Where service & quality are second to none
346 Main Street Downtown
Tifton Georgia
229-382-6212
Our Story
The Perlis's original store was in Cordele, Georgia, and started by Ike Perlis and his only son, Isadore. In 1910, the family bought The Big Store, which had started as a low-end general store. In 1946 Isadore formed a partnership with his three sons: Lamar, Louis and Marvin and incorporated the business in 1951 as I. Perlis & Sons, Inc., which still exists today.
The Cordele store burned down in 1955 and a decision was made to relocate to Tifton. Marvin came to Tifton to help with the re-open in its new location, and stayed in Tifton to run the business. Marvin soon married Lynette Hankin from Dublin, Ga. and together they worked for over fifty years to evolve the business into what it is today.
In 1982, Marvin's son Phil returned to Tifton to join the business. He married Susan Guld from Raleigh, North Carolina the next year. They worked alongside Marvin and Lynette for years before the torch was passed to Phil in 1997.
Now.. four generations and over 100 years later, The Big Store has remained an integral part of Tifton's history. We are very proud to still be on Main Street in the heart of Downtown Tifton! We love providing South Georgia with the finest merchandise, the best selections, but most of all.. a friendly staff and excellent one-on-one customer service.