Loose Cow Mercantile Opens on High Street: A Hub for Local Entrepreneurs and Shoppers

A fresh wave of entrepreneurial energy has arrived downtown. On September 5, community leaders, business owners, and residents gathered at 18 High Street, just off Main Street, to celebrate the ribbon-cutting for the Loose Cow Mercantile.

The event, hosted by the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, marked the official opening of a collaborative retail space designed to give small businesses, artisans, and dreamers a chance to shine.

Chamber representative Bret Bement opened the ceremony, welcoming a large crowd gathered along the sidewalk. He then introduced Mayor Lori Cockrell, who praised the project as a catalyst for downtown vibrancy.

“This isn’t like going to the mall—this is unique,” Cockrell said. “We’re so excited to welcome Loose Cow Mercantile and thank Amanda and all the vendors for investing in our community.”

Board of Supervisors member Cheryl Cullers added her congratulations, noting that the Mercantile gives locals and visitors a chance to discover Front Royal while experiencing Warren County’s history in a revitalized space.

Finally, owner Amanda Slate explained her vision:

“We made this a place for entrepreneurs to thrive,” Slate said. “Our goal is to give small businesses a launchpad—so one day, they can graduate into their own storefronts downtown.”

After a countdown, Slate cut the ribbon to cheers and applause. Guests then streamed inside to tour the transformed historic building and meet the vendors who bring it to life.

A Marketplace of Creativity

Walking through Loose Cow Mercantile feels like strolling into a modern-day bazaar—each corner offering something different, each booth telling its own story. Vendors range from eco-friendly startups to faith-based shops, from artisanal foods to handmade crafts.

Here’s a look at the founding vendors:

• Haven Hallow LLC – Sarah Hart Morgan blends her talents in photography, gardening, herbalism, and seasonal creativity. Her booth reflects a grounded, nature-connected lifestyle, inviting others to explore slow living and plant-based practices.
• Boujee on a Budget Consignments LLC – A stylish consignment boutique where sustainability meets fashion. Focused on keeping clothing affordable, accessible, and trendy, this mother-daughter team is bringing youthful energy to Front Royal’s retail scene.
• Castle Clare Designs – Specializes in handcrafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry. From whimsical, everyday wear to fine handcrafted silver pieces, each creation reflects elegance and individuality.
• Krafts and Stuff LLC – A booth filled with handmade sewn products and thrifty treasures. Customers will find everything from bowl cozies and chapstick holders to surgical caps, each stitched with care and open to customization.
• Swap Sustainables LLC – A woman-owned shop dedicated to plastic-free, eco-friendly home and personal care products. From toxic-free cleaning supplies to healthy household goods, it’s the place for sustainable swaps.
• Lost Woods Plant Nursery – A geek-inspired plant shop that combines rare and variegated houseplants with a dash of video game flair. Visitors can also build their own creations at the DIY Plant Bar.
• Graceful Glow Tallow – Natural skincare crafted from tallow. Started with a focus on family health, this line has grown into carefully curated products designed to nurture the skin.
• The Catholic Coterie – A faith-based boutique offering Catholic art, scripture-inspired gifts, and non-denominational Christian items. The shop features local artisans such as candle makers and ceramicists, enriching both faith and community.
• FR Cellars – A “little sister” brand of Rappahannock Cellars, FR Cellars pairs local wine with local artistry. Each bottle showcases Shenandoah Valley scenes painted by regional artists, celebrating the spirit of the Blue Ridge.
• Oak & Ollie – A curated collection of home goods, gifts, and elevated essentials blending cozy charm with modern style. Known for their small-batch sourdough, Oak & Ollie offers both timeless products and fresh, flavorful bread.
• Lancaster County Connection – Hand-selected items from Pennsylvania’s Amish country, including crafts, textiles, candles, gourmet coffee, and more. Known for quality, this vendor also offers a 15% military discount.
• Collectively Emily – Affordable, handmade gifts designed to spark joy—from glittered pens and custom bookmarks to wooden birth month flower bouquets. Each item is personal, creative, and crafted with care.

Building More Than a Store

What sets Loose Cow Mercantile apart is its model. Instead of one business filling the space, Slate created an incubator where many small businesses can operate under one roof—vendors lease spaces—some on flexible terms—while Slate continues to accept applications for pop-up opportunities.

“The goal is to help businesses grow,” Slate said. “Some will eventually graduate to their own storefronts, and then we’ll welcome in the next wave of entrepreneurs.”

The large outdoor patio is also part of the vision. Slate hopes to see food trucks, test kitchens, and pop-up restaurants take advantage of the space—giving culinary entrepreneurs the same chance to experiment and grow.

Hours, Location, and What’s Next

Loose Cow Mercantile is located at 18 High Street, just steps from Main Street. Current hours are Thursday through Monday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

With the holiday season fast approaching, vendors say they are eager to showcase unique, handcrafted gifts that can’t be found in big-box stores.

Mayor Cockrell summed up the mood at the ribbon cutting:

“This isn’t just another shop—it’s an investment in Front Royal’s future. When small businesses thrive, our whole community thrives.”

For Slate, the Mercantile is the culmination of months of work and a leap of faith—but also just the beginning.

“It’s about creating opportunity,” she said. “When we support local entrepreneurs, we all win.”