The Willey's Store, Greensboro

The old saying, “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it” rings true for The Willey’s Store. When other stores have had to yield to the market economy, Willey’s has remained constant, providing everything that a small community needs. Located in charming Greensboro just steps away from Caspian Lake’s local beach, the general store sits on the corner of Breezy Avenue and Craftsbury Road. The town and store bustle with activity year-round.

This store, now run by fifth-generation Robbie Hurst, has the distinction of having been owned by one family since 1900. And like this town, which has generations of families coming yearround, many share recollections of past generations who ran this store. What has remained constant is that Willey’s really has not changed that much, apart from the unique characteristics of each generation fondly remembered.

Over the decades, the store has expanded to bridge several buildings that create the large footprint that exists today. A range of departments all branching out from the main store include housewares, hardware, deli, wine section, groceries, and clothing. An expansive selection of world-renowned Jasper Hill cheeses fills the dairy case. Willey’s is proud to be the “unofficial retail outlet” in the Northeast Kingdom for Jasper Hill Farm, offering access to the full line of cheeses they make throughout the year, often stocking varieties you cannot find elsewhere.

There is a coffee bar, a bakery with fresh offerings, penny candy, greeting cards, and even a shelf dedicated solely to the fixings for s’mores. The uneven, scuffed-up wooden floors add charm, and the river flowing underneath the store is another unique feature. Bronwyn Dunne, a longtime summer resident, shares, “I have known Willey’s all my life. I have never been in another store where I can always find exactly what I need in the hardware section and also find the perfect bottle of wine. Willey’s is the classic country store where you can find everything you need, and then some.”

“If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.”

Another customer was certain Willey’s did not have an item as she perused the housewares section, looking for bamboo toast tongs. About ready to give up, she spied it right next to the toasters. Upstairs, folks will find a variety of outdoor brands of sustainable clothing, and one of largest outdoor footwear collections around. Willey’s is known for their special sales throughout the year that draw customers near and far.

Robbie, as the fifth generation, has his own plans that include bringing back the famous “Willey’s Wooley Burger,” a ground lamb patty wrapped in bacon.

The fresh baked goods section and to-go sandwiches are popular and sell quickly.

Cathy Donnelly, who lives just up Breezy Avenue from Willey’s, shares, “Our daily decision? Is it going to be a one-trip, two-trip, or three-trip day to this beloved store?” This sentiment most certainly rings true for many of the townspeople who live here and visitors fortunate enough to find their way to the heart and soul of Greensboro.

www.facebook.com/willeys.store 

@thewilleysstore (Instagram)