Relaxed shopping is nearly a lost art. In times where crazed shoppers stand in line on Thanksgiving for door busters and fast-food chains just keep getting faster, the leisurely mom-and-pop shops where the owners know customers by name are few and far between. This lost sense of relaxed, pressure-free shopping, coupled with a love for people is what motivated Shauna Burk to open her boutique, Southern Mercantile Company two months ago.
“Honestly this is not a multi-million dollar thing, it’s just I enjoy the people,” said Burk. “My whole thing is to start back with faith and family. Customers come by to feed my dog and often pull up a chair and just hang out and talk. We need more of those places.”
Southern Mercantile offers an eclectic range of merchandise; the walls display paintings, photographs and shadowboxes created by local artists, the tables showcase jellies, hot-sauces and dry-rubs and the racks hold bright tee-shirts, unique dresses and handmade southern college sports wear. So what do all of these varied items have in common? Burk explained her rule of thumb is three-part; quality, southern charm and affordability.
“Simple country chic, that’s about the easiest way to describe it,” said Burk. “I’m ok with eclectic because eclectic is borderline crazy. Some people say I’m crazy but if I can bring affordable, quality, fun things together and if I can help people get out there than I’ve accomplished what I wanted to do.”
Burk explained that although she chooses her items for their quality and charm, she really has a heart for helping local artists get their name and work on the market.
“I like the fact of exposing hidden talent and 85 percent of what I have is local talent in here,” said Burk. “All of my jewelry is local from a lady in Defuniak Springs and all the photography I have in here is from a local kid in Fort Walton Beach. There are so many pockets of talent here that is untapped and if I can get it in here and help get it exposed, absolutely!”
The shop has a warm homey feel, as stringed lights drape across decorative tree stumps and handmade rag rugs and knit hats invite customers to stop touch and investigate each unique item.
“The best comparison I can give is the gift shop in Cracker Barrel,” said Burk. “I’m that place where people are looking for that one unique gift for someone and they can walk in and say, ‘Oh my gosh that’s perfect.’ I try to offer the stuff you can’t find in every other place.”
As for affordability, Burk uses her own humble upbringing as a rule.
“I grew up in a military family and although we were poor, my mom always taught us you need to find that one unique piece so that you don’t run into 15 people wearing that same thing, so for my clothing I have nothing over thirty dollars,” said Burk. “Honestly I just want to give people quality stuff at affordable prices. I want people to know, ‘I can afford to walk in here and buy something.’”
Southern Mercantile Company is located at 808 Hwy. 98 East in the Shoreline Village mall. For more information call 797-6574 or visit www.facebook.com/southernmercantilecompany.