Local business debuts new digs on Sutton Avenue

Black Mountain Variety expands with spacious downtown Rebrand

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
May 4, 2026

Dana Esposito and Tyler Thomas introduce Black Mountain Variety, which offers vintage clothing and artisan products on Sutton Avenue. Photo by Fred McCormick

Vintage style and creative expression formed the base layer upon which business partners Dana Esposito and Tyler Thomas dressed their unique shop, when it opened on Church Street in January 2024. Tucked away on a quiet shaded street, the owners carefully cultivated a chic and contemporary setting.

While the April 18 launch of Black Mountain Variety unveiled a new identity for the store formerly known as Black Mountain Vintage, the expansive new location on Sutton Avenue represents a makeover, accentuating its enhanced versatility and visibility.

Thomas and Esposito each entered their collaborative venture with experience coordinating makers markets around the area, and shared the vision of operating a permanent store that carries a meticulously curated selection of classic high-quality fashion brands and hand-crafted goods.

“At our last store, we offered vintage clothing and artisan products, and that is the same concept we’ve brought to our new location,” Esposito said, while touring the new 6,400-square-foot location. “Now, we have so much more space for clothes and vendors.”

Occupied by Town & Country Furniture Market for more than 30 years, the building became available as a potential home for Black Mountain Variety when it was purchased last summer. The timing of the transaction aligned with a transitional moment for the business, which was established on the outskirts of a tranquil neighborhood.

Dana Esposito arranges jewelry on a display wall in Black Mountain Variety, which features hand-crafted products and vintage clothing in an expansive new downtown location. Photo by Fred McCormick

“Our previous building was sold, and while we really appreciated the opportunities that location created for us, we were hoping to find a new location with more visibility,” Esposito said. “Coincidentally, our friend was planning to purchase this building, and asked us if we would like to move our business here. We looked at some other places, but we kept coming back to this location.”

While their previous site allowed the business owners to establish roots in the community, relocating to the commercial structure to the center of the bustling historic district offered the potential for growth and access to the steady stream of foot traffic along the downtown sidewalks. The industrial character of the interior provided an ideal backdrop for an aesthetic transformation, which began last January.

“We removed carpet, repainted and resealed the walls, put in a new ceiling, fixtures, electrical and everything,” Thomas said. “Some of the walls were removed to open up the space, basically creating a shell.”

More than half of the renovated building contains customized movable walls, forming individual spaces for local vendors.

“We rent space, whether its a booth or a wall, to artisans, which has been a key part of our concept since the beginning,” Esposito said. “But here, instead of featuring around 15 to 20 artists, like at our previous location, we have around 50.”

The layout contains a diverse selection of hand-made goods, including jewelry, art, soap and artisan skincare products. Lotion candles from Element Tree Essentials and graphic t-shirts and clothing designed by Shop Sovi are carefully arranged among the displays.

True to its new name, Black Mountain Variety stocks “a little bit of everything,” according to Esposito.

Tyler Thomas arranges vintage clothing in Black Mountain Variety on Sutton Avenue. Photo by Fred McCormick

“We have things people could use on daily basis, gift items, cards and just things that appeal to everybody,” she said. “At the same time, we’re doing in this cool new place, which allows us to offer all these artists space to display and sell their work. It gives us plenty of room to be present it to customers in visually appealing ways.”

Custom furniture from Rin Tin Tin Old West Furniture greets guests in a sitting area at the entrance, complemented shelves displaying a collection of class vinyl records, all available for purchase. Nearby, a countertop and stools provide additional seating.

“Our plan is to begin offering canned beverages, including beer and wine, in the near future,” Thomas said. “We will offer non-alcoholic drinks, as well, and some bagged snacks. We want people to come in, take their time, have a drink and look around a little bit.”

Gently tanned natural sheepskin products from East Perry, a favorite at the previous location, occupies a showroom in a corner of the building, while an expansive selection of vintage clothing lines carefully arranged racks throughout nearly half of the store.

“We’ve probably tripled our inventory of clothing,” said Thomas, who spends much of his time sourcing vintage merchandise, including overalls, name-brand denim, cowboy boots, sweaters and jackets. The eclectic inventory also includes classic women’s clothing.

Black Mountain Variety features a diverse selection of hand-crafted merchandise in a spacious setting in the center of downtown. Photo by Fred McCormick

“That aspect of the business has grown so much since we started,” he said. “I thought I knew what I was doing when first opened, but over time I’ve developed a better understanding of what people want, and I’ve spent a lot of time building this inventory over the past year.”

While the expansion allows Thomas and Esposito to promote the work of an increased number of area artisans in the central business district, Black Mountain Variety is capable of filling additional roles in the community, according to Esposito.

“Our plan is to host some events in the future, whether it’s on the patio out front or spotlighting artists in the store,” she said. “We’re filling a hole in the market, and we’re excited to be a hub for all of our friends, while supporting other businesses in the community.”