The Mast General Store in Downtown Hendersonville is celebrating 30 years on Main Street on Friday, August 1, 2025. Anyone who stops by that day will be treated to a free bag of fresh popcorn. 

When the Mast Store opened its doors in early August 1995, Downtown Hendersonville was in the midst of a revival. Its new courthouse had opened earlier in the year, and there was new interest in bringing residents and visitors to Main Street.   

“Mast Store in Hendersonville is such a special place,” said Oliver Wall, Mast Store Hendersonville’s general manager. “We’ve been welcoming employees and guests through these doors for 30 years now. Many of our regulars and employees have been with us for most, if not all, of the journey.”  

Lance Norton, the outdoor/footwear area manager, is one of the long-time employees with 26 years at the store. “What truly sets the Mast General Store apart are the relationships built over the years,” he said. "We’ve seen many young part-time employees grow into adulthood, some now with families of their own. It’s meaningful when they return to visit. It speaks to the lasting impact this place has on people.”  

 “There are three staff members here who have been with our company more than 20 years and another six with between eight- and ten-years’ experience. That is a testament to the type of organization and community we’re a part of,” continued Oliver.  

Mast Store is not just a store downtown but a partner in the community – the success of neighbors contributes to its own success.  

“We are pleased to be a part of Downtown Hendersonville,” said Lisa Cooper, president of Mast General Store. “Over the years, we’ve seen the community grow and change, but the character and beauty of the city remain constant. We are excited to see what the next 30 years bring.”  

The building that is home to the Mast Store in Hendersonville dates to the early 1900s and is known as the Syndicate Building. Previous businesses of interest include Maxwell Brown’s Fancy Groceries, Mitchell’s Grocery, Jack Shulman’s Clothing, and Freeze Drug Co. The Woodmen of the World Hall was located upstairs.   

Guests will notice the pressed tin ceiling, which is original to the location, throughout the downstairs retail area.   

Former Downtown Hendersonville Director Sue Painter noted in a late July 1995 article in the Hendersonville Times-News, “We’re delighted with the store and their people. It’s proof the downtown is still an attractive location and the malls haven’t won the war.”    

On a side note, we stumbled on this nifty video from the 1970s on YouTube. It shares the story behind Hendersonville's serpentine Main Street and other interesting information about downtown's transformation.