Wingham & Area - Gorrie Mercantile

The Gorrie Mercantile opened in April, 2022, after owner Leneah Hamel found the perfect location to realize her vision for a gift, decor and curio shop. Hamel had been traveling through the area frequently visiting friends in the Dublin area from her home in the Muskokas when she spotted the available space in the quaint village of Gorrie.

 

The community needed a variety store, so she opened two spaces - one to ensure the residents could buy a loaf of bread and quart of milk without driving miles out of their way and the other space to bring her dream of owning a mercantile alive.

Hamel had loved her experience of working at the renowned Muskoka Store, where she worked in the furniture and gifts departments. After visiting the Dublin Mercantile on her many visits to the area, she was inspired to use her talents to become an entrepreneur.

 

She approached some consignors that she had worked with before, and then scoured the area for local artisans and craftspersons and eventually filled the space with unique gift ideas and home decor. 

 

The store has received a warm reception from locals, and Hamel and her husband have been getting to know their community by hosting various events and other activities to market the business.

 

This year, Hamel was able to sell the corner variety store to allow her to focus on the Mercantile, which is her real passion, while still keeping the essential service available for the village.

 

The historic building, which is also a live-work space for Hamel with living quarters behind the storefront, is reminiscent of a by-gone time when every village had a thriving retail sector in their downtown. As you enter the charming storefront, there is a beautiful collection of wares waiting inside. Handmade gift cards are a special addition for any gift and the selection here includes watercolour sketches and papercraft cards featuring punch-out dioramas.

 

In addition to the artisanal items, Hamel has curated an assortment of giftware, including thick, soft throws with kitschy prints, battery-operated lanterns and eclectic metal signware.

 

And you may catch a glimpse of Sasha, the store’s 15-year old feline mascot, as she basks in the attention of shoppers. To stay in touch, you can find it on Facebook.  2040 Victoria St, Gorrie.