The Mercantile – A Perfect Mix of Old and New

BY JACLYN ROSE –

Several years ago, friends of Judy and Robert McClara moved from Texas to Mena, and the McClaras came to visit for the Thanksgiving holidays.  During that time they fell in love with the area and the people and purchased the famous Lum from Lum and Abner’s house on Port Arthur that very week.  “Mena was so different from the small town we were from.  It is a growing and thriving town and the people were so friendly and we fell in love with it,” explained McClara.

The McClara’s were married June 28, 1975 and have remained the best of friends.  They have three daughters and six grandchildren, three of which they have the opportunity to raise.  “We love it, and couldn’t be happier,” said McClara.  McClara retired from the post office a few years ago, and her husband recently retired from Gracon Construction, where he spent his career building water treatment plants.

A lifetime collector of antiques, at one time, McClara had booths in three different local flea markets.  “I always enjoyed antiques and the search and the finding of something unexpected,” said McClara.  Recently she purchased the building at 622 Mena Street with no official plans in mind, however quickly had a vision for an old time general store, with a flea market attached.  The Mercantile officially opened for business on June 1, 2015.  With 30 flea market booths, several of those still available for rent, they truly offer something for everyone.

The General Store portion of The Mercantile offers a wide variety of new and antique items, with old fashioned candy, local artesian soaps, candles, tin signs, t-shirts and souvenirs.  When you walk in, you almost feel like you are transported back in time.  The flea market offers antiques, collectibles, hand crafted and repurposed items.  “I wanted The Mercantile to look and feel different,” said McClara.

The Mercantile is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am until 4 pm with exception to Wednesdays, when they are closed, and Sunday from 1 pm until 4 pm. You can reach them by calling 479.234.4990 or by their Facebook page, The Mercantile in Mena.

“We love the people in Polk County.  Everyone is happy and friendly.  We love how the town is thriving and new businesses are opening up and people are walking up and down the streets.  We also think the scenery is enchanting.  Our grandkids are involved in Mena Public Schools and we couldn’t be happier.  They are wonderful schools.  We are also members of Christ’s Community Fellowship and we love our church,” said McClara.

[button color=”red” size=”small” link=”https://www.facebook.com/TheMercantileInMena?fref=ts” icon=”” target=”false”]The Mercantile[/button]

About Author

Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

See author's posts