WAYNESVILLE, NC - The Mast General Store is celebrating 35 years on Downtown Waynesville’s vibrant Main Street. On April 17, 2026, stop by the store for a free bag of popcorn all day and join the Haywood Chamber of Commerce for an official celebration, with refreshments, remarks, and prize drawings, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.
“I remember being with my parents when they took yet another leap of faith,” shared Lisa Cooper, president of Mast General Store. “We were successful in Valle Crucis and Downtown Boone, then Waynesville flattered us by asking us to open a store in their downtown. They said they had the perfect building, and when we saw it, we agreed. The rest, as they say, is now 35 years of history in in this community.”
In the 1980s, Waynesville was seeing its town follow the same trend as others across the nation. Anchor stores, which were the main business attractors in downtowns, were migrating to malls or shopping centers, which led to a downturn in the viability of all businesses along Main Streets.
Ron Huelster, Waynesville’s Main Street director at the time recalled, “Don Eudy, the head of First Union Bank in Waynesville, was on our was the confluence of several trends,” continued Huelster. “Historic preservation was gaining recognition through the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and culture preservation, such as arts and crafts, music and dance received more recognition in development decisions. I think the Coopers saw what was happening and were very successful with their Mast Store concept. We were fortunate to be a part of it. Mast became our anchor store and a key element in the revitalization of our downtown and community.”
Bridget Shaughnessy, Mast Store Waynesville’s general manager, moved to town eight years ago. “I knew I had found my new home. The community is so inviting, kind, and proud of its little slice of heaven. I’m proud to be a part of this community.
"My staff and I stand on Mast Store’s commitment of providing quality goods at fair prices with old-fashioned customer service, and we are eager to make your acquaintance,” said Shaunghnessy.
The event on Friday, April 17, will feature refreshments, including beverages provided by the Roll Up Herbal Bar, and remarks by members of the Cooper family and others.
“Waynesville showed us that we could operate stores outside Watauga County and set the foundation for our growth to many more communities,” said Cooper. “We are so thankful the Waynesville community convinced us to come.”
The Mast General Store has 11 locations in 10 communities and will open its newest “old” location in Downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, in spring of 2027.
# # #