American Made General Stores support local economies and American craftsmanship
There was a time not too far in the past when buying local, American made products was the only affordable choice. Before items were mass-produced and jobs were outsourced to other countries, Ozarkers, like most Americans, would get what they needed from the local general store or barter and trade with neighbors. The Sears and Roebuck catalog was the closest thing to a big box store and throughout the 1800s and 1900s, people grew it themselves and made do or did without.
Buying local may not be as easy as it once was, and for many farmers and makers throughout the Ozarks, Saturday mornings are spent setting up and selling wares at the local farmer’s market. It’s a labor of love but also a chance to get their products into the hands of the local community and connect with people on a personal level. It’s an opportunity to learn about the value of quality and the hard work that goes into creating goods worth buying.
That’s why places like the American Made General Stores, founded by Chad Overman, hold a special place in the community. With their flagship location in Pocahontas, Ark., plus locations in Brookland, Conway and Rogersville, Mo., these stores are more than just places to shop – they provide an opportunity to support local economies and American craftsmanship.
Iraq war veteran Chad Overman started the first American Made General Store in Pocahontas in 2018. His vision was clear: create a space where everything – from cutting boards to jams and even chocolate gravy – is proudly made in the USA. It’s about more than just products; it’s about preserving American jobs and supporting communities across all 50 states.
You won’t find confusing labels here. Every item in the American Made General Stores meets their strict American-made standards. Whether it’s completely manufactured in America, assembled with mostly US-sourced materials, or crafted by American hands, you can shop knowing your purchase supports over 100,000 American workers.
Walking into these stores feels like stepping back in time to an old-fashioned general store, where each item tells a story of American ingenuity and dedication. Each location features a corner dedicated to Overman’s first business, Overman Buildings, known for its custom metal homes, buildings and storage facilities – all made with American materials. Overman Buildings employees build each store building in conjunction with local construction crews, so the stores are quite literally American-made from the ground up.
But it’s not just about nostalgia and buying products our parents and grandparents enjoyed when they were children. It’s about creating thriving local economies and keeping our hard earned dollars in America. From Ozark Mountain Creamery glass-bottled milk to local meats and cheeses, each product represents a collaboration between American farmers, artisans, and small businesses. You’ll discover products from companies all over the country, including many based right here in the Ozarks. You may recognize local products from Ozark Mountain Creamery, Stonie’s Sausage Shop, Benica’s, Northridge Oak, ArkansanSalsa and more. These are products worth investing in because they’re made with care and pride – not churned out on an overseas assembly line.
Another favorite part of each store is the cafe located inside. In Pocahontas, you can enjoy hearty burgers and home-cooked meals. The other locations offer delicious fresh-sliced deli sandwiches and irresistible ice cream from The Spring Dipper in West Plains, Missouri. It’s not just shopping; it’s a community experience where locals gather around small tables, enjoying a meal and catching up on the local news.
If looking for a unique gift or treating yourself to something special, a purchase at American Made General Stores is an investment in our future. It’s about more than just products; it’s about supporting our neighbors, strengthening our communities, and celebrating what makes America and the Ozarks great.
