On Sunday, December 1st the second #ShopCK social media campaign by Chatham-Kent Economic Development and the Small Business Centre launched. Part of this year’s theme is to highlight many of the hidden gems located across Chatham-Kent and help raise awareness of the unique and wonderful businesses available right in our own community.
One such gem is The Mercantile located at 15 Maple Leaf Drive in Chatham. The building features three complimentary businesses including Country Comforts, a delightful home décor business that features a selection of carefully curated products; Put It Together Quilt Shoppe, a one-stop shop for all of your fabric and quilting needs; and the recently added Sewing B Design Children’s Boutique, specializing in quality children’s clothing.
“One of the things that sets The Mercantile apart and makes their business special is they are doing things that engage and involve the community,” said Taylor Hughes, Economic Development Officer with Chatham-Kent Economic Development. “For example, on the evening December 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, they are hosting an event called Story Time with Santa. Anyone is welcome to attend the free event and hear Santa share stories.”
“We are also a destination shop for products such as our Fusion Mineral paint because we are the only place in Chatham that sells it and one of five limited locations across Chatham-Kent,” said Bailey Myers, Owner of Country Comforts.
As part of the #ShopCK campaign, Economic Development will be sharing a selection of stores, restaurants, activities, and anything connected to business over the entire month of December.
“I think it’s wonderful what the team at Economic Development is doing to help businesses,” said Linda Mifflin, Owner of Put It Together Quilt Shoppe. “It’s more than just the social media posting, Taylor met with us to help dust off our business plans and discuss our plans moving into 2020.”
“We have been making every effort to cover the community from corner to corner and town to town,” said Andrew Tompsett, Marketing and Communications Officer with Economic Development. “We were recently in Merlin and sat down with the owner of the Garage Restaurant. It’s another hidden gem that draws a huge weekend crowd and more of Chatham-Kent needs to know about it.”
“Oh, and I can’t forget to mention Comic Oasis in Wallaceburg. The owners are fantastic and love everything to do with pop culture, comics, and even the wonderfully obscure that needs to be special ordered. You have to visit them!” added Tompsett.
You can find out more about the campaign by following Economic Development on their social media @CKEcDev or by searching for #ShopCK
