Mel Pester, owner of Primitive Goods WV, has invited the community to attend a grand reopening celebration at 2 p.m. Sept. 25, of its new store location at 625 Edgar Avenue in Ronceverte.
Primitive Goods WV is a year-round Farmer’s Market offering a wide array of locally-crafted products like jams, jellies and fruit syrups; hand-crocheted animals; sewn products including bowl and jar covers, microwavable heat pads, pot holders, and towels; locally roasted coffee; local honey; a wide variety of loose leaf teas, spices and herbs; soaps, salves, lip balm, lotion bars and skin products; organic and gluten free dry goods; instructional books; chips and salsa; fresh beef, pork and lamb; a wide variety of cheeses and other dairy products; fresh seasonal produce; canning supplies; pottery; locally made cutting boards and other handmade wooden items.
To celebrate the new location, Pester said local artists, craftsmen, bakers and meat producers will be present to promote their products and answer questions. “A large part of our business involves teaching,” said Pester. “Our new space has allowed us to be able to develop a dedicated teaching area, and we will be finishing our kitchen classroom this fall. This will allow us to offer sit-down classes such as tea blending as well as hands-on classes in canning, cheese-making, and cooking.” She added that the new location also offers up-front parking, which allows easier access for many of her customers.
“All of our products are either made locally or in the United States,” said Pester. She noted that the shop offers classes that range from making soaps, tinctures and salves, elderberry syrup, fire cider, herbal tea blends, cheese and yogurt making, hand sewing, pantry management, and even building a root cellar, along with other homesteading projects.
Primitive Goods first opened in Greenbrier County at a different location in Ronceverte on May 30, 2023. Pester said the store’s offerings respond to customer feedback and preferences, and she highlighted the loyalty punch card promotion that has become popular with local shoppers.
Having moved to the area from a large metropolitan region, Pester quickly realized there were few stores offering the kinds of products her store features. “Our mission was to offer local customers an opportunity to purchase these goods at reasonable prices,” emphasized Pester. “We also wanted customers to have a place where people feel comfortable gathering to listen to music or just socialize.”
Pester said the WV Hive Network, specifically business advisor Devon Fitzgerald, has provided consulting services and access to other shop owners to discuss pros and cons of opening one’s own business.
“Melodie and Ben have built something really special with Primitive Goods WV,” said Fitzgerald. “I admire how they partner with local crafters, producers, and entrepreneurs to showcase the incredible talent and products our region has to offer. Their dedication to supporting small businesses and their love for the Ronceverte community shines through in everything they do. We’re excited to celebrate their growth and new location.”
Pester added, “We really appreciate the support that the community has given us over the years. We definitely want to invite everyone to come and check out our new location and all we have to offer. We enjoy the opportunity to provide services to the community and to be a place where everyone can stop by to enjoy a coffee or cold drink and discuss local news and events. We also recently started a monthly book club.”
