I don't know about you, but I'm having a ball doing this series! I began the series on a mission to find spring, and since it was so elusive outdoors, I moved my search inside - specifically inside some unique shops. Today I didn't just find Spring, although there was plenty of that, I found more treasures than my camera could capture. And trust me......I took
loads of photos - way too many to even include here! Brace yourself and lock up your piggy banks because I'm about to put your willpower to the test, as if I hadn't already with Part I and II. And for the record....I have four more installments after this one and I promise they are each just as wonderful! But for now, come with me and explore The Olde Mercantile.
Until a few days ago I hadn't even heard of this amazing shop and even when I learned about it, I hesitated to include it because I didn't want it to compete with the Country Trunk which is just down the road. I had planned on featuring one shop in each of our local counties. But the more I searched the Mercantile's Facebook page, the more I knew I had to include it.
The Olde Mercantile is currently located at 395 Columbia Turnpike in Rensselaer but before you lose interest thinking it's too far away, let me tell you that in May they are moving to Cohoes! They will be located on 130 Remsen Street. That's just a short drive from anywhere in the Capital District, and even if it's not, it's worth whatever drive it takes. You'll see!
The Olde Mercantile was opened in October of 2014 by Dolores Marchese Bacon. Dolores, is a gem. Full of energy, enthusiasm and an effervescent personality, she made us feel right at home. Prior to opening the Mercantile, Dolores worked at New Old Stuff in Troy. She also decorates showrooms in Atlanta (in her free ?? time). When the city of Cohoes found out Dolores was bringing her store and her endless energy to their city, they enlisted her in their revitalization and already Dolores has her hands in some really fun projects - not the least of which is the opening of her bigger and better Mercantile. Currently the shop is home to 10 vendors, but there will be room for 24 in the new location. As Dolores describes it, the shop is a unique gathering of country and primitive home decor, and a little French Country/Shabby Chic, done by a well-diversified group of juried artisans. The thing I loved about it was the fact that it looks like a store, not a shop full of vendor booths, making the shopping experience (at least for me) a little less fragmented and more eye appealing.
Dolores says her main goal is customer service and I can vouch for that. She is very active on Facebook and posts photos of her merchandise daily. If you see something you can't live without, but don't live nearby....fear not...Dolores will ship it to you! Keep that in mind when you're drooling over the photos! The link to her Facebook page will be at the end of this post.
The Olde Mercantile will be having their Spring Open House on April 15-18th. She will be closing the shop after Mother's Day and will open again at her new location the end of May. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy the preview!
I have a soft spot for mice - specifically on my Christmas tree.
I couldn't help but fall in love with these adorable hand-sewn felt mice. Are they not adorable??
If you're a vendor at the Mercantile, and you don't see a photo from your booth, don't feel left out. I probably have a shot or 3 of it, but for the sake of space may have not included it. Besides, if I showed everyone everything, there'd be no surprises left when they visit!!
These flowers are amaaaazing! They are not silk, but whatever they are made of they are lifelike and much more beautiful in person!
Meet Dolores! She's a gem. I promise if you spend more than ten minutes with her, you'll want to go for coffee and you'll leave feeling like you've made a new friend. These shop owners are a really special bunch of ladies! I'm so fortunate to have the opportunity to meet them!
I know this last photo isn't spring or Easter, but I couldn't resist this little doll's face - with the tear. Is she not just the most precious thing you've seen. FYI - I didn't buy her! In fact I used a tremendous amount of discipline and left without buying a thing. Don't applaud ..... it's only because if I purchased everything I loved at every one of the shops in this series, I'd have to come out of retirement and get a job.
So, there you have it! Don't go far because I'm just getting started. I promise the next four will be just as spectacular, and will be something a little different from what you've seen in Parts I, II and III. Thanks for coming back to Life As I See It. Don't forget, if you like what you see, share this with a friend using the links at the end of this post. While you're here, browse around and read some past posts too! And thanks to Dolores for your beautiful shop and your hospitality!
The Olde Mercantile is open from Wednesday -10:00-3:00pm.,
Thurs & Friday 10-5:00 and
Saturday 10:00-4:00.
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