From Tricia Zimmerman, Owner of Mustard See Mercantile
Mustard Seed Mercantile is planning a week of sales and surprises to celebrate its first anniversary of business. The store, located at the Schuylkill Mall Frackville, has been growing phenomenally over the past twelve months, with more than 30 local vendors, crafters, and antique hunters. It operates out of the former Rex’s electronics store in the Sears wing of the mall.
Owner Tricia Zimmerman, a Pitman resident, runs the store with her family. Mom Missy and brother, Charlie work at the store which also sells fresh produce from the Zimmerman family farm. The store carries merchandise much like the popular craft fairs held around the area with the convenience of being open year-round. Zimmerman states “Our mission is not only to provide the local area with more shopping options we are committed to showcasing the local talent we have in Schuylkill County and the surrounding areas. We are growing to become more than just a retail store. We want to empower and celebrate local artists, crafters, and their talents. Within the next few months we hope to offer different kinds of creative classes like scrapbooking to give the community an outlet to make new friends and learn new skills in a fun, affordable way.”
The store provides rental spaces for vendors to sell their creations and merchandise. From jewelry to interactive art pieces, Mustard Seed Mercantile has a good mix of products for shoppers. Inventory is always growing and changing and shoppers have the added convenience of getting fresh produce, farm-made apple butter, local honey, and bakery items from Deppen’s Farm based in Lykens, PA. Zimmerman adds “We already have a dedicated group of customers that stop by weekly for their fresh pies and produce. I think they appreciate being able to pick up a variety of items in one trip to the local mall.”
The anniversary celebration will feature a week of special coupons, sales, and vendor meet-and-greets. The store’s regular hours of operation are Wednesday through Saturday 10am to 6pm. During their anniversary week, every day will offer something different. A brown-bag auction will be held throughout the week with customers earning one entry ticket for each dollar spent. Each ticket can then be used by customers for entry into the auction on the merchandise of their choice. Auction items will be provided by the store and its vendors. Saturday, August 16 with be the official anniversary celebration with free face painting and balloons for kids, refreshments, and the winner drawing of the auction.
Zimmerman encourages people to follow the store’s Facebook page to get the specific information on the anniversary celebration. “A store like ours really benefits from Facebook. It is the easiest way for us to provide customers with up-tothe minute information about new inventory, special sales, and new vendors. We recently held a Facebook contest and it was pretty successful. I like using our page to promote our talented vendors and new products. Some people seem to already know exactly what they want when they come in because they look at our pictures. Because so much of our inventory is unique, one-of-a-kind items, customers appreciate the instant heads-up and our vendors get so much more exposure.”
The store still has limited availability for new vendor spots but is always looking to add new talent. Zimmerman can be reached at the store during businesses hours or through the store’s Facebook page to discuss consignment details. There are also opportunities for crafters that would like to teach creative classes at the store starting in the fall.
Follow the Mustard See Mercantile on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/MustardSeedMercantile?fref=nf