Doing business, mercantile style
As soon as the doors opened on July 1, Woody's Mercantile in downtown Woodstock, Vermont, was off to the races.
Suzi Curtis, owner of Woody’s Mercantile in Woodstock, Vermont, re-stocks some of the candy in her new shop on Wednesday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Suzi Curtis couldn't be happier about her new shop. As soon as the doors opened on July 1, Woody's Mercantile at 7 Central Street in downtown Woodstock, Vermont, was off to the races. Fourth of July weekend brought even more traffic into the store, she said.
"The register didn't stop ringing."
Curtis had originally planned to open the shop last year in Hanover, New Hampshire, where she and her husband, Geoff, have lived for 25 years. But the timing just didn't work business-wise. Woodstock, a place that often intrigued her, came to mind. When Curtis found out the former Whippletree space was available, she jumped at the opportunity.
"I always loved Woodstock," Curtis said. "With both locals and tourists, I think it's more of a consistent year-round business."
She said the concept of the shop morphed into more of a "home goods and gifts" store, with some variety that lets her change up the offerings as needed.
"The mercantile allows me to be more nimble," Curtis said.
So far, she said the shop has sold a number of candles, pillows and napkins, for example. Small items that can easily fit in the car or suitcase have been popular, Curtis mentioned. The biggest seller has been pet toys; and yes, dogs are allowed in.
"And welcomed with treats," she added.
It's Curtis' first time owning a store, but she's no stranger to making a sale. She's been a sales rep for 25 years, through her enterprise Curtis Group Sales in the ski and outdoor clothing industry. The Woodstock shop is named after longtime friend Woody Weider, a sales rep for Merrell who was beloved in the Upper Valley and throughout the outdoor industry. Weider lived in Thetford until he passed away three years ago.
"He was the life of the party," Curtis said. "Just a fun-loving Vermonter."
Not all the items in her new shop would appeal to him, Curtis said with a laugh.
"He loved candy, loved cool stuff," she said.
Going forward, Curtis plans to work a lot with local artisans to bring custom projects to the store, such as special prints or maybe hats.
Thus far, Woody's Mercantile has also seen some customers from Hanover.
"There was so much buzz about Woody's (there last year); now they're coming here," Curtis said.
Woody's Mercantile, located at 7 Central Street in Woodstock, Vermont, is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Monday. The shop can be reached at 802-457-1600 or by emailing suzi@woodysmercantile.com. Find more information at www.woodysmercantile.com.
— Gareth Henderson