Conestogo Mercantile

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SHOPPINGetc
Where to go, what to buy. By Helen Racanelli
conestogo mercantile
Conestogo, Ont., 1857 Sawmill Rd., 519-664-3293
The photographer who took these shots, Robin Stubbert, alerted us
to this happening shop in Conestogo, near Waterloo, Ont. “People
come from far and wide for the great bags and purses,” Robin told
us, not to mention the “furniture, home decor and just fun stuff.”
We’re glad we checked it out! Conestogo Mercantile is filled with
artful and amusing merch, like sofas, dishware, clocks and must-have
Matt & Nat vegan (meaning no animal products) handbags.
where
In the 1850s, Conestogo Mercantile was built as a general store, and
later became two gift shops, an antique store and potter’s studio all
under one roof – hence the name. Today, Dan and Veronika Stawski
(above, at right) own it, helped out by friendly staffers Neil (far left)
4
so simple picks
Set of four dotted mugs, $20 • Retro-look
starburst clock, $169 • Funky floral artwork on
canvas, from $39 • Tall braided-vine hat stand, $179
50 STYLE AT HOME
AUGUST 2006
and Katherine (second from left). Though the couple didn’t rename
the store, they changed its direction. “It was country and rustic, but
now we have a mix of items,” says Dan. “Not trendy, but different and
unusual.” We’ll say! We love the bright and diverse goods.
uncommon style
Three charmingly offbeat faves: chrome-and-patterned-Ultrasuede
chairs with ball feet, $995 each, a Soundwave curved steel-frame credenza with multicolour stained birch, $2,895, and small rope judys in
blue, brown, black or Natural, from $25 each, which make an ideal
spot to park pretty jewelry as low as $10, also up for grabs.
hot stuff
A ’50s-diner-style chrome table, $649, is counter height, which means
it can double as a cooking prep area. Matched with stools in white
with grey piping, $249 each, it’s ideal for small kitchens. Also hot are
G.Romano sofas available in five styles, from $989 each, and seethrough clocks whose gears are mesmerizing, from $69 each. !
IS A STOREOWNER’S HOME ALWAYS A REFLECTION OF THE SHOP? WHAT’S THE
SECRET TO GREAT SHOPPING? CONESTOGO MERCANTILE’S OWNERS ANSWER
THESE QUESTIONS AND MORE AT STYLEATHOME.COM.
STYLEATHOME.COM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN STUBBERT
check it out