If there are two kinds of shops to distract me and get me in the door, they are a good home accents shop and home decor, or a good bath and body toiletries shop. This was a home accents and gift shop called Balston Mercantile, a few weeks ago while in Hampden and it did not disappoint. Do you ever walk into a shop and want to buy everything, literally? Yep, this one is just like that. It's a perfectly curated space with gems, and beauties and curiosities for your home, whether you're looking for something for a housewarming gift or yourself. The shop offers a bit of everything right down to fun and novelty stationary, remember that? Also, a fun offering of fun and cheeky coffee table books. I was immediately sucked into to some of the best smelling candles. Hey, I can't help it, I'm a huge candle whore, but some of the best smelling candles I've smelled since my favorite candle from Henri Bendel...but alas they are closed now. It was fun exploring the place with little doo dads tucked in everywhere. The best part? Locally owned and better still, by a gay couple, Andrew and Jonathan who were a delight to talk too. The name of the shop is a play on Boston and Balitmore, the place they used to live and now their new home of Balitmore. I'm to the point of now only shopping small and local. It's a great addition to the street of shopping and I wish them well. It was a great shopping experience and attention given at every step of my visit. I did indeed come out with several things...3 candles, a cast iron fox paper weight, and two stationery boxed cards. Not to mention there were a few very hot daddies in their shopping. I bumped into one accidentally. If I had broken it, I wonder if I would have had to pay for it and then brought it home??? Don't worry boys...I'll be back to shop!!!
I could spend hours touring that store and find so many things ... Starting with Obitchuary!!!
ReplyDeleteThat one caught my eye, too!
DeleteIf I recall correctly the back said something along the lines of "darkly funny and deeply poignant exploration of all things death.” Maybe there will be a chapter on the dump!!!!
DeleteCandle shops, like Yankee Candle, make my throat close up and I have to exit pretty quick. Put me in a book store? I could spend all day and never have enough money. Stationery shops are the same --- I can browse all day and end up taking home more than I could use. The shop here closed years ago because nobody writes letters anymore, more's the pity. We still have boxes that haven't been used up.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I like really good candles that smell good. I have yet to find too many Yankee Candles that I like. The only one might be there Pine Spruce candle.
DeleteOh, dear.
ReplyDeleteI call these the Bermuda Triangle. These are the kind of stores you want to move INTO. Excellent selection and very creative placement. And this is also the kind of business we need to support: small businesses in a world of big box stores.
XOXO
I agree wholeheartedly. Since shopping small and local more and more I very seldom found myself in a big box anymore or a chain. And good luck getting any customer service in big box or chains.
DeleteVery nice, I too am beginning to shop locally. It's a good thing.
ReplyDeleteGreat Knockers! The shop looks very welcoming.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! I’d be happy to spend a day or three in there.
ReplyDeleteLooks a lovely place to browse, but my favourite shops are delicatessens.
ReplyDeleteSo much fabulous stuff!
ReplyDeleteToo much fabulousness for one shop... and I want that leather chair in the second photo!
ReplyDeleteSuperb!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a "nick-nacks" sort of person, nor do I like candles (scented or otherwise), although that is a very well laid-out shop - and I could cheerfully use that gay tote bag!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Helen on delicatessens, but my ultimate fave type of shops are charity/vintage clothing and books - you never know what you might find! Jx
A delicatessen? If you ask me I think you and Helen are just after more meat.
DeleteI have been known in my time to chomp down on a frankfurter, a bratwurst or a salami - or several - and let's not forget giant Polish gherkins... Jx
DeleteYou are one classy girl. that is one helluva classy shop. I don't think they would let me in.
ReplyDeleteThe owners were very nice I'm sure they would let anybody in. And there ain't nothing wrong with the way you look or dressed trust me
DeleteOh my God that shop looks amazing. Just for the pictures I saw a few things I like. And you should have showed that hot daddy you're door knockers. I'm sure he didn't came out with you then! LMAO.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very handsome shop. I too I'm a sucker for shops like this. And the way they have everything displayed entices you to explore everything. I love those selection the door knockers, and I'm also a sucker for a little catch-all dishes. I have no idea why. And I'm adoring that leather chair. I would love to have that for a reading chair.
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS!!!!!! i am loving the glassware and dinnerware...you know, for summer. I too love candles... the more the better.
ReplyDelete