The Musgrove Market Brings Vintage Charm to Downtown Clinton

A new shop is adding character and creativity to downtown Clinton. Located at 202 Musgrove Street in a beautiful building owned and restored by local businessman Chip Cooper, The Musgrove Market is a vintage, antique, and gift shop born from friendship, fun, and a shared love for design.

The store is the vision of four women—Heather Tiller, Ellen Templeton, Rebecca Murray and Susan Tallman—each bringing her own flair and strengths to the venture. “As realtors in Clinton” says Susan, “Heather and I are constantly encouraging folks to open a business in downtown, we believe in Clinton and we believe in the people that live here.” Ellen Templeton is one of those that has been encouraged over the years.  Being a teacher in the Laurens County School District, currently teaching at Eastside Elementary School, who had always wanted to open a shop but hesitated to take the huge leap after more than 35 years in education. When friends Susan and Heather decided to take the jump along side her, the dream began to take shape-challenges seem doable when you do them together-this store is no different.

From left to right) Rebecca Murray, Ellen Templeton, Heather Tiller and Susan Tallman

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The group also got to know Rebecca Murray while spending time at one of Clinton’s favorite social spots, The Lumberyard. As they got to know her, Rebecca’s creativity and enthusiasm stood out. A recent 28 year retired teacher from Greenwood School District 50 and she and her husband, Michael—who are often in town visiting their son, a student at Presbyterian College quickly became part of the Musgrove Market family. Rebecca’s vibrant spirit and artistic eye helped round out the perfect blend of talents and personalities that would bring the store to life. “I have found Clinton to be so welcoming and quickly made great friends with Heather, Susan and Ellen,” said Rebecca. “We are all excited about Musgrove Market and look forward to bringing a new shopping experience to Clinton.”

Heather, a retired teacher of 26 years, now realtor, is very interested in the downtown commercial real estate market and is so thrilled to fill another building.  Being a history teacher, Heather is known for her eye for classic vintage and traditional pieces that bring a memory or two.  Susan, who has an eclectic style and a passion for business operations, manages much of the behind-the-scenes work and setup, drawing on lessons learned from years of observing and supporting small business owners most importantly her amazing friends at M. Judson Booksellers.

All the puzzle pieces seemed to fall into place, and they began building the foundation for The Musgrove Market. Each partner brings a unique style to the store: Rebecca’s colorful creativity, Heather’s timeless traditional taste, Ellen’s classic sensibility, and Susan’s eclectic eye for pieces that simply bring joy. “We all have different styles, but that’s what makes the shop so fun,” said Heather Tiller. “It’s a blend of all our personalities and a reflection of how we see beauty in different things.”

For Ellen, the partnership allows her to balance her career in education while also pursuing a lifelong passion. “Teaching will always be a big part of who I am,” Ellen Templeton shared. “But this partnership gives me the chance to explore something I’ve dreamed about for years. It’s exciting to be part of something creative and new right here in Clinton.”

Heather and Susan had already been a part of the local antique booth scene with a space at Broad Street Antiques in downtown Clinton.  “Stewart Owens, the owner of Broad Street Antiques, encouraged us to step out on our own so we could begin to build a shopping destination for vintage items in Clinton,” Heather said. “We are grateful for Stuart and his vision at Broad Street Antiques’, honestly, if not for Stuart and his sidekick Janice Long we would not be opening the Musgrove Market.”

The group also credits Chip Cooper with helping make their vision possible. Understanding the challenges that come with starting a small business, especially in Clinton, Cooper worked with them to create a lease plan that gave the new venture room to grow without the pressure of top-tier rental rates. “Chip believes in what we were trying to do and met us where we were as a new business,” said Susan Tallman. “He understands the spirit of entrepreneurship in Clinton and wants to see small businesses succeed.”

The shop officially opens Saturday, November 1, and visitors can expect an inviting blend of vintage furniture, antiques, home décor, and curated gifts—all in a space that reflects the heart and spirit of Clinton.

“Clinton needs more—more stores, more restaurants, more energy,” Susan added. “Sometimes you can’t wait for outsiders to do it. You just have to get up, make the decision, and commit. It’s worth it—because Clinton is growing, and we’re proud to be a part of that story.”

The Musgrove Market opens Saturday, November 1 (10-3) at 202 Musgrove Street in Clinton. Hours of operation will be Wed-Friday 10-6pm and Saturday 10-3pm. During the holiday season they will announce extended hours.  Stop by to explore and support this new addition to Clinton’s downtown revitalization. For more additional updates you can follow Musgrove Market on Facebook.

Click on the images in the photo gallery for sneak peek!

(From left to right) Rebecca Murray, Ellen Templeton, Heather Tiller and Susan Tallman