Marion (WSIL) -- This edition of Brick and Mortar features a business in Marion, that sells items created, crafted, and made from home by dozens of locals.
Southern Illinois Mercantile in Marion is owned by two women, Ellen Graff and Tanya Miller, who call themselves sister-friends. Miller said they are "just two broke girls trying to make a dream come true."
Graff describes her store as an old fashioned mercantile. It offers plenty of handmade and hand-crafted items, ice-cream, coffee that's roasted in-house, jewelry, and clothing.
"We have just a little bit for everyone. Lots of price points so we can facilitate just about anything," said Graff.
There are also two areas where you can sit and enjoy your ice cream or drink. The ladies said they were inspired by their grandmothers, so the business and the building are dedicated to them.
"W"We always sat at their table and there was never a person who entered their homes that wasn't welcome. It didn't matter what was going on in your day, you could walk in grandma's front door and you could feel everything, just the weight of the world lifted off of your soldiers. Our goal here at the Mercantile is that we want other people to feel that way. We don't always execute it perfectly, but we try hard to show love to everyone who comes in the door," said Miller.
The store was founded in July of 2016 and located at 112 East Main Street in Marion, IL. The store is closed on Mondays and Sundays, but open Tuesday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. ti 8:00 p.m. For more information call (877) 257-6372 or visit their
