Copper Mill Mercantile: A unique vendor market
Copper Mill Mercantile, located at 1030 W New Bern Road, emerges as a unique antique and vendor market. Co-owned by Stacy Cholula and David Fulk, the establishment offers an upscale space for vendors to showcase and sell a variety of items, excluding typical yard sale or flea market goods.
Cholula expressed their intent behind the business, saying, "It actually gives vendors an opportunity to be small business owners to own their own little space." Fulk elaborated on the concept, explaining, "Vendors can rent a booth of various sizes... they design the space, they make it theirs."
The pair's passion for antiques and their previous experiences in auctions and antique markets fueled their decision to open Copper Mill Mercantile. Their venture began amid changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading them to explore new business avenues.
Cholula shared, "David and I have loved antiques... as that kind of changed with COVID, we started looking at different avenues and this is something we both love."
The market has seen a positive reception from the community, with Cholula noting, "By the time we did a soft opening... we had over 20, close to 30 vendors that were already set up in their spaces." This early success underscores the community's interest and the market's appeal.
Copper Mill Mercantile distinguishes itself through its size and the diversity of its offerings, ranging from estate jewelry to handmade crafts, providing a varied shopping experience. Its proximity to other markets, like Ironclad Marketplace, enhances the area's appeal as a destination for antique enthusiasts.
Both Cholula and Fulk bring unique backgrounds to their roles, with Cholula's experience as a social worker and Fulk's entrepreneurial spirit. Fulk's willingness to embrace new ventures and Cholula's empathetic approach contribute to the market's nurturing environment for vendors and customers alike.
As they look to the future, the co-owners plan to expand the Copper Mill brand, hoping to open additional locations and introduce new elements like boutique booths. Their vision for growth reflects their ambition and commitment to providing a platform for vendors and a unique shopping experience for customers.
Copper Mill Mercantile's success story is also a testament to the support from the community and individuals like Frank Olman, who provided the opportunity for Cholula and Fulk to realize their dream. Their journey from vision to reality, supported by volunteers, vendors, and the community, exemplifies the power of collective effort and shared passion.
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