For years, High Point has been conducting a major effort to revitalize the city’s downtown and other economically challenged sections of the city.
The city has also been trying to help establish more minority- and women-owned businesses – so a lot of people are happy to see a new woman-owned business coming to the city’s “Uptowne” district
In 2009, the Uptowne High Point Association was formed to bring businesses and residents to the area that was designated as one of the “districts of focus” by The City Project – a public/private effort meant to “promote growth and revitalization of High Point’s urban core.”
On Saturday, Aug. 20 at 10 a.m., the city’s Uptowne District will be home to a new, woman-owned retail business: The Mantel Mercantile on the second floor of Millis Square at 1109 N. Main St. – also known as The Pink House.
Sarah Stevenson, High Point Economic Development Corp. project manager said this is another success for the area,
“This opening represents continued vitality and opportunity on Main Street,” she said.
Mantel Mercantile Proprietor Alana Greene said the new business has been a family affair. She found the space. Her husband Henry built a custom-made checkout counter, and their sons – Will and Jeremiah – are helping prepare the store for opening day.
The Mantel Mercantile will sell gifts, stationery and home décor.
Greene said she envisions the store as a place that sells more than just utilitarian items.
“The mission of The Mantel Mercantile is to make your home more joy-filled,” she said, adding that customers will be able to find a good variety of items including jewelry, graphic t-shirts, pillows, small furniture, items used for dining and entertaining, soaps, bath salts and floral stems.
Saturday’s grand opening will include refreshments and a prize drawing.
Normal operating hours for the new store will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Greene is very excited about the opening.
“I am blessed to begin my business in this vibrant community that values shopping locally and supports its entrepreneurs,” Greene said.
The Pink House is also home to some other businesses including Serenity Salon and Wellness, High Point Candle, and Pilates Studio of High Point.
