Couple opens pair of shops inside former Cowan’s Hardware Store building

TRYON — Downtown Tryon’s newest businesses mark a new beginning — both for the people who own them as well as for the storied storefront where they are located.

Earlier this month, Steve and Tracey Groves opened the doors to their pair of new shops, Trade Street Trading Company and The Carriage Stop, located inside the former Cowan’s Hardware Store building at 104 N. Trade St., Tryon. The two shops share the same space within the storefront, and offer a selection of antiques, jewelry, artwork and other items for customers.

“One side of the store [The Carriage Stop] is more geared toward women, with gifts, while the other side [Trade Street Trading Company] is more geared toward men, with bags and antiques,” Tracey said. “We’re trying to have something for everyone.”

The names and inventory of each of the shops reflect the passions and interests of the owners. Steve has been a dedicated antique buyer and collector since he was a teenager, while Tracey is a longtime dressage rider, who is a certified judge with the U.S. Dressage Federation, she said.

The couple, who own a financial services business based in New Jersey, began coming to Tryon two years ago, purchasing a home in the area.

Looking to establish roots in the Foothills, the two began looking at local properties in which to open their own antique shop, with them first considering an old garage in Landrum before they were introduced to the former home of Tryon’s beloved Cowan’s Hardware Store, which closed its doors in 2016.

Steve and Tracey have spent the past several weeks getting the old building in shape for the opening of the new shops, including making some repairs to the roof and removing old shelves to make way for new ones. There are still plenty of nods to the former hardware store, though, with the new owners keeping the old phone stand intact, as well as placing a photo of Mr. Cowan near the entrance.

Scott and Karolyn Hooper, owners of the now closed Hoop’s Antiques, helped Steve and Tracey as well, with the shop now carrying some of Hoop’s more popular gift items, Steve said.

“We’re trying to fill a void left in the town [with Hoop’s closing], and maybe pull some interest back toward this side of Trade Street,” Steve said.

With the couple still operating their business back in New Jersey, Steve and Tracey said they are currently looking for an employee to help them run the stores, which will help them cement consistent store hours. They are still in the midst of renovating the remaining portions on the old hardware store as well, which they hope to open when finished.

For now, though, many in the community are just glad to see the old Cowan’s Hardware Store building spring back to life, especially with so many visiting Tryon for the first time while the World Equestrian Games are taking place in nearby Mill Spring, Tracey said.

“Everyone [in Tryon] has been so welcoming and supportive,” she said.

Those interested in learning more about the shops may call 828-817-5229 or may visit  facebook.com/Trade-Street-Trading-Company or facebook.com/thecarriagestoptryon.