Written by Giovanna Zavell, DSMG Contributor
With a love for handmade items, Mallory Richardson, owner of Des Moines Mercantile, fills her store with just that. Located in the heart of historical Highland Park, you’re sure to leave this one-stop-shop with an item that brings simplicity, slowness and belonging to your life.
Building a Foundation in the Community
Six years ago, Mallory and her husband, Jordan, moved to the Oak Park neighborhood. With its North Side charm, and growing community, it was clear to them that this was the place to put down roots.
“I grew up north of Ames in the middle of nowhere and attended college at University of Northern Iowa.” she says. Mallory thought she would work with children–always having a love for the way they learn and grow. But, there was always a small voice, pushing her towards a different career.
“For a long time now, if you were to ask me what my dream job was, it would be to own a shop that supports and collaborates with other small businesses and makers,” Mallory says.
She took the jump into ownership and began renting the space on Sixth Avenue where the shop currently stands. Des Moines Mercantile opened for business on June 27, 2020. “It felt a little risky opening the shop, but it is such a great fit for my vision,” Mallory says. “Putting this dream into action was so worth it.”
Exterior of Des Moines Mercantile on Des Moines’ north side.
If you scroll back on the Des Moines Mercantile Instagram page (@dsmmercantile), you’ll see the shop didn’t always have its beautiful green outside. Mallory and her husband put in a lot of work to this early 1900s building to make it look the way it does today. The attention to detail, open wood cabinetry (made by Mallory’s dad!) throughout gives the sense of hominess for visitors.
Small Business Supporting Small Businesses
“The best part is developing relationships with local makers and visitors of the shop,” she says. A majority of items found in the shop are made right here in Iowa. Everything on the shelves have three things in common: handmade, natural and simple. Each item is carefully selected to enhance the kitchen, bath, and other places throughout the home. There are even items for your taste buds, like the general store blend from Pammel Park Coffee (featuring the Mercantile pup, Finch).
“Our favorite thing is to support and partner with makers here in Iowa,” Mallory says. “It is so great to have a place to shop where you are also supporting the dreams of someone close to home.” A small business supporting other small businesses–can it get any better than that?
The vision for the store was to be a modern general store, a one-stop-shop. A place where everyone can walk out with a new treasure. “Mercantile is synonymous to ‘general store,’ and we wanted our name to be timeless,” Mallory says.
The relationships with local makers who’s goods line the shelves, and visitors who bring those goods into their own homes are why Mallory does this work. “Being a small business means participating in something greater than just these four walls that make up Des Moines Mercantile.” she says. “It’s providing something that brings people a sense of home and learning about what visitors care about. It’s building a foundation in the community and more importantly, meaningful relationships with people in this community.”
In addition to goods found in the brick and mortar, Des Moines Mercantile also hosts a number of pop up events with other small businesses. Be sure to keep an eye on their Instagram page for announcements.
What You Should Pick Up on Your Next Stop In
A great part of being a general store is there are always new items hitting the shelves. With each visit, you will likely find something new, and also some staples. There are so many customer favorites, here are a few to check out on your next visit.
- Des Moines Mercantile Signature Woodwick Candle–100% soy, a variety of scents to choose from and made in house!
- Beeswax candles by Honey Hollow Apiary in Indianola, IA–these candles come in so many shapes and sizes. How could you choose just one?
- Wood Charcuterie Boards specially handmade by Mallory’s dad
- Locust Grove Farm Soaps
DSM Mercantile
Sunday and Monday 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Want more?
Want more behind the scenes of cool people and businesses in Des Moines. Check out our “Meet” category at the link below.
