# Iconic General Store Revitalizations The JJ Hapgood General Store is Up for Sale By Kalin Ned | Published 2026-07-29 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jj-hapgood-general-store References: [wfmz](https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_entertainment/historic-vermont-general-store-featured-in-baby-boom-hits-the-market-after-award-winning-revival/article_6e0732dc-f6a7-5103-86df-18993bd80b2d.html)  The historic JJ Hapgood General Store — a nearly 200-year-old landmark in Peru, Vermont, and the beloved filming location from the 1987 classic film Baby Boom — has been officially listed for sale following a remarkable revitalization that has transformed it into a celebrated [dining, retail, and community destination](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-maison-gnrale). The property, originally established in 1827, underwent a significant modern renaissance beginning in 2013, when a local resident redeveloped the building while preserving its authentic Vermont character. The revitalization project saw the incorporation of exceptional craftsmanship such as [Danby marble](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/circle-home-charity) walkways and custom cabinetry. In 2023, entrepreneurs Leslie and Michael French, along with their daughters, acquired the JJ Hapgood General Store and, after a period of temporary closure for comprehensive renovation and rebranding, reopened with expanded breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. Image Credit: JJ Hapgood General Store ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.6/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 84% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Heritage Retail Revivals:** Historic storefronts are being repositioned as premium mixed-use destinations that blend preservation, hospitality, and local commerce into differentiated community experiences. - **Community Dining Hubs:** Small-town food concepts can become social anchors by pairing all-day dining with retail, events, and place-based storytelling. - **Nostalgia-driven Destinations:** Culturally recognizable properties with film, history, or regional identity offer distinctive potential for experiential tourism and branded local engagement. ### Who This Affects Most - **Hospitality:** Boutique restaurants and inn-adjacent dining formats are benefiting from renewed demand for authentic, design-rich gathering places in rural markets. - **Retail:** General store concepts are evolving beyond convenience shopping into curated local marketplaces that merge artisan goods, food service, and cultural heritage. - **Real Estate:** Adaptive reuse of landmark properties creates value through historic character, commercial diversification, and destination-based community appeal. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Supermarket Tourism Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ksupermarket.md) - [Dual-Function Retail Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haus-coffee.md) - [Non-Traditional Flagship Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gourmet-caf.md) - [Restored Retail Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moma-design-store-soho.md) - [Renovated Multi-Gen Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/n7-bretscha-house.md) - [Community Hub Convenience Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Community-hub-convenience-stores.md) - [Minimalist Retail Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muji-harvard-square.md) - [Global Home Improvement Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vevor-1.md) - [Outdoor Museum Additions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greenfield-village.md)