The retail shop and design studio are now located under one roof on Hillsboro Street
By Morgan Cartier Weston | Photography by John Michael Simpson
If you’ve visited Deep River Mercantile, you’ve probably only experienced part of what the shop offers. Maybe you stopped in for a candle or a piece of jewelry on its retail side, or worked with the design team on a kitchen renovation or a home furnishings project. “It’s funny,” owner Hannah Brown says, “so many people know us from one side of our business and may never know the other exists.” She says the company is built to accommodate a wide range of needs – from gifting and decor to full-service design – and now, it finally has a space that reflects that versatility.
The original storefront at 115 Hillsboro St. offered unique retail and home goods in the front and custom cabinetry and other design services in the back. In 2023, the shop expanded next door with Deep River Home, where clients could touch, feel and customize furnishings, wallpaper, rugs and more.
Nearly a decade of growth and evolution led to its latest chapter: Deep River Mercantile has now officially consolidated its retail shop and design studio under one roof at 107 Hillsboro St. The move marks a significant milestone for the business, which has become a staple of downtown Pittsboro’s shopping and design scene – and a repeat Best of Chatham winner.
“We’re honored!” Hannah says of their accolades in the home accessories and interior designer categories. “It’s so wonderful to have the support and backing of your community.”
The transition to a single, unified space didn’t just involve logistics – it also carried personal meaning for Hannah. “[My] son, Easton, 5, took his first steps at our original 115 Hillsboro location, and my daughter, Emerson, 3, took hers during the renovation of 107,” she says. Both buildings hold many memories for her family. “It’s bittersweet to leave our original location, but I know that this next step is the right move for us.”
Hannah was hesitant to integrate the spaces at first. “I feel like so many people are intimidated by going to a design studio,” she says. “But design doesn’t have to be pretentious; design is just about surrounding ourselves with what we like.”
That philosophy encapsulates the genius of combining the two stores – and the staff’s shared expertise. “Our team is just as excited to help someone pick out a new candle or find the perfect piece of jewelry for a friend [as they are to] find a new rug for your bedroom or fully renovate your entire home,” Hannah says.
The new location is designed with that flexibility in mind. The layout flows naturally from the first floor retail area to the upstairs design studio, and every square foot reflects the team’s aesthetic: thoughtful, approachable and personal – with a touch of whimsy.
History runs deep in the building at 107-115 Hillsboro St. S. L. Johnson built it in 1923, and it has served several retail purposes over the past 100 years. According to documentation filed in 2000 for the National Register of Historic Places, “The two-story, seven-bay, double storefront commercial building features a common bond brick veneer, a corbeled cornice and brick pilasters.”
“We uncovered more of the original brick, and that makes me happy every time I see it,” Hannah says.
The same report notes the 107 storefront once operated as an appliance store in both 1940 and 1992; more recently, it housed late musician Tommy Edwards’ and his wife, Cindy Edwards’, shop, Edwards Antiques & Collectibles – a business that was as beloved as the folks behind it.
“[Tommy and I] had always talked about renovating the second floor to accommodate another retail business,” Cindy says. “When Hannah decided to expand her design business, I knew she was the perfect person to assist with the renovation. I am so pleased with the new space that honors the bones of the 1923 building and highlights her design expertise.”
Hannah, likewise, is proud to continue the couple’s legacy. “Cindy and Tommy did so much for me when I was starting my business,” Hannah says. “I want to bring as much joy to this place as Tommy did.”
Hannah’s dedicated team helps carry that vision forward. Store Manager Sam Hill and Junior Designer/Studio Manager Emily Tinervin bring their energy and expertise to the new space, positioning Deep River to keep evolving without losing sight of its roots. “We’re excited to be in a facility that truly represents us,” Sam says.
“We work better as a team under one roof,” Emily adds. “It’s more fun, and there is a unified feel.”
Hannah agrees. “It feels like we’re welcoming you into our house,” she says. That sense of home extends beyond the shop itself. Hannah’s husband, Hunter Brown, has supported her since the beginning, encouraging each step of Deep River’s growth. “I definitely couldn’t do it without him,” she says. “We’re a good team!”
The future looks bright for this small-but-mighty squad. Hannah’s plans are to stay put, stay creative and continue building meaningful relationships with clients and the community. “We have poured ourselves into this building, and I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon,” Hannah says. “I’m looking forward to where we’ll be in the next 10 years. We have a real home now.”
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