In the late 1800s, general stores served as hubs providing customers with just about anything they could want or need — groceries, hardware, apparel and everything else in between. Often serving customers in smaller towns, general stores ensured that people didn’t have to travel to a big city to get what they needed for the week. People also used general stores as meeting places, and shopkeepers always had the scoop on juicy town gossip.
Martin says she doesn’t try to change the look of Fishtail General Store much, but she notes that she’s always keeping up on maintenance of the 124-year-old building.
Everything plus souvenirs
For almost 100 years, Old Riverton Store has been a popular shopping destination for both locals who live near Riverton, Kansas, and travelers driving along Route 66. The store has always sold groceries and home goods. But as the store grew in popularity among travelers, it expanded its souvenir offerings to cater to the growing customer base.Fishtail General Store in Fishtail, Montana, is similarly packed full of merchandise to appeal to any and every customer that walks in its doors. Having been in business since 1900, the shop is the longest continually operated general store in the state of Montana.
Preserving history
General store customers often appreciate the unchanged design and architecture of these stores.Martin says she doesn’t try to change the look of Fishtail General Store much, but she notes that she’s always keeping up on maintenance of the 124-year-old building.