Mother, daughter run Williams General Store

Bridget Williams, of Mountain Grove, an avid quilter, dreamed of owning a fabric shop for most of her adult life. In 2022, this dream came true when she joined forces with her daughter, McKenzie, who has a degree in business and an interest in Western fashion, to open Williams General Store. 
“It is our vision to have an old-fashioned store in a modern world,” Williams said.
Located just off Highway 60 in Dunn, the store sells a variety of quilting supplies, including fabrics, notions, and threads. It also offers a diverse range of farm and animal-related inventory; customers can purchase items for their cattle, horses, dogs, and cats. Williams General Store works with several local vendors in order to supply leather, honey, and salves. The Western boutique offers Kimes, Roper, Corral Boots, Stetson Tin Haul, Red Wing, Irish Setter, Boggs, and several other brands.
The store has changed since its inception and continues to evolve; each month, new products are added to shelves. When a customer asks for a certain order, the store implements their suggestion.
“We try only to order American-made items if we can’t find them locally,” said Williams. “Some of our favorite items are the Lori Holt fabric, Kimes clothing, homegrown beef and alpha hay.”
Williams General Store also offers sewing and quilting classes for all experience levels. Some examples of classes include Row By Row, Beginning Piecing, Jelly Roll Rug Class, and Sit and Sew.
“We offer many more classes – you can check our Facebook to see dates,” said Williams.
The Williams’ dedication to their customers is evident in their store. One of the ways they promote these hard-working values is by hiring local students.
“Our store hires a high school student to work part-time,” Williams said, adding that this practice has occurred since the store’s opening. She said the goal is to promote a healthy work ethic in young people and educate them on retail  – traits she said are invaluable in the adult world.
Williams General Store takes part in the All Missouri Shop Hop, a statewide event that brings together fabric enthusiasts from across the state.
“We have people who travel here from several different states and all parts of Missouri,” Williams said. The store gives a list to these visitors, encouraging them to visit local establishments and support small businesses. Ultimately, she said, that’s the reward.
“The best part of running Williams General Store is the people we meet. It is amazing how far people travel to check out the store.” Williams General Store is located at 11132 Stave Mill Road, Mountain Grove, Mo. For more information, contact the store via phone 417-349-5847, visit their Facebook, or send an email at williamsgenstore@gmail.com.