It’s hard to continue calling the Whitesville Mercantile one of Daviess County’s best-kept secrets after the continued growth and popularity since it opened nearly 7 years ago. The mercantile offers everything from antiques and vinyl records to re-purposed furniture and local honey.
Located at 9935 West Street in the former Whitesville Dollar Store, the operation features booths from several local and regional vendors. The booths feature throwback brand hats, handmade wreaths, crafts, hand-crafted soaps, Avon, Scentsy, Watkins products, gently-used clothing, housewares, and more.
Sisters Jennifer Lawrence and Brooke Mendez along with their brother Matt Morris were each running their own businesses in 2016. They decided it was time to reduce their overhead by securing one location for all three operations.
Lawrence was in her sixth year of operating the New 2 You consignment store in downtown Whitesville. Mendez was running Oh Sew Blessed out of her house, offering various embroidery options. Morris was restoring old houses and using the wood to repurpose furniture.
“We came together and decided to take a leap of faith and purchase the old Dollar General Store building in Whitesville, which had been vacant for several years,” Lawrence said. “We decided to pursue our dreams and open the mercantile there with New 2 You consignment, Brooke’s embroidery, and Matt’s woodwork plus 10-12 booths in the back of the store.”
Nearly 7 years, and the operation has doubled its booth rentals and added window-front display cases. The trio also added Dixie Belle chalk mineral paint, Candleberry candles, and other wholesale products to their offerings.
The three attribute much of their success to the local community.
“The support from Whitesville has been great, but also from Owensboro and the surrounding counties,” Mendez said. “The Mercantile has grown so much since day one, and we hope to continue growing and adding new booths and merchandise to the store.”
The Whitesville Mercantile also offers several Market Days in the spring and summer with live music and barbecue from the Angels for Ashley cooking team. The first one is slated for May 4-6 during the Highway 54 Yard Sale. To reserve a vending spot during Market Days, reach out to the group on Facebook here or call the store at 270-233-4714.
“We are so thankful for our loyal customers and hope many more will come to visit us,” Lawrence said.