Local artisans gathered at the Lowe's in East Asheville, North Carolina, over the weekend to celebrate the store's reopening with an artists' pop-up event. Dozens of vendors lined the parking lot, offering jewelry, clothing, and crafts to an eager crowd. This pop-up marks the second time Lowe's has supported the small business community in East Asheville, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene in late 2024.
Joe Strong, the store manager, stated that the well-attended event is another step in revitalizing the area. Joe Strong said, "Supporting local artists is part of the community rebuilding process. Lowe's commitment to Western North Carolina and support for these artists demonstrates our dedication to the community."
Among the featured artists was Rachel Notini, an ER nurse by day, who uses silversmithing to decompress from her stressful job. Rachel has been in business for 15 years, and while the hurricane did not destroy her inventory, it significantly affected her sales during her busiest period. The May pop-up was her first market back since the winter, and she welcomed the positive reception. Rachel Notini remarked, "It's huge for companies like Lowe's to show support and participate in events like this. It helps with visibility and highlights the individuals affected by Hurricane Helene. Although the impacts on large companies like Lowe's were severe, recognizing that they can still help smaller businesses goes a long way."
The Lowe's store in East Asheville recently reopened its doors after more than six months of renovations due to the hurricane's devastating effects. With employees back at work and customers filling the aisles again, community events like the artist pop-up foster a sense of togetherness and hope for the future. Joe Strong shares that sentiment: "Seeing this makes me feel a sense of pride, connection, and warmth. It's inspiring to witness collective action and its positive impact on everyone involved."
