Creating a Space for Belonging: All about Red Barn Mercantile
As I mentioned yesterday, we are thrilled (giddy, really) to welcome Red Barn Mercantile to Stylebook. We have long admired the home-y but still super-style-y vibe of the King Street boutique (like, we’d like to curl up on the sofa in the back room to drink tea and read coffee table books there all. day. long.), and have a major girlcrush on its founder Amy Rutherford (even better, hanging out on that sofa with Amy). We sat down with Amy recently to find out more about the shop, its history, what’s in stock that she’s loving right now, and how it really is all about belonging.
Alexandria Stylebook: What is Red Barn Mercantile?
Amy Rutherford: Red Barn Mercantile is a lot of things. We are a home furnishings store with rugs, upholstery, pillows, and pretty things for your shelves. We are also a gift store with greeting cards, candles, dish towels, and gifts from the kitchen. It’s our goal to help our customers create a space for belonging, be it the physically space you live in or the metaphorical space you share with family and friends.
AS: When did Red Barn Mercantile open?
AR: We opened September 1, 2007 at 113 S. Columbus. In August 2012 we moved to our current location at 1117 King St. It’s the best thing I did for my business!
AS: What is your favorite item in store now? Why?
AR: I am currently loving a few things — linen dish towels from Fog Linen Work because they are gorgeous and functional; Holy Basil candle from Tatine because it smells just like basil and that’s one of the most amazing smells ever; and Wonki Ware hand-thrown dishware because it is delicate and simply stunning.
AS: What did you do before Red Barn Mercantile? How is this a better fit for you?
AR: Before I opened Red Barn Mercantile I did marketing and fundraising for local and international non-profits. I’m not much of a “field” person and I don’t like making the direct “ask” from major donors so I primarily focused on direct mail. From 2000 to 2003, if you received a solicitation from The Nature Conservancy it was likely from me.
Retail is a much better fit for me. While I enjoy working for the greater good, I really love working one-on-one with people, building relationships with customers and partners, and solving problems – albeit the decorating and gift-giving kind as opposed to the world peace variety – for folks.
AS: Outside of the shop, what are your hobbies?
AR: Right now, renovating our house. The kitchen, two bath rooms, the master bedroom, and refinished floors are a huge time suck. Though, I have to say, it’s been fun. Other than that I enjoy going to the movies when I can, scouring flea markets for odd new treasures to add to my collections, hanging out with husband and two kids, and finding new culinary delights with my friends.
