For the Long Run

The Bradford Market

A New Journey for the Old General Store

Emily and Mike Harvey.

by Abigail Smathers | photography by Jon Beryle

From 1912 to 2021, the Bradford Store served as a bridge between local agriculturalists and consumers, offering the Bradford Farm’s very own produce, as well as a variety of other regional products. The store worked its way into the hearts of many Huntersville locals during its lifetime; two such fans of the historic vendor were Emily Harvey and her husband Mike, who was a long-time friend of the store’s founding family, the Bradfords.

Just last year, in an impromptu trip to the Bradford Store, Mike and Emily were shocked to learn that the business was due to close its doors the following day. Unable to stomach the thought of losing an adored childhood hangout, Mike rang the owners with a proposition—he and Emily would take over the property to keep the Bradford legacy alive.

The Bradford Market focuses on offering regional products such as specialty meats and cheeses, fresh dairy, produce, honey and jams.

It was serendipity, or maybe fate, they believe, as the couple comes from a background in ecommerce and marketing in favor of a new venture.

“It just snowballed,” Emily explains. “I love retail. I love meeting new people. I love the community that’s in this place. I wanted a space that was warm and inviting, where people can come and feel the camaraderie. and this was it.”

As the lease was being finalized and renovations were underway, the couple were steadfast in their goal to preserve as much of the market’s original charm as possible, while imbuing it with a few new values.

“The old architecture, the energy, the smells, the wood floors… the ambiance just gives you such a good feeling, and it’s one that’s so unique to Huntersville. It reminds me of Andy Griffith,” Emily laughs as she describes the structure’s allure. “But we also wanted to focus on regional products and health products that are hard to find. Stuff that’s high quality, it’s fresh, and you know exactly where it came from and what’s in it.”

After partnering with more than 90 local farmers, artisans, and other local vendors, the newly-named Bradford Market opened its doors in October of 2021 to high praise and great success. Its shelves are stocked with specialty meats and cheeses, honey and jams, fresh dairy and produce, gourmet snacks, and a large selection of products that cater to special dietary habits such as gluten-free, organic, etc. The Bradford Market also carries household goods and handmade gifts crafted by regional artisans, all of which are sourced with sustainability, charity, locality, and health in mind.

In the coming months, the Harveys are focused on promoting the market as a family gathering space that encourages the residents of Huntersville and beyond to create meaningful experiences. Bradford Market’s peaceful outdoor scenery, picnic tables and chairs, and the whimsical ringing of the wind chimes provide the perfect backdrop for a beautiful memory.

“We want to inspire people to know the value of their purchases, take advantage of what nature has to offer you, and do all of that together.”

This coming spring, The Bradford Market plans to introduce a host of new attractions including offering gardening and nursery items such as plants, seeds, and soil, gardening workshops, live music performances, and outdoor group yoga classes to kick off the store’s reopening.

The Bradford Market

15915 Davidson-Concord Road, Huntersville Thebradfordmarket.com