When customers haven’t been to Cedar and Thread in a while, they will immediately notice a new look, with it furnished top to bottom with Western inspired goods. It has a rustic, vintage sort of feel mixed into a modern atmosphere, one that invites in people who keep up with the latest styles. The walls are adorned with homey decor, every inch of the space is accounted for in some shape or form. It’s the reinvented design on display for all of the Granville community to see.
When Cedar and Thread was seemingly in the midst of closing down for good last spring, local resident Mandy McGuire stepped in to save it. With her new ownership, this cherished Granville business has taken on a refreshed look, featuring some of its old traditions while staying trendy.
McGuire was first inspired to preserve Cedar and Thread when she recalled her childhood dream.
“I’ve just been feeling my whole life like I wanted to be a boutique owner,” McGuire said. “As I got a little older, I got more into decorating my farmhouse. I’m very into making a space feel like home because as I got older and I had kids, I eventually just started picking up decorating.”
The latest updates are bringing in a new type of customer, and they are embracing all of the changes.
“It’s new, it’s trendy, it’s fresh,” said senior Meredith Deluca, who works part-time at the store. “It attracts more of the younger crowd and it’s overall just a really nice environment to be in.”
It is a step forward from the original blueprints of the store, which focused more on an older demographic. McGuire recognized the history of the business, and knew she wanted to continue to incorporate it.
“I think you’ll see a little bit of the new with me and you’re also seeing a little bit of the old,” McGuire said. “You’re still seeing some of the same brands but you’re also seeing some brands that moms, grandmothers and daughters I know personally want to see out there.”
McGuire recognizes how beloved Cedar and Thread has been for over a decade.
“It was really a staple in the community,” McGuire said. “If you think about it, when you get off the exit to go into our town, it greets you.”
She’s committed to upholding its legacy while adding a flair, inspired by her own personal experiences with her farm, McGuire Hobby Farm.
“I’m bringing the farm to the store and the store to the farm,” McGuire said. “You’ll notice I’m carrying Muck Boots. That’s something that I wear and literally live in on my farm.”
The community has been reacting to all the changes including the unique Western touch she’s added to the boutique.
“I definitely feel a little surprised when people tell me how much they love it, but I don’t take that lightly like it really means a lot to me,” McGuire said. “It means that I’m doing something right and as long as the people that come in enjoy the experience and find something that they love and want to take home with them. That’s all that matters to me.”
There are a couple upcoming events she is hosting for the Granville community to showcase Cedar and Thread’s new offerings.
“We have a big event coming up for Big Red, which is Denison’s big alumni weekend,” McGuire said. “We’re going to do calligraphy pumpkins. You’ll also see our big holiday open house the first week of November. Lots of fun gifts.”
McGuire says Cedar and Thread has given her a new perspective. She now understands the journey other boutique owners have undertaken and the work nobody sees.
“Small business owners are the heart of this town,” McGuire said. “People should really support them because they put their entire lives to it.”
You can shop Cedar and Thread’s online boutique here or visit in person at 1919 Lancaster Road Granville, OH 43023.
