Our story

Connors Mercantile offers your favorite collections from Vera Bradley, Pandora Jewelry, Brighton Accessories, Alex and Ani, Ivory Ella, Puravida, Life is Good, and Sweet Shop Chocolates, as well as specialty collectibles, gourmet foods, and over thirty other gift and women’s accessory brands. We pride ourselves on being a chic and unique boutique in Corning, offering affordable luxuries for those “Everyday Indulgences!” Connors caters to both the local Southern Tier residents as well as the hundreds of thousands of tourists that visit the award-winning Corning Gaffer District annually.

Connors Mercantile was started in 1975 within the Ecker Drug Store by pharmacy co-owner Barbara Connors. After overseeing major renovations to a nineteenth century building, Barbara and George Connors moved and expanded the store to its current location at 16 East Market Street with almost four thousand square feet of retail floor space.  In 2008, Ann and Barry Nicholson purchased Connors Mercantile from the retiring Connors’ couple with the stipulation that all-star General Manager, Jill Agosta continue to run the merchandising and day-to-day operations.  

"Connors Mercantile has been about providing the best service and selection of women's accessories, personal care, gourmet foods and gifts in the Southern Tier since 1975," owner Barry Nicholson said in a news release. "We are honored to be a small part of continuing the Connors Mercantile story."  Thanks to Jill and our excellent retail team, Connors was awarded a Small Business Excellence Award in 2010 and continues to delight customers by providing for their “Everyday Indulgences.”  In addition to the operation of the retail business, Connors and its retail team are frequent partners with local charities that serve women in the region, as well as avid supporters of the local performing arts.