Development along Broad and Main streets was steady, with buildings added north toward Iredell Avenue. H. N. Johnston and Company offered groceries, coal and ice to the community. The Mooresville Cooperative Creamery was built on the corner of Broad Street and Moore Avenue. Center, Moore and Iredell avenues provided easy cross streets linking Main Street and Broad Street.

W. P. Carpenter opened the first department store, The Racket," on Broad Street in 1901. After moving to a new building on Main Street in 1910 he expanded his inventory while maintaining the cheapest prices in town. The basement contained groceries, dishes and kitchen utensils. Glass showcases on the main floor displayed a wide range of furnishings and fancy goods. Customers could find dry goods, clothing and ladies ready-to-wear garments. The attractive balcony area featured millinery, rugs, trunks, suit cases and art squares. Carpenter operated the store until 1940 when it was purchased for the expansion of Belk’s.

Miller-White Drug Company opened on Broad Street in 1900. With two registered pharmacists, E. H. Miller and J. A. White, customers could be sure that particular attention was given to the correct compounding of physicians’ prescriptions. Moving to a new, spacious building on Main Street in 1910 Miller Drug expanded its inventory to include “Kodaks, fountain pens, fancy stationery, leather goods and toiletries.” Miller Drug was a popular place where ice cream and refreshing beverages could be enjoyed, particularly on warm days. The company relocated to Main Street.