Statesboro's Ashlee Redding felt a calling to create a unique space in our community to support other American entrepreneurs, and last year, she opened Statesboro Mercantile to bring that dream to life. Located at 28 S. Zetterower Avenue in Statesboro, GA, she describes the store as a small business with a big heart.
“At Statesboro Mercantile, we are more than a gift shop. Our mission is to curate a collection of ethically made products that support families and communities across America, as well as our own community," Redding said. "We strive to create a space where you can find items crafted in the USA by families, artisans, and makers from around the country. Our goal is to help support those who are pursuing the American dream of small business ownership."
Many of the products at Statesboro Mercantile are made right here in Bulloch County. Clara Joy Makes, for example, crafts handmade crocheted plush animals. Burnworthy Candle Company sells her Taylor Swift inspired line at the store.
Also local are Howard Bead Boutique’s polymer clay earrings, Mack’s Mussels oyster garlands and crosses, and Lilly’s Freebird Collection’s jewelry and handcrafted feathered trucker hats.
Redding also felt the need to create a space for the community to have access to products they normally would not find here. She wanted to support small American business owners by carrying their products and to feature unique products not found in big box stores.
Many of the products she carries also have missions behind them—from being veteran-owned to women-owned or employing adults with autism or helping protect our pollinators. A couple of them also help to support women from crisis situations by providing employment and a safe haven.
Redding says she strives to “carry brands that try to make a difference in their communities, however big or small that may be.”
One of the most interesting things you will notice inside the store is the unique shelving holding their products. Redding shares that many of the display shelves and tables are old finds that have been salvaged or purchased from estate sales. Salvaged equipment or repurposed wood used from old buildings has been made into tables or shelving by her husband.
The massive stand that holds a variety of food products, including Statesboro Mercantile’s own Braswell’s line, is an old storage shelf made in the 1950s from the Ginn Machinery Shop right here in Statesboro.
The gorgeous check-out counter came from the Register Pharmacy dated from the early 1930s. The counter top was salvaged from the Old German Country Club out of Savannah.
Redding is also passionate about connecting our community through her store.
Back in the Spring, a Kids Pop-Up Market was held featuring young artisans. It was a great success, and Redding said it was wonderful to see so many aspiring young entrepreneurs within the community.
Statesboro Mercantile has scheduled the next Kid’s Only Pop-Up Market for Saturday, September 14, 2024. For those interested in being a vendor, check Statesboro Mercantile social media for updates.
Whether you're shopping for a gift or shopping for yourself, Statesboro Mercantile is sure to have something for you, and you will no doubt enjoy shopping in such a thoughtful, inviting space. Stop by today for this unique "shop small" experience, carefully curated by Redding, that you can truly feel good about.
Follow Statesboro Mercantile on Facebook or Instagram, and visit their website to learn more or to shop online.
Statesboro Mercantile is located at 28 South Zetterower, Suite B, Statesboro, Georgia.
