Sisters Lisa Edgar Reedy and Linda Edgar have joined together to make a dream come true. The Mercantile on Main is a tiny thrifters’ paradise, filled with carefully curated items. The inventory runs the gamut from new to pre-owned antique and vintage collectibles, eclectic finds, clothing (including high end name brands), toys, and quite a lot of men’s items.
The soft opening was on October 1st, of this year, and on December 6th, the sisters are holding their Grand Opening, where customers and friends will find the Mercantile newly expanded and renovated!
When the little shop with big dreams opened, Lisa and Linda had hoped to be able to expand, adding the larger room next door. Until then, they managed to make perfect use of the original space, with cozy corners, eye catching vignettes, and designated clothing sections. They have now added the larger room next door, with a connecting hallway, and additional entrance. The larger space will be able to hold more fabulous finds, including furniture.
When the Mercantile first opened, and the weather was cooperating, passersby could see items outside, luring them in! The sisters will continue to do that, as weather permits. With 2 entries, and a small deck, there is more room to explore and find that treasure you never knew you needed!
Still a work in progress, Fulks Run resident Lisa brings to the table her past experiences running thrift stores in Fulks Run and WV. Her dream is very close to coming true, working with her sister as co-owner, having a welcoming atmosphere for all, very affordable for every budget. Linda and Lisa have talked over the years, of opening a business together, with their other sister, Katherine, when the time was right. Lisa and Linda are both in a place in their lives, where they have the freedom to work the business and to travel on buying trips. At some point, Katherine will join in. This has always been the vision Lisa has had, opening a thrift store, and working with Linda to achieve that was perfect timing. With the sisters working together, they will be unstoppable.
In the works in the new room is a small sitting area for folks to pass the time, sit and have a complimentary cup of coffee or tea, taking a break while shopping. There might be a puzzle to work on, something to read while you are waiting. Dropping in just to visit and chat is part of the sisters’ welcoming atmosphere. It is almost sure that visitors won’t leave empty handed though!
Lisa added “Another thing the people really enjoy, is the music we play. We put the albums on, and people are humming and singing. Some even start dancing….” Much to their wives’ embarrassment! Linda said “ We try to keep the stereos in stock for people to buy, along with the albums, and we can’t keep them in stock! As soon as we get record players in here, people are snatching them up!”
Along with a varied inventory, the sisters also have a Wish Book. Tell them something that you are looking for, they will enter that item, your name, and contact information into the book. If they come across that item during their shopping expeditions, they will let you know, and you will have first option to buy. Linda and Lisa want people to know this is not just a clothing store, “clothing is not our primary focus”.
Believing in supporting the town, The Mercantile will make quarterly donations to Broadway Fire and Rescue. “We are very strong advocates for our fire department – we love our firemen! Linda’s son is a fireman/EMT in Michigan, and we feel anyone who donates their time, deserves a lot of respect and support.”
Linda Edgar is retired from her job as a medical coder, and is bringing her passion for thrifting to new levels, shopping for the store. Having lived for a number of years in Michigan, she travels back often to visit her children, and, of course, shop for bargains to bring back to The Mercantile. A plus for the shop is being able to offer items from out of the area at an affordable price.
Lisa and Linda both are very grateful that people have been so open and welcoming. They enjoy meeting and learning about the people. Linda is very pleased at the welcome she has received, “people are super nice!”
The Mercantile is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10am-6pm
Grand Opening Saturday, Dec 6, 10am
536 S. Main St, Broadway, VA 22815
540.892.4113
Facebook – The Mercantile on Main Thrift Shop
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