The sign for Burnette’s Country Store is in place while the window holds onto the last of Southwest Trading Company which used to be inside. (Cory Spiers/Staff)
Significant changes are coming to Upper Street in downtown Spruce Pine.
Gregg and Lisa Henline, longtime owners of Southwest Trading Company, recently retired, leaving a prime business location open. Kirk, Sam, Keen and Sage Burnette seized the opportunity and will expand their existing business into that building in the form of a new venture— Burnette’s Country Store.
The Burnettes for the past four years have operated Keen Outdoors which sat directly next to L&L Furniture and across the street from what will now be Burnette’s Country Store.
“We can only imagine all of the wonderful years that Greg and Lisa have had owning Southwest Trading Company,” Kirk Burnette said. “They have supported us in all aspects of our personal and business lives and have quickly become precious friends to us. It’s time for a new adventure, and we wish them all the best.”
Burnette’s Country Store (279 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine) will hold its grand opening on Saturday, May 27 at 9 a.m. Throughout the day and on Monday, May 29, they will hold giveaways.
Burnette’s will sell a variety of goods including shoes, clothing, Amish-built indoor and outdoor furniture, Amish-built toys, jute rugs, hiking, camping and fishing gear, home goods, mountain collectibles, candy, canned goods and more.
“We like to say that there is truly something for everyone here,” Kirk Burnette said.
The store will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. It’ll be closed on Sundays.
The Burnettes bought out all of the brands that Southwest Trading Company had and added several more. They plan to combine those brands with everything currently offered at Keen Outdoors to provide the community with “the ultimate place to shop”.
All outdoor products currently sold at Keen Outdoors will make their way to the new Country Store.
“The goal is to have something for everyone,” Kirk Burnette said. “We will share more about additional products that will be available in our store when the time comes.”