07/21/2026
“I have prayed over this post for a long time. There are some stories that are hard to write because they carry both heartbreak and blessings. Today, I finally get to share what God has been doing behind the scenes in our family and in our business.”
Six months ago, we made one of the hardest decisions of our lives.
After much prayer, we made the difficult choice to close Branded Starr Western Outfitters in Macon, Georgia. As many of you know, we are a family-owned and operated Western store, and when my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer at 77 years old, I knew I needed to be closer to my family.
Walking away from something we had poured our hearts into was not easy. But through prayer, I truly felt God telling me that a shift was coming. I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but I trusted Him.
Our family had already walked through a season of deep loss. In August of 2024, our store burned to the ground. What looked like total destruction, God used as a place of rebuilding. He didn’t just rebuild a business—He rebuilt our faith, strengthened our family, and gave us a new purpose.
God showed us the meaning of beauty for ashes.
Then came another difficult season when my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. The doctors told us he did not have much of a chance for recovery, but God had the final say.
Through countless prayers, God’s grace, and His faithfulness, Dad has continued to fight. We have witnessed miracle after miracle, and we are so thankful for every prayer, every phone call, every message, and every person who stood beside our family during this journey. Your love and support have meant more than you will ever know.
But our story is not over.
Sometimes God allows us to walk through the fire—not to destroy us, but to refine us, strengthen us, and prepare us for what He has next.
Looking back, we can now see that what felt like an ending was actually God leading us into a new beginning. This shift has truly been a blessing.
Today, we are so excited to share that Branded Starr Western Outfitters is coming home!
Our family has decided to reopen in Americus, Georgia, and we could not be more excited for this new chapter.
God has given our family a fresh vision, and we are excited to share that my son, Rance Poss, and his beautiful wife, Holly Poss, are joining us in this new venture.
Together, we are opening Shining City Mercantile, where Branded Starr Western Outfitters will have its home inside the store.
The name Shining City comes from Matthew 5:14-16:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Our mission is to shine God’s light and love through our community. We pray that every person who walks through our doors feels welcomed, loved, and reminded of the goodness of God.
This will be more than just a store. We want it to be a place where people gather, make memories, find unique treasures, and experience the heart of our family.
You will still find the handmade boots and beautiful Western clothing you have come to love from Branded Starr Western Outfitters, but now we are expanding our vision to include antiques, vintage treasures, home décor, unique gifts, and so much more.
We are also excited to introduce a Georgia Homegrown section featuring locally made products that celebrate the heart of our state. We will also be offering custom gift baskets for every occasion—birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, new babies, housewarmings, corporate gifts, or simply to bless someone special.
The new birth of Branded Starr Western Outfitters will be even better—not because the road has been easy, but because we have seen God’s faithfulness every step of the way.
He carried us through the fire, brought beauty from ashes, and gave us a renewed purpose.
We can’t wait to welcome our customers, friends, and community into Shining City Mercantile.
Thank you for walking this journey with us, praying for our family, and believing in this dream.
Stay tuned as we share sneak peeks, updates, and opening details coming soon.
“See, I am doing a new thing; now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:19
