The corner of Lincoln and Nash avenues in Weakley County was bustling with excitement on May 29 and 30 as Weakley Farmers Cooperative celebrated the grand opening of its new Lincoln and Nash Mercantile in Martin. Years of planning had finally become reality as customers, employees, board members, and community supporters gathered to celebrate the 11,000-square-foot retail showroom and community gathering space.

As visitors pulled into the parking lot, they were greeted by a modern storefront featuring natural wood and stone, groups of friendly folks, the aroma of freshly grilled hamburgers, and the Sweet Jordans Fancy Ice Cream and Coffee mobile food truck.

Employees manned the outdoor grill, sharing laughter and stories as they served burgers, hot dogs, chips, and drinks. Enthusiastic members of the Weakley Farmers Co-op board of directors joined general manager Paul Wilson in welcoming visitors, while showroom personnel checked out customers, handed out door prizes and giveaways, and gave tours of the building.

"We are so excited to welcome everyone to our new showroom," said 25-year board member Gary Hall. "Constructing this building is something we've anticipated for about three or four years, and our plans finally came to fruition last year. Although our space is somewhat limited here, we figured out a way for the new showroom to fit right next to the warehouse. So far, it is working out well."

The Co-op's new retail building was developed to replace an aged, outgrown facility, which will now be repurposed as warehouse space and receive a new roof. The new structure offers plenty of retail and storage space, including expanded offices, a coffee bar, lounge areas, and a modern boardroom.

The building reflects contemporary design with wood and stone finishes that appeal to both staff and customers. A large event room with a full kitchen and seating for about 105 people is already being used and marketed for community functions such as graduations, baby showers, and farm meetings, with controlled access for after-hours events.

"We now have a dedicated coffee bar area near the register and provide brewed coffee on the counter and cold water in the mini fridge for customers and members," said Amber Wright, social and media events coordinator at the Co-op.

"A high-top table area with a wall-mounted television complements the space,” she adds. “Customers can relax, have a snack, rest, or check their phones for messages. The TV is usually tuned to the weather, a UT game, or another popular event people want to watch."

The Co-op's updated merchandising strategy includes a colorful section featuring gift and décor items — such as candles, hand towels, kitchenware, pictures, and small decorative pieces — that caters to patrons looking for a broader selection of boutique and novelty items.

"The new facility was very much needed because the previous building was old and cramped," said board member Scotty Ogg, who raises corn, soybeans, and cattle in the area. "I'm looking forward to seeing how the expanded retail mix will perform in the coming years. The Co-op's location is somewhat off the main retail corridor, but its established reputation continues to draw customers. I've already heard a couple of ladies say it's a good place to purchase small gifts for friends and family."

Between assisting customers, Amber led a group through the expanded office area near the coffee bar, pointing out employee offices along the way. She stopped at a comfortable lounge area near the center of the building, decorated with modern furnishings.

"The lounge is for employees who may have appointments with visitors," she explained. "If they want to come out of their office and meet guests here, it's not as formal as sitting behind a desk. We also have a floater office for whoever may need to use it."

Continuing through the building, she arrived at a large, open room filled with long tables and chairs and complete with a kitchen and restrooms. The room seats about 100 people.

"This is our event room," she said. "We are currently working on rental prices, but we've already had a graduation party here. We plan on renting it for birthday parties, baby showers, breakfast meetings — all kinds of events. It's complete with a kitchen, two ovens, and a gas stove. It's located at the back of the Co-op, so if it's after hours or on a Sunday, guests can park in the back and enter through the rear doors."

Customer David Reed was on hand for the event and said how proud his father, Aaron Burns Reed, would have been to see the Co-op's new mercantile. He said Aaron was one of the men who presided over the initial meeting to establish Weakley Farmers Co-op and was an innovative farmer who first experimented with no-till planting in the 1940s.

David's wife, Carol, joined him at the event. She served as the inaugural executive director of the Tennessee Corn Promotion Council and the Tennessee Corn Growers Association from July 2019 until her retirement in 2024. She agreed that the new mercantile is a wonderful addition to Martin and paid tribute to the longtime managers and board members who have played an important role in the Co-op's success over the years.

Retired employee Gerald Collins, who spent 21 years operating one of Weakley Farmers’ service trucks, expressed surprise and approval of the new building, believing it will help the Co-op grow and expand its offerings.

"I like it; I think it's off to a good start," he said enthusiastically. "I didn't think it would ever happen. It's major for this area. It's really an awesome addition. We're all so proud of it."