Antique Store Offers Classes, Space for Pop-Ups.
Since its summer opening, Marshfield Mercantile has sought to create an enjoyable, casual shopping experience.
“We really want to be able to provide that venue, that place where people feel good about coming in,” said Kelly Stonham, store owner. “It’s not your typical antique store.”
Besides antiques, the mercantile sells hot coffee and produce fresh from the farm. “We have a little bit of everything,” said Kelly. “We’re a true mercantile.”
Marshfield Mercantile is also a developing community space for pop-ups, musicians, and crafting classes, and is debuting their first DIY class on Sept. 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with “Autumn Leaves.” The class, limited to the first twenty participants that sign up, will be making a craft autumn leaf. The $20 cost includes supplies.
“We’ll probably have two more in October, depending on the response,” said Kelly. “Hopefully, we’ll plan for one a week.” The store plans to host crafting classes that cover a little bit of everything, from jewelry to floral arrangements to painting. “We’re looking for any crafter that doesn’t mind sharing what they do,” she said.
As for pop-ups, it’s a low-fuss arrangement for anyone wanting to come in and sell their items.
“Any time someone comes into the store and inquires, I say ‘hey, why don’t you come in for the day, and see how receptive customers are, and if it turns out to be a good thing, we’ll set you up with space in the store,’” said Kelly. Vendors can set up on a Saturday for a few hours, and stay later if doing well.
Marshfield Mercantile takes no commission from the sales, and sets vendors up for free. It’s an ideal arrangement, she added, for someone who maybe can’t afford a vendor booth and just needs a place to get started. There have been three vendors so far, selling hats and gloves, wire jewelry, and knit-work.
Besides vendors, the store is hoping to set up musicians on Saturdays. So far they’ve had one musician and are reaching out to others who may want to play.
The store is also hoping to partner up with other business around downtown and provide some sort of fun activity for customers for the holidays, such as a scavenger hunt. Supporting other business owners is “huge” for Marshfield Mercantile, said Kelly.
“We’re trying to make everyone feel good, and keep it local,” she said. “That’s what we’re all about.”
