The town of Livermore will see the official opening of the RiverTown Market this Saturday.
Located at 100 W. Third St. at the former Wells Insurance Agency location and across from Livermore City Hall and the Old Livermore Furniture & Hardware Co., the new gift shop will have its ribbon cutting , presided over by Executive Judge Curtis Dame and opening prayer by Bro. Thomas Webb, at 9 a.m. and will be open for shopping from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mallory Robertson, owner of the new venture, said the anticipation for the big day had finally started to materialize.
“I think (Sunday) is when it all hit,” Robertson said. “I went to church and everyone was talking about it and I think that’s when all the things came like the excitement and the nervousness but also being proud of myself too.”
The business will focus on selling Kentucky Proud products such as honeys, jams and jellies, while offering artisan products made by community members.
“I think what makes us unique is that over 90 percent of the produce here comes from the state of Kentucky,” Robertson said. “And it’s kind of like saying, ‘One small business, supporting many others through Bluegrass.’ ”
Other deals include quilts and sewing items, Kentucky Trail Town and RiverTown Market t-shirts designed by Robertson’s sister Melanie Owen, ice cream from Chaney’s Dairy Barn in Bowling Green and more.
“A lady is making dog treats, and with those dog treats, my mom also had fun making dog bandanas,” Robertson laughed.
Although he was originally trying to have the grand opening in time for Christmas 2021, Robertson opened the store in December for a few hours to provide a Santa photo opportunity for families.
Since then, Robertson said she has been preparing for opening day by heading to a few markets, including a store at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington to gather Kentucky Proud products while preparing the interior of the space for customers by hanging the decoration and having the necessary fixtures installed.
Robertson recently left her position with Hopkins County Schools to focus her efforts on the store and also take on a new role as Director of Robertson’s Produce, part of the family business Robertson Farms, LLC. .
She also took a break from her studies at Murray State University and will resume part-time in the fall.
“I decided the farm made me happy and McLean County made me happy and I missed being in Hopkins County,” Robertson said. “I also knew there was no way to run my store and keep my job. So my family talked about it and about a month ago; I went back to the family farm and we decided to diversify it and we’re going to grow some produce and go to the Owensboro Farmers Market and we’ll have some in (the store) too….
Robertson will lead the charge at the store alone, with the support of his family, with eventual plans to welcome potential new employees.
“…My family, especially my mom, dad and sister, really helped me succeed,” Robertson said. “We spent a lot of late nights and early mornings here to get everything ready. It certainly wasn’t just me that made this happen.
In preparation for the store, Robertson received advice from other local business owners, including his aunt Carol Robertson, owner of Farley’s in Calhoun, who stressed the importance of patience.
“…It takes time to get to the next level, so there will be some discouraging days, but it’s okay,” Robertson said.
She also received encouragement from Diane and Ralph Thacker, owners of Thacker Riverside Dental.
“They’ve got a lot of support for me (and) they’re excited for this to open up,” Robertson said. “They show everything to everyone all the time.”
For day one, Robertson can’t wait to finally open the doors to the public.
“I’m excited to be able to meet people,” Robertson said. “I think from the second I announced this business was coming, the people of Livermore and the rest of McLean County were more than supportive and ready for it to open immediately.
“…My face is over there and the store is over there and that’s what has to happen. So I expect a decent turnout even with spring break.
Robertson said she has seen active support from people outside the county and hopes they will make it a point to come visit Livermore and the store.
“Hopefully this is a place where they can learn about Livermore…and also come here as a place to shop or support the locals and see what Livermore has to offer,” Robertson said.
With this new journey, Robertson plans to stay focused on the task at hand.
“I think I’m very willful and whenever I want something, I do it and I don’t give up,” Robertson said. “I think it’s just kind of an inbreeding in me, so I think that’s a big part of that. But the continued support of my family, my citizens and my friends also keeps me going, because people wanted that in McLean County and I think McLean County needed that business as well.
The opening hours of the store will be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
For more information on RiverTown Market, visit facebook.com/marketrivertown or call 270-499-0561.
Freddie Bourne, [email protected]
