A new chapter is opening for the Higgins family as they prepare to launch Magnolia Mercantile, a downtown general store designed to serve both locals and visitors with everything from gelato and wine to grab-and-go lunches and Kentucky-made goods.
Sean and Anne Higgins, owners of Willow & Pine Market on the corner of 2nd and Allen streets, said the idea for the sister store grew out of a gap they noticed in the district. The mercantile, located at 103 West 3rd Street, is expected to open in mid-October.
“After owning Willow & Pine Market downtown for over 5 years, we saw the need for a general store that would serve the people working and living downtown, as well as visitors who are staying in the hotels and Airbnbs in the downtown area,” Anne said. “We have great restaurants downtown, but nowhere to grab a lunch to-go, a quick snack, a bottled drink, or other necessities.”
Magnolia Mercantile will be a family endeavor. The Higgins’ son Jack will manage day-to-day operations. Their daughter Isabel and family friend Carli Barr helped curate the store’s merchandise and designed a line of locally inspired T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other products.
The store will also feature a dedicated space for pop-up vendors and hands-on workshops, continuing the Higgins family’s emphasis on connection that has defined Willow & Pine.
“We want this to be a fun place to pop in and shop,” Anne said. “Our beautiful downtown is the heartbeat of Owensboro.”
Magnolia Mercantile will stock Italian gelato, European wines, grab-and-go lunches, snacks and beverages, pantry staples, and fresh bread from Nikko’s Bakery. Customers will also find Hill View Farm Meats, coffee and teas, and a selection of Kentucky Proud and Owensboro-branded merchandise.
Every Thursday, the Opportunity Center will cater fresh takeout lunches. The Higgins family has also been designated as a Kentucky Proud retailer, strengthening their ties to regional producers.
Gift baskets and curated products from local vendors will round out the inventory, making the shop a destination for both convenience and unique finds.
Willow & Pine recently celebrated its fifth anniversary as a downtown boutique known for curated gifts, workshops, and gatherings. With Magnolia Mercantile, the Higgins family is expanding that mission from specialty retail into everyday essentials.
Leading up to the opening, customers can preview products on Instagram at @magnoliamercantileky.
