Kim McClaren opened the doors to Country Way Mercantile this past weekend (9/2/) with an astonishingly large and varied inventory ranging from antiques & collectibles to gifts and good things to eat. Her vision, and one reason for the wide diversity of items filling the shelves and floor space, is to see Exmore's Main Street become the shopping hub she remembers as a child. In those days, Kim recalls, you came downtown to buy clothing, shoes, gifts for the holidays and just about every other necessity. While beautiful antiques are displayed throughout the venue, Kim is focused on integrating newly manufactured goods into the mix, ensuring plenty of gift items, useful gadgets for the home or personal use, and even sweet treats. (on weekend, check for donuts).
If Kim's face, the location (and even some of the merchandise) look familiar, there's a reason. The building was once part of the Exmore Emporium, owned and operated by Kim's parents, Mary and Barry Marsh. For the past two years, Kim helped manage the Emporium, driving over the bridge from Virginia Beach to assist her parents. Now, the roles will be reversed. Kim, a retired Chesapeake school teacher, still lives in Virginia Beach, so Mary & Barry will help manage Country Way.
The store is located at 3306 Main Street, just south of the Exmore Emporium which is now under new ownership. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm weekdays (Closed on Wednesdays) and Saturday; and 12 pm to 5 pm on Sundays. If you haven't yet visited, block out ample time to explore and enjoy the eye-pleasing displays and the historic architectural features.
Welcome (back) to Exmore, Kim and Country Way Mercantile!
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