Monday, May 25, is a red-letter day for the Mast General Store in Downtown Columbia. The day marks the company’s 15th anniversary along the capital city’s main street. To celebrate, Mast Store is giving everyone who comes by on May 25 a bag of its famous, freshly popped popcorn.
The downtown scene was much different when the store opened in 2011. Foot traffic was light, empty parking spaces were abundant, and retail and restaurants were limited. Today is a much different story with increased foot traffic, several downtown events, more hotels and places to eat, along with apartments for young professionals and others wanting to live the downtown lifestyle, student housing, and more to come.
“We are pleased to see all the changes happening in Columbia,” said Lisa Cooper, Mast Store’s president. “And there is so much more on the horizon with the new apartment building and student housing complex getting ready to be built. We are excited to see what’s next!”
The members of the City Center Partnership, city council, and mayor hoped Mast Store, a retailer that carries on the traditions of a general store, would spur a renaissance for downtown. It takes time, patience, and a lot of hard work for the vision of a “happening downtown” to be recognized, but Columbia has put in the work.
“When I moved to Columbia with my family in 2006, Main Street was a place that people purposely avoided,” shared Jeremy Becraft, Mast Store Columbia’s general manager for the last 13 years. “One of the best aspects of my role at the store is engaging in the community. I believe that’s the cornerstone of our success, and that is something the founders of our company, John and Faye Cooper and now their daughter Lisa, realized early on.”
The Center City Partnership, now called the Main Street District, realized there were many concerns that residents and visitors had when visiting the downtown area, not the least of which was safety. “The Yellow Shirts are easily recognized on Main Street. They do everything from hanging baskets of flowers to giving directions to the art museum. This group has made a significant impact on the safety of downtown,” said Jeremy, who serves in a leadership position on the Main Street District Board of Directors.
Online reviews, like this one from Lynn C., speak to what guests find appealing about Mast Store:
My family I love going to Mast General tore. The kids love the old helpful.
Mary M. is a sales associate in the Mercantile Department. She’s been a part of the Columbia store since it opened. “My favorite part of working at the store is meeting guests and working with so many great coworkers over the years. There just seems to be a sense of camaraderie that I have never experienced in any job I’ve had before.” She also took time to call out the guests on Saturdays during the Soda City Market. “Many have become our friends, and we engage them like they are family. That is why I love my job,” said Mary.
"Mast Store has transformed Columbia's Main Street District since opening 15 years ago,” said Matt Kennell, president and chief operating officer of the Main Street District. "They have demonstrated a commitment to community that transcends their store and has helped our Main Street thrive as never before."
Mast Store’s home in Downtown Columbia dates back to the 1870s, when this part of the city was rebuilding after the Civil War. It has been home to numerous businesses including a grocery, a saloon, a furniture store, and even an undertaker’s parlor, but its two longest-running retailers served the community for 40+ years each. Efirds, a department store and major competitor for Belk, operated in the location from 1915 until 1958. Lourie’s, a men’s department store, moved in 1960; it was a staunch supporter of downtown retail until it closed up shop in 2008.
“The Soda City Market was recently voted a 10Best by USAToday readers and Villa Tronca is one of Columbia’s oldest restaurants,” continued Jeremy. “There is a lot going on and people are jazzed about downtown, but one of my favorite things about Columbia and the Mast Store is the employees. They have a sense of loyalty that I’ve never encountered in my previous retail experience. It’s a very special place to me.”
The Mast General Store in Columbia is located at 1601 Main Street.