Merchants call corner home

    PRESQUE ISLE – With the holiday shopping season just around the corner, why not save time and check out what’s available at Merchants at the Corner, located at 394 Main St.     “I like to call it an incubator for entrepreneurs,” said Angie Graves, owner. “The purpose of my business is to rent space to get them going – advise them on the does and don’ts of running a business.”
    Open since 2007, a variety of items can be found under one roof.
    “Vendors carry an array of goods. We have yarn, knitting needles, knitting patterns, handmade wreaths, scrapbooking supplies, special orders for crafts like scrapbooking and needle arts, cross stitch supplies, DMC embroidery floss, homemade chocolates, homemade jams and jellies, handmade lampwork beads, jewelry, hand-knit baby sweaters, teas, teapots, tea supplies, Landmark toys and more,” said Graves.    
    “We’re the only store carrying a full line of DMC embroidery floss in this area. We carry the Plymouth yarn line of quality yarns. We offer scrapbooking items, handmade candy, wreaths, jewelry from local artists, handmade chocolates that can be specially ordered for any occasion,” said Graves. “We also offer catalog ordering of scrapbooking and craft items.”
    Graves credits staff and vendors for the business’s success. Staff includes two part-time employees: Pam Easler and Lisa Cray.
    “It’s very important to offer friendly, helpful service. We rent space to local people so they can have a business start. We offer gift boxing, bags,” said Graves.
    For those looking to start a business but need help getting started, this is the perfect opportunity.
    “We’ll have one cashout, with a computer program to track individual sales. Owners don’t have to be present to sell. Space is available for $1 per square foot, plus 10 percent of gross sales,” said Graves. “That covers electricity, bookkeeping and everything, bathroom supplies, cleaning products – everything associated with owning and operating a business.”
    Individuals will, however, have to carry their own insurance and be responsible for any credit card fees pertaining to the sale of products.
    “We have space for rent – showcases, as well as two rooms and the space formerly home to Rosella’s.”
    Already on site: North Country Jams & Jellies, Moosetrail Beads, Landmark Toys, Heidi’s Teas and More, Flo’s Book Corner, Plymouth yarns and Goddess Chocolates, with vendors selling handmade wreaths, scrapbooking materials, cross stitch supplies, as well as paintings and artwork from local artists.
    Business hours are: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday. For more information, call 764-1255.
    Merchants on the Corner are advocates of the Downtown Revitalization program.