The Mercantile’s mission goes beyond retail, as they seek to be a fixture in the community for years to come.
By Dakota Gold
Staff Writer
AC&T
From coffee and wines to soaps and jewelry, The Mercantile has got it all.
Founded by Brittany and Michael Kelly, the business thrives off the community it builds. When they started the business, community was what the pair had in mind.
The Mercantile is separated into two parts. One half of the building is The Mercantile General Store, 10,000 ft. of DIY bars and local goods, and the other half is Jackass Cafe, a coffee and wine bar.
The General Store includes DIY bars like the flower bar, soap bar, spice bar, and candle bar. It is perfect for a date night or an exciting social outing.
As displayed on their website, their mascot is a donkey, named Jack, because donkeys are seen as reliable and hard-working animals.
The business prides itself on its three values: creating safe spaces, cultivating growth, and emphasizing voices. They accomplish them through community outreach and events.
Every first Monday they hold “Monday Markets” where vendor spaces and admission are free. The goal is to establish relationships within the community of Rock Hill and allow small businesses and artists to sell their products.
Taryn Samons, social media manager for the business, said the business wants to give back to the community now that the Mercantile is more established in Rock Hill.
“We try to uplift others in a way the owners would, because The Mercantile was once new,” Samons said. “Now it’s our turn to give back.”
The general store sells products from over 300 local vendors. They also have a blog that often highlights local businesses.
They opened on Black Friday in 2018. From there, the business has expanded as the founders worked relentlessly to achieve their goals.
Stacey Whitman, manager of The Mercantile, has been with Brittany Kelly since the beginning.
“I saw her vision [Brittany’s] and I wanted to be a part of it,” Whitman said.
The Mercantile is a safe place in the community where all demographics of Rock Hill feel welcome. People can be at home in a place that accepts and celebrates diversity, according to the Mercantile website.
“Through various events, we are always inspired by bridging gaps, creating unity, and moving our community forward. We prioritize rising above and finding healing through rising together.”
In order to achieve this goal, The Mercantile makes it their mission to incorporate and recognize diversity as much as possible.
The Mercantile hosts the Rock Hill Pride Festival including drag shows, slam poetry nights, and a pride march.
“The Mercantile opens a home for people to be who they are,” Samons said.
The Mercantile is located on 153 E. White Street in Rock Hill.
