A Family Dream Rooted in Style, Heart, & Community

Suzie Wells
8 hours ago
3 min read

In the heart of Derby, next door to Evans Ace Hardware, stands a thoughtfully curated shop that feels like home the moment you step inside. Thee Mercantile Home Accents is more than a store—it’s a mother-daughter dream brought to life with passion, creativity, and a deep love for community.

Thee Mercantile began as a small section within Evans Ace Hardware, a family business founded by Jennifer Andrews and her husband. Jennifer, a lifelong enthusiast of home décor, carved out a modest home accents section in the store and it quickly caught the eye—and hearts—of customers. Jennifer says the positive response spurred the creation of a distinct store facade within the hardware store in 2020, and it wasn’t long before that vision needed more space. By November 2022, Thee Mercantile had blossomed into its own full-fledged boutique next door.

Now co-owned by Jennifer and her daughter Madison, Thee Mercantile is a warm and inviting space filled with high-quality home accents, timeless décor, unique gifts, and cozy apparel. Jennifer and Madison share responsibilities buying, curating, and merchandising the ever-evolving collections.

More Than a Store

At its core, Thee Mercantile is about more than beautiful décor—it’s about heart, connection, and community. Their name reflects this mission, drawing inspiration from the nostalgic charm of traditional mercantile stores that offered a little something for everyone. Today, the shop embodies that same spirit with elevated style, positioning itself as “thee” place to find meaningful pieces for every home.

For Jennifer, one of the greatest joys of the business is forming relationships with customers who share a love for design. “We get to experience some of life’s greatest moments with our customers as we help them through moving out for the first time, buying gifts for loved ones, or furnishing their forever home,” she says. “Each memory… is cherished and adds to the importance of our jobs.”

Madison, too, finds deep purpose in her work, saying, “I am always glad to help customers with design advice, ranging from creating a centerpiece to styling a mantle or customizing a cohesive look for a space ready for a fresh start. That is my passion, and I am blessed to be able to share it with others.”

Jennifer says her favorite part of the journey has been walking beside her daughter. “Watching her natural eye for design, her passion for the business, and her love for decorating is truly inspiring. Never did I think that I would get to share something so meaningful with her.”

Seasonal Inspiration

As the shop continues to grow, so does its seasonal charm. This spring and summer, customers can enjoy the return of the beloved “Lake House Living Collection,” a nod to Thee Mercantile’s proximity to Lake Erie. This collection blends natural textures, rich and dreamy blues, and elevated coastal-inspired pieces, bringing Lake Erie into everyday living. And as seasons change, the Andrews family is already preparing for their festive Fall and Winter Open Houses, popular events that bring the community together with cozy inspiration and a touch of magic.

Heart for Community

Community, after all, is at the heart of everything Thee Mercantile does. From donating to local schools, churches, and charities, to creating a space where customers feel seen, Jennifer and Madison are proud to give back to the place that has supported them so generously.

Jennifer and Madison are open in their gratitude, saying “We are deeply grateful for our supportive customers and community. We would not be where we are today without [them]” and “We feel so blessed to do what we love each and every day and share it with the community.”

Madison adds, “We are so grateful to God...His hand has touched every step in this journey—from our amazing customers who walk through our doors, to the vision, and the ability to keep our dream alive. My mom and I do not take any of that for granted, and we give Him all the glory!”