Oak and Iron Mercantile offers furniture mix of old, new

ASHEBORO — Rachael Potts-Anderson moved from the Furniture Capital of the World to, well, the Furniture Capital of the World.

To be more specific, Potts-Anderson came from Falconer, NY, which is near Jamestown, once known as the center of furniture manufacturing. She and her husband, Sean Anderson, followed his father, master upholsterer Alan Anderson, to be near the latest Furniture Capital of the World in High Point.

Now Potts-Anderson is opening her own furniture store, Oak and Iron Mercantile, at 113 N. Church St. in Asheboro. She’s planning a grand opening during the Asheboro Fall Festival on Oct. 3.

Rachael says on her Oak and Iron Facebook post: “Oak and Iron is a 3,500-square-foot retail destination where timeless style meets North Carolina heritage. Our collection brings together the best of the past and present, featuring thoughtfully curated pieces chosen for their craftsmanship, uniqueness and quality.”

During a recent interview, Rachael said she has a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the Rochester Institute of Technology. 

“My appreciation of good design led me to antiques in decorating our home,” she said, explaining that she and Sean bought a 1910 Victorian house in Denton in 1998. It was in dire need of restoration, even having a hole in the roof to patch. That restoration has been ongoing, mixing old and new furniture, rugs, accessories and home decor.

“After collecting (antiques) a while, there was the need to start selling, saving the best for me,” she said.

For a while, the Andersons spent time in the Raleigh area and she started her own newspaper that “listed all the events in the Triangle with a focus on music. I started doing an antique and wrought-iron booth in Rolesville.

“Oak and Iron is the culmination of our hobbies, background and passion,” Rachael said. It reflects “our love of history, design and belief that the things we surround ourselves with should be beautiful, to curate a home that feels inspiring.”

Oak and Iron Mercantile combines antiques with modern furniture as well as wrought-iron patio and garden pieces. And there are accessories and home decor as well.

Rachael credits Sean with helping her with the loading and unloading of moving into the new store. Sean, she said, restores vintage cars and builds hot rods, which should endear him to Randolph County.

She also posted on Facebook what she wants in her store: “My vision is to create more than just a store. I want Oak and Iron to be a place where antiques, vintage pieces, handmade artistry, and thoughtfully selected new furnishings come together to help you create a home that is personal, timeless and uniquely your own. Whether you’re searching for a statement antique, a handcrafted gift, or the perfect finishing touch, I hope every visit inspires you.”

Rachael credits her landlord, Frankie Morton, for his encouragement. “This project wouldn’t exist without him. He’s been supportive and encouraged me to take the leap. He gave me the opportunity to secure the absolutely perfect location for Oak and Iron Mercantile. Having that kind of local support makes all the difference.

“The town is perfect, with antique stores, bakeries and other shops,” she added. “Asheboro is really growing in the right direction. It’s unique in North Carolina. We couldn’t have picked a better place. Everybody is so supportive. It’s an incredibly warm, supportive and kind community.”

Rachael ended her Facebook post by saying: “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has encouraged and supported this journey. I can’t wait to open the doors and welcome our community inside.

“Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing renovation updates, behind-the-scenes progress, sneak peeks of our inventory.”