General in Forest Park. Photo via Taylor Babington for Bham Now

Mark Thompson and Jay Draper, the owners of Birmingham’s beloved garden store, Shoppe, have opened General in the former Silvertron location. As a Forest Park resident, I had to walk over and check it out! Get the details below.

Shoppe and General

Jay Draper and Mark Thompson, co-owners of Shoppe. Photo via Kristina O’Quinn for Bham Now

Draper and Thompson opened Shoppe two years ago on October 31, 2017. It quickly became a go-to for plants and home decor (and if you don’t follow their Instagram, you’re missing out).

Thompson explained that he and Draper knew they wanted to expand, but didn’t want to leave Forest Park to do so. When the building next door to Shoppe became available, they seized the opportunity. General opened last week on October 31, exactly two years after Shoppe.

The Goods

General. The remodel kept the original exposed brick wall and tin ceiling. Photo via Taylor Babington for Bham Now

General features all sorts of home goods, from books to tea towels to candles and more. Shoppe remains the same with its array of plants and home items, and General features all new products. As they move forward, Thompson said kitchen and food related items will be featured at General to make room for more garden items at Shoppe.

The Café

Check out that mural! Photo via Taylor Babington for Bham Now

The café portion of General is set to open in February 2020. The menu will include a la carte items like egg toast, yogurt and granola, side salads and biscuits. You can mix and match items and choose your own adventure! Breakfast will be served from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Kids area at General. Photo via Taylor Babington for Bham Now

There’s even a kids area where little ones can play while you enjoy your breakfast or lunch. General will sell some baby items over here, too. (Baby shower gift, anyone?).

The Future

Thompson explained that General is still a work in progress, and they plan to evolve it in the same way as Shoppe.

“We want it to grow with the neighborhood. We love suggestions, and [General] will evolve with the neighborhood and with what people want. We’re looking to listen and adapt.” Mark Thompson

Location and Hours

Location: 3813 Clairmont Ave, Birmingham, AL 35222

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Shoppe and General!