FORT SMITH, Ark. (June 3, 2026) — Main Street Fort Smith is excited to announce that Serious Fiber, the first business selected through the Commerce Collective retail incubator program, officially opens its doors today at 409 Garrison Avenue in downtown Fort Smith.
Owned by Navy veteran and fiber artist Crystal Bedney, Serious Fiber is a specialty yarn and fiber arts shop offering hand-dyed yarns, spinning fibers, tools, supplies, and classes for knitters, crocheters, spinners, and fiber enthusiasts of all skill levels.
The shop will be open:
● Wednesday – Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
● Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
● Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
A community grand opening celebration is planned for Saturday, June 20, with additional details to be announced.
Serious Fiber is the inaugural business to launch through the Commerce Collective, a program created by Main Street Fort Smith to help aspiring entrepreneurs test and grow retail concepts in a downtown storefront environment. The program provides selected business owners with access to affordable retail space, business support resources, mentoring, and opportunities to build a customer base while contributing to the vitality of downtown Fort Smith.
The Commerce Collective was developed to activate vacant storefronts, encourage small business development, and create new shopping experiences that attract residents and visitors to downtown. Following a competitive application process, finalists presented their business concepts before a selection committee, which ultimately chose Serious Fiber as the program's
first participant.
“Seeing Serious Fiber open its doors is an exciting milestone not only for Crystal, but for the Commerce Collective program as a whole,” said Amanda Hager, Executive Director of Main Street Fort Smith. “The goal of this initiative is to help entrepreneurs take the next step toward establishing a successful brick-and-mortar business while bringing new energy and unique retail experiences to downtown. We invite everyone to stop by, meet Crystal, and discover the creativity and community that Serious Fiber has to offer.”
Community members are encouraged to stop by Serious Fiber at 409 Garrison Avenue, explore its selection of specialty fibers and supplies, and help welcome the business to downtown Fort Smith.
For more information about Serious Fiber, visit seriousfiber.com.
About Main Street Fort Smith
Main Street Fort Smith is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit leading the revitalization of downtown through arts and culture, small business support, placemaking, and community events. From live music and public art to entrepreneur resources and streetscape improvements, the organization creates welcoming spaces that spark foot traffic, investment, and opportunity. Main Street Fort
Smith is a proud program of Main Street Arkansas and a designated member of Main Street
America.
Media Contact:
Amanda Hager
Executive Director, Main Street Fort Smith
(479) 462-9132
director@mainstreetfs.org
www.mainstreetfs.org