Des Moines Mercantile: Mallory Richardson
Located in the historical Highland Park business district on the north side of Des Moines, Iowa, Des Moines Mercantile is a modern general store reminiscent of the one-stop shops of simpler times. The store celebrates quality craftsmanship through everyday goods for the home, kitchen, and desk — from locally made Iowa products and their own in-house candles to heirloom-worthy pieces meant to be passed down.
Owner Mallory Richardson shares what makes Des Moines Mercantile unique — from carrying her dad’s woodworking in the shop to the deep joy of supporting local makers and creating a welcoming space where everyone feels at home and can find something to treasure.
Images from: Des Moines Mercantile
Mallory Richardson - Owner of Des Moines Mercantile
How would you describe your store in one to two sentences?
We are a one-stop-shop modern general store with a great amount locally made goods from makers here in Iowa. This includes our very own candles that we make in-house. Aside from our everyday items, our focus is heirloom worthy goods that can tell a story and be passed down.
Is there an object, detail, or corner that tells a story?
I get to carry woodworking made by my dad that he typically crafts from local wood. We get to do put our brains together to come up with new designs and ideas. This has been one of the greatest gifts of owning my shop!
What’s the most rewarding part of being a store owner?
Being able to meet folks and to learn about their craft is very special. Getting a glimpse into someone’s creative world is a massive privilege. And ultimately getting the honor to house their craft in my shop is so cool!
Why do you think it’s important for people to shop small?
Supporting someone’s dream, livelihood, and craft is so much better than shopping at a large box store. Your dollars mean so much more not only on a personal level to small businesses, but also to your local economy. Big corporations aren’t really going anywhere, their doors are staying open. Locally owned brick and mortar doors will close if no one walks through them.
Des Moines Mercantile: 3707 6th Avenue Des Moines, IA 50313
Website: https://desmoinesmercantile.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsmmercantile/