This Mast General Store was the 2nd of it's kind to open, apparently about 100 years after the first...but still an OG. The store offers a small throw back to simpler times, selling anything and everything one would need for their household under one roof. They even had a slogan early on of "if you can't buy it here, you don't need it". The store offers homewares (glassware, plates, pots, pans and cast iron), decor, snack items, jelly's/jams, milled products, soaps, gifts, clothing, camping gear, and even barrels upon barrels of candy by the pound. With 2 floors fully stocked of product, it offers a glimpse of how things were in olden times. Pricing on many items is very fare, from what I saw and was able to compare. Staff were all very friendly, checking in as we shopped to see if there is anything we could be helped with. It's a fun store to poke through, with lots of nostalgia read more

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Such a cool place to visit with unique items and is really an old vintage store. We got items for a great value and everyone is really nice and good service read more

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Cute little shop. We always love looking here . Stuff are a bit pricey but it has a lot of good local finds. Good selection of goodies to chose from! staff is extremely helpful. It can be a bit tight when busy. They do not have an elevator so it was hard to shop upstair since we had a stroller with us. read more

Cute place with a little bit of everything! It's got fun trinkets, charm, and candy but importantly it has pokémon! Funny enough they had a prismatic evolution surprise box that was only $33, a lot better than what I would expect at a place like this! The staff is always kind every time I go, and overall it's just a really cool vibe. It should be noted that there is no elevator if he wants to go to the second floor if you have a wheelchair or stroller. read more

Super fun store lots of gifts tons of candy, outdoor wear, cute clothes .. just an all around general store with a fun old time vibe. Tons of barrels of candy that you buy by the pound. Ethnic family and unusual candy options as well. The smell of popcorn floats through the store while you are shopping. Don't go on an empty stomach!! read more

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I haven't been in any Mast General that I didn't like. When we came in here I asked some questions of the people who worked there about a donut shop I saw on YouTube and got a complete rundown of two or three places they recommended. Mast General is filled with unique items and not just tourist items, but practical items that you can buy for either camping or the home...or most importantly for me to give as gifts to people visiting here from out of state. They have a large candy selection that I like to look at but steer clear of and in this location and upstairs and downstairs, my local Mast in Winston Salem has a lower level--plenty of stuff to look at and buy and always friendly staff. read more

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Great products, selection, and friendly staff hosted in a historic way-back time-machine. And an amazing selection of hiking shoes, boots, and socks. read more

Homey little store. I like the robust wood theme. As for stock, if you're looking for mountain clothes or anything Southern, you're in for a treat. But it lacks a lot of variety, sadly. The prices are fairly reasonable, if not a tad bit over the usual shop in this area. I expected that, though, because Mast is an iconic store from the area. Overall, it's a pretty decent find in Boone. Make sure to swing by! read more

Always enjoy a visit to a Mast general store, so many cool things, fun old snacks, super nice clothing and great pocket knife collections.

This place is a must-see in Boone! We literally spent hours poking around, exploring the multiple stories of goods. They have clothing (for hiking and other activities), homewares, and candy. I especially loved looking at the selection of dog toys! I ended up getting an ice cube tray, a pair of wool socks, a sun bum lip balm and a bunch of candy. The staff were great at answering questions. It was a fun shopping experience! read more

It's a must-visit because of its history and charm. On the candy side (yes, half of the 1st floor is all candy), there wasn't anything that they didn't have. It's a nostalgic stroll through their candy land. On the clothing side, there was a variety of winter wear that came in handy because we came severely unprepared for one of their coldest days of winter :) I did see some items that were a little pricey, but not everything was. There is certainly something for everyone. Service was great; the lady at the cashier offered to cut the tags off of what we purchased so we could wear them :) read more

So when you get into the candy section and find the stairs to go up, I highly suggest making that trip upstairs as you discover jars among jars of deliciousness options! Bringing home a hot sauce bottle from different states is my idea of a souvenir, but this jar of blueberry butter also found its way home with me to Florida :) Hot sauce options are limited, but this Screaming Hornets one is yummy! And the variety of butters, jams, and marmalades are a whole lot more. They also have a sheet in there that differentiates these. read more

Mast General Store Old Boone Mercantile - Department Stores Near Me - Boone, North Carolina

Rustic country interior. Superior customer service. Kind workers. Nice selection. * No dairy free and dye free candies. But a great selection for those that don't have allergies. * T shirts are a bit pricier than other tourism shops. But less expensive than most boutiques. * Great selection of a variety of things. Fun place to get lost meandering. read more

Higher priced clothing but wonderful store! Love the barrel candy options for kids and there is a fun selection of puzzles for souvenirs. There is a wide variety of quality clothing throughout two floors. Quaint place to visit in a wonderful town. (My hometown) read more

I went in to exchange a pullover but ended up getting a refund. I felt as thought the store employees were doing ME a favor. Very disconnected. In fact I had to wait at the counter for two employees to finish their joke before they helped me. Look; treat the customer like he is paying YOU , not as though he's inconvenience. I'm done with this place. I didn't feel valued and the goods aren't cheap. I can buy the same stuff on-line , but I like to shop local. Their has to be some reciprocity. read more

I've been to this location several times. I have also been to the "original" location. You will probably find the same items at both stores. I have never been here on a slow day. It seems like this is the go to spot for weekend shoppers. There is a huge selection of outdoor and indoor clothes. Plus the candy selection is astronomical. If you are on King Street this store is a must. read more

Mast General Store Old Boone Mercantile - Department Stores Near Me - Boone, North Carolina

I love this place so much! I visit the Mast store every time I come home. There is so many cool things here including clothes and sporting good. I also love visiting the candy area and get old time candy! read more

Mast General Store Old Boone Mercantile - Department Stores Near Me - Boone, North Carolina

I've been here twice. Each time I have found something I didn't know I needed, like hiking shoes and chocolate covered almonds. Both times have been at the height (so far) of COVID. They limit how many are in the store at one time (they actually count), squirt hand sanitizer on your hands, and have a box of masks at the front of the line, all of which made me as comfortable as possible during a global pandemic. Regardless of pandemic or not, customer service experience has been positive and helpful, especially when I was looking for hiking shoes. Is this a place to get a deal - well, no, not at all. It's a place to wander in when you visit the town of Boone and buy candy from their plentiful stash of $9.99/lb buckets. It's a fun place to kill some time when you're downtown on a nice day. read more

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Might be overrated, but in truth we had a fun time here, and yep, we're tourists in this area. It's a bit of an old-fashioned general store without the intimacy you night expect. It's big (two floors) and bustling especially on weekends, and true to name it carries a whole lot of stuff. We bought some shirts and sweaters on sale, very reasonably priced, and and a few knick-knacks. They seem to sell lots of outdoor clothing and shoes, but they also have some great stocks of candies of all types and tastes. If you take your time wandering around you'll see everything from birdhouses to soaps, from ties and belts to handbags, from kid's puzzles to cookbooks. Something for just about everyone. There are nearly a dozen Mast stores scattered around North and South Carolina, but this was our first visit to one. Overall, prices are not always cheap, but they have sales and they carry some very good product lines. read more

Mast General Store Old Boone Mercantile - Boone NC Store - Department Stores Near Me - Boone, North Carolina

There are a ton of items to see. I would have loved to see a little bit more unique items but there is a huge selection overall. It was incredibly busy and we were still checked out quickly. read more

First time in Boone, was a nice refreshing outdoorsy area less than 2 hours drive north of Charlotte. When we left it was close to 100F and humid, up here in the Appalachians, it went down to the high 60's, wow what a climate change. We knew this town was special and searched for a spot that tourists like us can get some nice gifts and things with the name Boone on it. Well, we definitely found the right spot, old school and I mean over 130 years old, this general store had everything for the family, even a huge section of chocolates and candies you can buy by the pound? Found souvenirs for each and everyone of our family and friends. I love this town and this store! read more

Lovely location, fun and useful things, historic buildings- don't miss the turn or your map finder will take you to downtown Boone, which is gorgeous in its own right. Valley Crucis, NC is what I am talking about. Go and have fun read more

So just what does a general store carry? You're probably better off asking, what don't they carry! A lot of nostalgia type items. I spotted a magic eight ball and was immediately transported back to my 12 year old self. A large part of their inventory is candy, bought by the pound. There is an upstairs in this Boone location that had all kinds of cookware, souvenirs, wall of jams and jellies, art, housewares, cups, just to name a few. Fun place to browse for anything and everything you didn't even know you needed. read more

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All of the staff in the Boone, NC store were wearing masks and as always in any Mast General store, super helpful. If you look in the store on either floor, you can find some great prices, as my wife found a pair of shoes, reduced down to $104.98, and then, as a special, 50% off of that reduced price. Yes, we bought them. As you walk up the stairs, you get the enjoyable sound of the older wood floors creaking underneath your feet. Upstairs are the camping equipment, clothing, and camping (and leisure) shoes. I bought a baseball cap by Columbia for $28 (sorry, no sale), even though I didn't need another baseball style hat. This one, however, had the 50 SPF fabric which covered my neck and my ears. Comfy and cool at the same time. On the bottom floor, there are men's clothes on one side and women's on the other side. You name it in casual clothing and they have it, some apparently store brands, in addition to some upscale brands such as Columbia. Spending an hour here is nothing. As this was during the pandemic, masks were required of customers, and the stairs were divided into up and down stairs such that people would not bump into one another. Yes, social distancing in addition. read more

Lay out was a little different than most mast general stores I've been to, but they still offered the same things. Prices are a little pricy in most things. Cute home decor and souvenirs. My favorite is picking out candy that I'll usually eat on the rode trip home! Love all the top brands they carry and all the outdoor items! They always have something for everyone! read more

Our family had so much fun looking around this store. So many fun things to purchase and candy so much candy!! It's a must stop for us now every time we visit Boone. read more

This is one of those gotta drop by spots when you go to Boone (despite having been to their other locations). I always skip over the overpriced outdoor apparel and head upstairs for the jams, coffee and other edibles. Trust me when I say get the raspberry or strawberry jalapeño jam. Kicky! I'm enjoying it on biscuits and crackers right now. It's a fun store to wander around for a while and is perfect for finding unique Christmas gifts. read more

How can you even write a review for this place? I don't even know what to write except for that this is a 10/10 recommendation for guests visiting the Town of Boone. The store has everything you need for family members of all ages and all interest levels. It is even pet friendly, and sometimes the sweet employees will give him/her a small treat. My dog loves it there! The store is being managed well during the pandemic with masks required and hand sanitizer for use immediately upon entry. Store employees monitor the number of folks going in and out to ensure it is not at a full capacity. Gloves are required in candy bins. I have felt safe visiting here during COVID; it is one of the only stores I've visited. I plan on going back this week to pick up Christmas gifts for family members (my mom loves the "old-timey" candy selections and Charles Chips). For those of you who are not ready to shop in store, or who do not live nearby, make sure you sign up for store's email newsletter. There, you receive updates on store discounts and sales as well as access to a virtual catalogue where you can place many orders online for pickup or delivery. The puzzles have definitely come in handy for my family! read more

Great place to stop in when walking around Boone. They have numerous bins full of old-fashioned candies that you purchase by weight. They also have many other items including old-timey toys and games. We ended up getting over 2 lbs of candy and received a free tote. The candy is delicious and we would like to return again in the future! read more

Mast General Store Old Boone Mercantile - Department Stores Near Me - Boone, North Carolina

This store is very cool! Located in downtown Boone surrounded by many other cool shops and eateries. There's something for everyone from candy, to camping gear, to cooking supplies, to jewelry, and so much more! The creaking of the wooden floors is like a symphony as you walk around the 2 story store. The employees are friendly and the store is neat considering how many items they have. The biggest problem I have with the store is how outrageously overpriced everything is. I know it's a tourist trap in a tourist location, but the prices are ridiculous. We just buy some candy and cool post cards because we're poor and can't afford anything else. read more

Finally followed the signs to Mast General Store. What a fun place. Full of unusual and interesting items for children and adults. I bought a book for my Grandson's birthday which is right around the corner, called "There was an old lady who swallowed a fly." We found a few other unusual items and had a terrific time just browsing. The one problem we found was that there was an upstairs. My husband who is walking with a cane now just didn't feel capable of going up the stairs so we missed the whole upstairs display. Wish there was an elevator for us older handicapped folks. Otherwise it was a great experience and we will return. read more

Have always loved coming to mast General when I'm in Blowing Rock as they have great clothing and love the candy shop. However this past weekend really was absurd. I know people live their animals (in particular dogs)... but bringing them into the store was really something. One couple had two dogs that were the size of small ponies... not muzzled and brushing up against the clothing. The store smelled of animal.. not pleasant. I won't return because you don't know if these dogs are friendly.. any dogs.. please leave your animals at home if you need to shop... read more

The Mast General Store Old Boone Mercantile on King Street in Boone is a great place to find gifts for yourself or just about anybody that is on your list. They have an awesome collection of unique items that range from the cute, to the tasty, to the funny, to the practical, and even to the odd that there will be at least one item that you will find that will be perfect for that one person. The store is very large and seems to go on for a long time and then keep going and then have a second level that keeps going even further and it is easy to spend a long time here which I find very cool and entertaining. The staff here is very helpful and plentiful as there always seems to be someone available to assist and the checkout line moves fast. read more

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I noticed in dressing room mirror you could see the security camera that was in the ceiling outside the dressing room. On the back of the door of the dressing room a sign about shoplifting also says they are watching. The camera wasn't exposed to see which way it was pointed but still did not make me want to go back. I looked over at the other dressing room and seemed to have another camera. Privacy is important I would move that camera out of view of the mirrors. read more

Mast General Stores are pretty cool - if you've never been in one, go at least once. Mast is very popular and has become a bit of a tourist attraction. They've expanded quite a bit and you can find stores all over Western NC. That being said, once you've been in one or two, the novelty wears off and you've pretty much been to all of them. This particular store is in downtown Boone. One side is clothing and the other side is candy in barrels and what I would classify as "bric a brac" or "kitsch". I counted at least 10 employees, 4 on the clothing side, 4 on the candy side and two out front monitoring the sidewalk sale. The customer service is definitely good, but they must have to sell a ton of stuff to have that many employees on duty. The displays here are very colorful and esthetic; a wonderland for the eyeball. Prices tend to be on the higher side of retail. The price of loose candy is $7.99 per pound. The silence while my children eat their candy, priceless. read more

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This place can best be described as a mishmash of a small REI, a candy store, and a Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Half of the store seemed to be outdoorsy clothing, a quarter of the store basically sweets, and the other quarter kitchen/foodstuffs/household goods. It's cool to just wander and browse all the various items up for grabs. I got a kick out of the sock monkey section and the mugs made for left/right-handed folks. Mast General also seems to have employees teeming all over the place so it wouldn't be too hard to get help, and I didn't have to wait at the register at all. Worth a peep if you're in downtown Boone. read more

So the Mast family must have been pretty popular in Boone and they started the general store there. There are a couple locations throughout the area and keep in mind, this isn't the original one. You'll find that one closer to Banner Elk/Valle Crucis. Like a general store should be it's full of old time games and candies. Clothing as well as kitchen ware can be found upstairs.\ If you need a blast to the past, come in here. read more

I love this location. It's in a late 1800s building that has been added onto and functioned as a general for a long time. It is a great place for a little history, a little nostalgia and shopping for cute and tasty items. It is a great day trip and drive for us. read more

We love this place - both locations. What a nostalgic trip back to my youth. It's such fun to go into an "old country" store with everything from an old fashioned soda cooler and candy that you can't find anywhere else, to all sorts of nice clothing and home accessories. If you go, be sure to try the ginger ale - it's made from real ginger and is nothing like the stuff that you get everywhere else. It comes in two strengths, mild (which has a nice warm after-burn) and hot, which I've heard should come with a small fire extinguisher. The mild also comes in a diet variety. Overall, it's just a fun place to explore. You'll appreciate it all the more if you're in the "baby boomer" generation. The young-uns just don't get it. read more

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Disappointed. I did expect a tourist attraction experience but the hipster headquarters surpassed anything I had envisioned. Very crowded, although good for registers, it made browsing uncomfortable. There were very few bargains while most everything was grossly overpriced. It gave me a " surf shop in Myrtle Beach" vibe. I did find the candy store exciting until I paid $37.85 for two handfuls of everyday candy. I can say I visited but I won't be back. Lots of real general stores scattered out of town that are worth the time. read more