Steve Carell is among a long list of celebrities with businesses we don't see plastered on front-page news every day. While plenty of A-listers invest their money in stocks, others in fashion lines, Carell's hits close to home. The small-town venture resides in Marshfield Hills, Massachusettes and there's plenty of Dunder Mifflin merchandise to go around.
A Mom And Pop Shop
Carell and his wife took over the Marshfield Hills General Store where they escape to in the summer. The quaint store provides business for small businesses in Massachusettes and brings in loads of fans from The Office. Need boysenberry preserves or honey soap? the general store has got you covered.
The shop's backstory on its website states, "Hollywood actor Steve Carell owns his sideline activity, the historic Marshfield Hills General Store, in Marshfield Hills, Massachusetts. Carell and his wife, actress Nancy, grew up in Massachusetts and still spend their summers near the quaint town of Marshfield Hills. Nancy’s sister, Tish Vivado visited the couple at their California home in October 2008 and mentioned that the historic general store was up for sale."
During one of his many Marshfield visits, Carell spoke on a local radio show to talk about how revamping the general store came to fruition. He kept the integrity of the building's history and locals were thrilled.
Carell shared, "When it came on the market I wasn't looking for a general store. I didn't think that was part of my future," with a playful laugh, "It was not a bucket list item. I grew up in Acton and there was a general store in Sutton that we always went to. It went out of business, as many of them do, and I just wanted to keep this operating as a general store."
"My sister-in-law Tish has done such a phenomenal job," the actor continued, "She has been so great and has really given this place a spirit. It's the neighborhood gathering spot and there aren't many of those places around anymore."
Keeping The Memory Alive
Carell grew up in Massachusetts before going to college in Ohio, but he makes sure to stray away from the spotlight to visit his home state. He visited the Ellen show shortly after celebrating his 20th wedding anniversary with his wife Nancy and talked about the general store.
After gushing about his wife Carell enlightened the audience on his Marshfield gem, "It's on the South Shore in a little town called Marshfield. My sister-in-law runs it, we bought it, boy, about eight years ago. We sell penny candy, muffins, and coffee. I think it's nice!" Keeping the store true to its roots, yellow paneled wood and all, speaks to Carell's family values outside of Hollywood.
Doesn't that make you think of a post-The Office storyline where Michael Scott opens a store with Holly and they sell niche trinkets? Carell doesn't seem far off from the endearing qualities viewers loved about Scott, making it a true tear-jerking when he left the series.
Loyal Customers
Among the assortment of tabs on Marshfield Hills General Store's website resides a Where's Steve? button. The page features Carell's latest onscreen roles, including his role in Beautiful Boy alongside Timothée Chalamet. Visitors of the site can watch snippets of Carell's films and even follow him on Twitter.
A vlogger on YouTube shared her experience visiting the store and it's just as cute as you'd imagine. She videoed a line of mugs featured on Michael Scott's desk from the show with "World's Best Boss" scrawled across them. Rows of wine, pasta, locally sourced goods filled the shelves and contributed to the soul of the town.
One would assume a celebrity-owned shop would focus solely on their status. However, Carell, with the help of his sister-in-law, made the general store experience a priority. Dunder Mifflin shirts are up for grabs, but the center stage is reserved for Massachusetts vendors. Now children creating memories with their families can remember what a real general store is meant to look like.
Reviews of the store are predictably stellar. One Marshfield tourist said, "One of a dying breed of small-town general stores. Our little gem boasts amazing one of a kind items, high end gifts, The Office and Despicable Me gifts, the best coffee and scones in town, local products and 'penny' candy. Awesome customer service, including gift wrap and cute little bags. And, (at least) once a year owner Steve Carrell comes home for a visit."
Carell and his family are dedicated to this side hustle. Really, it's more than a purchase purely for profit. In accordance with the roles Carell takes on, this store tugs at the heartstrings and leaves you feeling warm and cozy once you've had your fill.
