GUEST POST!
Hi! I’m Bess, and I run the blog When In Asheville with my husband, where we document life with our two kids as we eat and explore around our favorite city. I am so excited to do a guest post for Provisions Mercantile– it’s one of my favorite local Asheville shops and I am certain this post will show you why!
5 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT PROVISIONS MERCANTILE AS LOCALS
There are few shops in Asheville that feel as authentic, welcoming and local as Provisions Mercantile. Owners Heather and Matt Wright will proudly tell you their vision for the two locations is to feel like an extension of their home. And I am happy to share that they have most certainly achieved that!
The beautiful buildings where each location resides, the artfully displayed inventory, the warm ambiance, and the welcome you’ll most likely receive from their goldendoodle, Beau, come together to form a bit of retail magic. It’s a favorite shop of mine, and I thought it would be fun to share five things I absolutely love about Provisions as a local. So, let’s get to it!
1. Provisions is straight out of a Nancy Meyers set
If you're familiar with Provisions Mercantile then you already know that it’s one of those shops you’d like to just move into. The best way I can describe it is that as you walk in, you’ll immediately feel like you are stepping into a real life Nancy Meyers movie set.
Heather and Matt have created such a cozy and welcoming environment, with great background music, candles burning and blankets draped ever so perfectly. You know that bakery + marketplace in It’s Complicated? I’m not convinced those scenes weren’t filmed in their flagship West Asheville shop. They just need croissants for the full effect! And if you get this reference, I am certain you will love Provisions.
2. Provisions is filled to the brim with gifts for everyone
Provisions is my go-to shop in Asheville for gifting, especially before the holidays when I have multiple people to buy for. Their categories cover everything from creative kids to outdoorsy guys, coffee snobs to aspiring chefs. In one stop you can buy the cutest Rifle Paper headband, local coffee, an LED headlamp, playing cards, color changing nail polish (!), Gibbs Smith BabyLit books, Beach & Barn flannel shirts, coffee table books, Camp Craft cocktail kits and Stanley coffee mugs. And this list doesn’t even begin to cover their full inventory.
3. …but it’s not just a gift shop!
What I love about shopping at Provisions is that I can also buy regular, everyday items, in addition to the more ‘giftable’ ones. A great example is the bulk Green Go laundry detergent container at their West location. Green Go is a natural cleaning products company out of Pisgah Forest, NC. So, bonus! You are supporting TWO local businesses and the environment when you shop at the bulk bar. You can either buy a refillable container at Provisions or bring your own.
Another great everyday item carried by Provisions is a box of Chemex filters! I know… it’s not an exciting product, but Provisions is one of the few places where I have found Chemex filters in Asheville. I’d much rather buy from a local shop than a big box store. Plus, it gives me an excuse to visit!
4. You’ll feel at home when shopping at Provisions
As you may have gathered, Provisions has quite the variety in inventory. However, it in no way feels like a crowded or stressful place. The real magic comes in the form of their merchandising expertise. Their flagship West Asheville shop flows like a home. You’ll find a kitchen area with the most darling charcuterie accessories (and actual charcuterie foods, too!), a pantry section with some great local and regional finds and a bar area in the back with glasses, bitters and even maraschino cherries. Cheers!
On the other side of the shop is a fun children’s section that feels like a kid’s room with a bookshelf, a wardrobe with MilkBarn onesies, a cozy rug and felt garland. Nearby you’ll find a men’s section that has an outdoorsy, rugged feel. I am honestly fascinated by their meticulous attention to detail and the way each category has its own feel.
Jewelry and accessories are found by the men’s section, including ABLE bags and jackets. (Psst: if they don’t have your size, they can order one on the spot and have it shipped directly to you!) And right here is where you’ll find a dedicated sitting area complete with a leather couch. So when I say you’ll feel at home, I mean it! The owners thoughtfully designed their shops to evoke this very feeling, which brings us to the last thing we love about Provisions…
5. Provisions is a place to sit back, relax and gather with community
The Provisions concept was inspired by the small general store run by Heather’s grandmother out of her basement in the 60s. It was actually located just down the road from the West location and it served as a gathering place for the neighborhood. And today that general store serves as inspiration for Provisions.
It’s obvious from the design of their shops, the ready-made food and drinks offered at each and the warm welcome you are sure to receive that Heather and Matt want you to stick around. As far as drinks go, their Biltmore location sells beer and wine and their West Asheville location has a coffee cart. Both locations offer boxes from AVL Charcuterie Co as well as packaged snacks.
So, what are you waiting for!?
- Bess
