derek also own Empire South, in Watkinsville, Athens, and Virginia-Highland (Atlanta), and V.F. Chitwood’s, in Lavonia, GA.
Connect with Kari and Derek on LinkedIn, and follow Peach State Pride on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. You can also follow Empire South on Twitter and Facebook.
