“Tryon International is deeply community- and family-driven,” said Jimmie Schramm, director of equestrian marketing, communications, and business development at Tryon International. “We see this venue as a place to bring people together, so supporting WNC small businesses in their time of need was a natural fit.”

With its steady stream of visitors for events ranging from horse shows to music festivals, the venue offered more than just shelter—it provided exposure. “At Tryon International, we host everything from horse shows to bluegrass festivals to high school track meets, which brings a wide variety of guests through our gates,” said Schramm. “For retailers, it’s a unique opportunity—those same spectators are also here to shop.”

What started as a special holiday shopping event has become a fixture at the center. A few vendors are slowly migrating back to their original locations as recovery continues, but many have committed to remaining at Tryon or keeping their spot as a secondary location.

For shop owners like Heidi Ladlee of Natives Rest Candle Shop & Local Goods, the opportunity to set up at TIEC was both a lifeline and a new challenge. Her shop in Chimney Rock was flooded, destroying inventory and displays, and she lost more than 10 months of business. After months in temporary housing, Ladlee returned to Chimney Rock but continued operating her store at Tryon. “It’s been wonderful that TIEC has provided this space for businesses to be able to function and continue to sell our inventory,” she said.

Still, balancing two storefronts has proven difficult. “TIEC unfortunately doesn’t have the traffic like Chimney Rock Village does,” she said. “Most people do not realize we are there and that the international building offers shopping. Although signs are placed at strategic locations, people that come to Tryon gravitate to the shops in the cabins on the other side of the property.” Even so, she has found value in the community that grew among the relocated vendors. “I have personally loved getting to know my neighbors and meeting new people and making new friends,” she said.

That sense of shared experience is echoed by April Schick, who was operating two stores in Chimney Rock Village before the flood. “Without WNC Main Street I would not have had the finances to rebuild,” she said. “The first three months at WNC Main Street were phenomenal. {eople came out in droves to support us. I did more [business] on that first day than I ever did in the [village]. After January, things have slowed down a great deal. Now we are just trying to make ends meet.”

Despite the slowdown, Schick said the effort remains meaningful. “I have gained many friends interacting with the other vendors,” she said. “Tryon was a blessing in 2024. Now we are all just holding on. I would like to stay. Only time will tell.”

The initiative has highlighted the importance of local retail to Western North Carolina’s resilience and character. “Local retail hubs like WNC Main Street at Tryon International are the heartbeat of our community,” said Schramm. “They keep dollars local, showcase our unique culture, and create spaces where neighbors, visitors, and small businesses can truly thrive.” 

Learn more at Resort.Tryon.com/wnc-main-street.