Meet The Merchant: Vintage Finds and Southern Charm - Inside The Hutchison's Unique Resale Shop on Canton's Storied Square

Nestled within our historic square is a shopping experience unlike any other, thanks to the vision of Ed Hutchison and his wife, Amy. Together, they run two thriving vendor malls that have become a cornerstone of our community, offering everything from handmade crafts to vintage finds. We had the opportunity to chat with this inspiring duo to learn more about the journey they’ve taken to turn their passion for local business into a downtown staple.

We’re thrilled to be sitting down with you today, Ed. Can you share a bit about yourself as well as your store, Merri Pennie’s Mercantile and Tea Room?  

Of course! My name is Ed Hutchison. My wife, Amy Hutchison, and I own both Merri Pennie’s Mercantile and Tea Room and The Emporium. We opened Merri Penni’s in January of 2020, one month before the COVID pandemic started – perfect timing, haha! 

My wife and I were approached by Suzanne Hale, the former owner of Canton Square Antiques who had been on The Square for twenty years or so. She wanted us to take over the store. At first, we were hesitant to open a second store as we already had The Emporium, but Charlie Lovett (an artist we had worked with), said that if we opened another store, she would like to run a tearoom in it. 

Charlie had extensive culinary experience spanning several decades. We pondered this idea and thought it was brilliant. Having an antique store in the front and a tearoom in the back was something incredibly different and unique, so we jumped at the idea. 

We decided to rename the store Merri Pennie’s, in honor of Amy’s late mother who passed away from cancer. We wanted to honor her and thought there was no better way than to name the store after her, as she was also a successful businesswoman and the longtime owner of Homestyle Furniture Store in Downtown Magee. 

How does Merri Pennie’s differ from The Emporium? Is there a stark contrast in the type of merchandise offered at both stores?

Well, I’ll start off by saying both stores are what I call, “vendor malls.” However, Merri Pennie’s caters towards a different market, offering more high-end items. We carry more antiques here and feature more local artists. The tearoom adds a different flavor and creates a distinct difference between our two stores.

What would you say are the key elements to starting and running a successful business?

You need to have knowledge about what you’re trying to achieve when it pertains to your goals, and you absolutely must know your market. I think something that often happens to businesses; unfortunately, is that they don’t look at these things or know who their audience is. Putting the time in to understand these things helps tremendously. 

Are there any special events Merri Pennie’s offers that you’d like to highlight?

Absolutely! Our tearoom is open to special events, such as high teas, senior parties, graduations, birthday parties, etc. You name the occasion, and we can host it!

What do you think makes Canton special as the home for your business?

Canton’s Historic Square has a certain quality about it. It’s incredibly unique and everyone here is so kind. One of the things I love most about Canton is that you’re able to see the possibilities and growth that live here and are bound to happen. I must mention the annual events as well. The Canton City of Lights Christmas festival and Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show lend a hand to us being here, as people travel from all over to attend these events. 

Meet The Merchant: Where History Meets Style - Discover The Emporium: A One-of-a-Kind Store In The Heart Of Canton

In the heart of Canton, Mississippi’s Historic Square lies a true entrepreneurial gem. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Ed Hutchison who, along with his wife, has transformed two vendor malls into bustling marketplaces filled with unique treasures. Their joint venture not only offers local artisans and vendors a space to thrive but also plays a key role in the vitality of our small southern town.

What unique or standout items have you come across or sold that you'd like to share?

Ed: One special item/memory involves snow. In the back of The Emporium, we make snow for the kids during the holiday season. Once, two children (now adults), who grew up visiting our store ended up proposing outside during Christmas, right on the carriage ride. They came back because of the fond memories from their childhood, and now they return every year. It’s amazing to be a part of their story. 

How did you and Amy get your start as entrepreneurs? 

Ed: I’ve always had my own business, but my wife, Amy, wanted to buy a jewelry business years ago. After purchasing it, we started doing Junior League shows. A family friend suggested we should open a store on The Square. We began with 600 square feet, selling half antiques and half costume jewelry. Eventually, we outgrew the space and, by chance, found a larger store on The Square. That’s when we opened The Emporium 15 years ago – 3600 square feet! We wanted to add something new, as there were already several antique stores on The Square. We decided to feature local artists, and that’s been our focus ever since. 

What has been the most rewarding aspect of working and running two businesses together as a couple?

Ed: One of the positives is that we get to spend a lot of time together.

Amy: And owning our own businesses lets us travel more, which we love.

Tell us more about The Emporium.

Ed: We like to call it a retro department store. It’s a place where different merchants come together to offer a variety of unique items. The name 'Emporium' is a nod to the old Emporium in Jackson. The grandson of the family who owned it still lives nearby and kindly gave us their original logo. We've been using it ever since, and it’s been part of our story for 15 years now.

Meet the Merchant: Reflections Collectibles and Antiques

Reviving the Past, How Dorothy Chatman Curates Treasures in Reflections Collectibles and Antiques, a Resale Gem on Canton's Historic Square 

Today we’re sitting down with Dorothy Chatman, owner of Reflections Antiques and Collectibles. Dive in to learn more about her passion for the antique business, what makes The Square a perfect location for her store, and how the antique industry has changed over the past several years. 

Can you tell me a bit about your background? What brought you and your business to the Historic Canton Square? 

Of course! My name is Dorothy Chatman. I was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. I have a lot of relatives here, as my family roots are planted in Madison County. Prior to opening Reflections, I sold real estate for 22 years and pivoted to work in the social work field after that. Those careers were fulfilling because I was able to meet new people and help them. However, antiques and collectibles have always been my true passion.  

I first began working in Canton years ago, in what is now SAAB’s Gallery, where I rented space at another business for about seven years. I took a year sabbatical, until I felt the urge to work in the antique industry again. So, in 2010, I opened Reflections Collectibles and Antiques. We offer a wide variety of merchandise – if you look around, you’ll see a little bit of everything. People are leaning into more of an eclectic interior design style, so we cater to that demographic as well. You’re not going to find a lot of new merchandise in the store, as we carry true antiques and collectible items. I’ve been here a little over fourteen years now, and it has truly been a rewarding experience. 

I chose The Square as the home for my business because I was attracted to the charm and excitement that the events and activities bring to Canton. I credit Canton Tourism immensely for their efforts to keep activities and functions going to draw people here. Years ago, I believed that this would be a great place to plant my professional roots, and it has proven to be just that. 

How has running a store on a Historic Square impacted your business and interactions with the community? 

Developing relationships with not only locals, but also people that travel through the area once or twice a year, who make it a point to stop at The Square/my store, makes me feel successful in that regard. We have many returning customers because they enjoy shopping with me and like the merchandise I offer. They enjoy the atmosphere I’ve created as they like feeling at home when they come here.  

Have you always been interested in antiques and collectibles? How do you source the items you carry? 

I most definitely have always had a passion for antiques and collectibles. As a child, I would set up a “store” when we played and sell penny candy to other kids in the neighborhood. An entrepreneurial spirit has always lived inside me. Yes, I’ve had other jobs and career paths, but they just were not as fulfilling as this. I enjoy figuring out the best and most appealing ways to display merchandise, as well as sourcing items that people will be excited about. It keeps me on the hunt for the next great piece I can bring into the store.  

In the last few years, a lot of items have been donated (to Reflections) from customers that are moving, having estate sales, and things of that sort. On the other hand, I do like to individually hand pick items. I like buying from customers or people that I know, as I can trust that the quality of the items is in the utmost condition. This also keeps transactions in the local community, which is important to me. 

What changes have you seen in the town or in the collectibles market over the years? 

I would say that the main change in the market over the last several years is the internet. Online shopping has a played a huge role in how customers shop. People are now able to stay home, press a button, and order anything they want from the comfort of their living room. In my opinion, I think the interest in coming to see and touch the objects has declined a bit.  

On the other hand, this behavior helps a store like mine. Often, people purchase items, and it’s not what the customer thought it was or the quality isn’t great. So then, that urges people to actually come into a store like mine and find something similar – where they can investigate the quality themselves and learn about the origin of the item, which you obviously aren’t able to do online. The internet has affected us in many ways. However - like a lot of things - when things change, you must try to change with it or else you get left behind.  

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own antiques or collectibles business? 

Plan, plan, plan! Planning is key when it comes to starting your business from the ground up – especially when it comes to antiques. Identifying the local market and what you sell is important. Ensuring that you have products that will move and thrive in your environment is crucial. For example, Canton has always been known for its antique and specialty shops. 

It’s a no-brainer that a shop like mine would fit in perfectly here.  

Research is also key – knowing what people are buying and what they’re on the hunt for. In short, you need to look at the landscape of where you’re trying to go. If you can fit into that mold, you can make it work.  

In that same vein, is that what you think makes a business successful? What can ensure the longevity of a small business?  

Besides having the product that people are looking for, having the personality and endurance to follow through on your goals is vital. I would have to say that I believe personality is sometimes looked over, but it is just as important as anything else. There are some customers who shop with a business because they like the atmosphere you’ve created. When you come in and you’re greeted like an old friend or recognized as a previous customer, you feel welcomed and want to go back.  

Meet the Merchant: Crossroads

Restoring Hope: How Crossroads Ministries Leads the Way in Helping Women Find Their Path After Incarceration  

Today, we’re sitting down with Vicki DeMoney, Executive Director, and Sharon  Tyson, Store Manager, to learn more about how Crossroads helps women find their strength and path to Christ coming out of incarceration.  

What inspired you to start this organization? Can you share a bit about your background and how it led you to this work?  

Vicki: Of course! I was volunteering in prisons for about three or four years as part of the clergy. I heard stories during that time that tugged on my heartstrings immensely. Women would tell me that they made parole but didn’t have anywhere to live. Or rather, the place that they can go to isn’t safe and if they find themselves back in that environment, then they will end up in prison again. There’s an invisible, common thread connecting all of them – they just want a fresh start.  

I felt a calling by God to help these women. So, in 2008, I started a safe home for women coming out of incarceration. That home has now grown to include four homes in total, a warehouse, a store on the Canton Square, and our office space. We have two sober living homes in Canton and we’re the only ministry of our kind in the Madison County area.  

Can you describe the main program and services offered?  

Vicki: Absolutely. It all stems from trying to help previously incarcerated women have a second chance at life. The truth is that we start with a toothbrush. These women don’t have anything when they leave, so we provide all their hygiene products, clothes, shoes, etc. Once the women have their necessities, they begin the program. The program is comprised of four phases. 

The first phase is at our first home where we have sixteen beds. In this phase, they don’t get a cellphone or internet. Their priority is to heal because most of the time, after being incarcerated, you’re just not going to be thinking clearly. Most reoffend within the first 90 days of getting out, so having them in this bubble of an environment is helpful. I have a lot of ladies tell me that they would have probably gone back if it wasn’t for the Phase 1 program. 

Like I said, this is the phase where women’s physical and emotional wellbeing are at the forefront. In prison, a woman’s health can deteriorate drastically. People are under the assumption that the state takes care of them, but that is far from the truth. Women are not afforded mammograms, pap smears, or necessary check-ups. We have women come out of incarceration with various kinds of cancer, broken bones, diabetes, and other medical issues. Extreme tooth decay (due to hygiene neglect and lack of dental care) is also seen. Therefore, our top priority is to get them the medical help they need. On average, every new resident needs four to five doctor appointments as soon as they arrive.  

After they graduate Phase 1, they move to the house that Sharon Tyson, our house and store manager, runs. We call this Phase 2. In this phase, they receive a cellphone and start working, but they are still held to a high accountability. They begin learning financial literacy and how to save money. More freedoms are offered, but it’s still tightly governed. After a while, if they’ve done well there, they move on to Phase 3. In phase 3, the girls share a living space but have their own bedroom.  

Sharon:  I also must mention the other services/classes we offer. We’ve partnered with Holmes Community College, who provide the girls with resources to create a resume, learn how to have a successful job interview, and receive college credit for the classes they take. On Monday – Wednesday, we offer a wide range of classes and extracurricular activities. These range from bible study, finance and art classes, to a Pilates class. We have guest speakers, whether it’s a pastor or an individual that wants to share their story and testimony to the women, come as well. All the girls have group counseling, receive a mentor, and have one-on-one therapy sessions. We like to offer a variety of classes to help them find their path to healing because if you don’t do that necessary work on yourself, then you are going to continue to have destructive habits and hurt people.  

Once the women graduate the program, do they continue with Crossroads or venture out on their own?  

Vicki: MDOC mandates that the girls graduate from the initial four-month program. However, I have girls that have been with me for four or five years now. This shows me that our organization is truly helping these ladies. I know we’re making a difference not just with this generation, but generations to come. If I can help a mother change her life, then in turn, she can be an example for her children and change their lives as well. If people can see the value in that, then they can see the value in what we’re doing.  

What have been some oft he biggest challenges in running this organization?  

Vicky: I would say one of the biggest challenges we face is funding. I’ve had the opportunity to speak with legislators who set the budget for The Department of Corrections, whom we receive a small grant from. Due to the low amount of funding we receive, I’ve tried to convince them to increase the amount of time they can help me support these women. I’m not sure if that got anywhere, but we tried and will continue to keep pushing. 

Sharon: We partnered with Musee’s around ten years ago, as well as various restaurants around town that employ the women and teach them job skills. I’ve found that finding more businesses (that aren’t fast food chains), that want to partner with us to allow the girls to work during the day has been a bit difficult. 

I’d love to hear more about the stores you’ve opened and how the Crossroads’ mission influences these establishments. How long have you had a flagship store on The Square, and what made you choose Canton as the location?  

Vicki: We’ve been on the square since Christmas of 2013. Our first location was in the Gowdy’s building on the corner. We’re now located in the old Buttross store. The Buttross’ have owned the store since 1910. Previously, it was a dry goods store, and they had never subleased it to anyone. We’re eternally grateful they opened their hearts and store to us, as we were able to really expand Crossroads once we moved to our current location. I chose Canton because when God called me to this ministry, He called me here. It felt right and like we would be embraced with open arms. We want to get more involved with Canton when it comes to ministry and supporting local churches and the community. 

As for the Crossroads store, I would consider us more of a resale store. We don’t call ourselves a thrift store. In saying that, we do offer clothing and other merchandise at very low prices – including furniture, rugs, knick-knacks, antiques, one-of-a-kind pieces, and so much more. We truly feel like we’re a ministry to the community for many reasons. Our customers are very loyal to us. The store is only open three days a week (Thursday through Saturday, from 10 AM to 4 PM) because our ladies are in class Monday through Wednesday. We have a warehouse where we store a lot of the large furniture that is donated to us. It’s open Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 3:30 PM. I’m so proud of how far our store has come. Sharon Tyson, our store manager, has really risen to the challenge of making the store great in so many ways. 

Sharon: It has been a pleasure to do this work. The girls in our program can work at our store and our warehouse, where they are able to learn a lot of job skills. When they first start, they’re able to pick out clothes, and they are just in awe as they now have the ability to dress up and feel good about themselves.  

I’ll often post some of our available inventory on social media. People see those posts, come into the store, and are just amazed by what we have. To reiterate what Vicky said, we don’t sell low-quality products, but people are still able to purchase amazing brands at low prices. On one side of the store, we have a five-dollar bag sale, where you can fit about a dozen items inside a bag and get some amazing clothing brands at an incredible discount.  

What are your future goals for Crossroads?  

Vicki: I would love to be able to provide more housing for the women to be able to make their own. Group living can be a challenge. My dream is to have a large piece of property to build tiny homes on for them to rent. 

Quality employment opportunities with different companies/industries is something I would love to see more of. A lot of companies will not hire those that have been incarcerated. They are truly missing out on some remarkable people. We are extremely grateful for companies like

Musee’s, Keifer’s in Madison, Boo’s BBQ & Wendy’s in Gluckstadt, and Quality Cleaners in

Canton that have partnered with Crossroads to hire our residents. We can’t thank them enough. 

All in all, my main goal is to really change the mindset of how the ladies perceive themselves, how others see them, continue to demonstrate the love of God, and increase the ministry tenfold, which in turn, will help so many. 

“Help those In Need.”

“Heal the Broken.”

“Hope for Peace.” 

Meet the Merchant : The Daily Scoop

Scooping Up Tradition: How One Family-Owned Ice Cream ShopSweetens the Heart of a Small Town

The Daily Scoop is a beloved ice cream shop nestled in the heart of Canton, Mississippi, on the picturesque Canton Square. This charming establishment has become a local favorite, offering a delightful array of ice cream flavors made with high-quality ingredients. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, The Daily Scoop has established itself as a go-to spot for both residents and visitors looking to enjoy a sweet treat in a cozy, nostalgic setting. Its presence on the historic square adds to its appeal, making it a standout destination in the community. 

We’re super excited to be sitting down with you today. As you’re a familyowned business, can you tell us more about your family and how The Daily Scoop was born?  

 We are the Danaher family, consisting of David & Suzanne along with our children Alley, Damian, Kenzie, & Pete. We made the move from Michigan to Mississippi in 2002. Since relocating, we have embraced our new home with enthusiasm, building a strong sense of community and forging numerous lasting friendships. Mississippi has truly become a cherished home for us, where we continue to create joyful memories.

Why did y’all decide to open The Daily Scoop? 

We started The Daily Scoop in Canton because of our deep appreciation for the community and a desire to offer the best ice cream to its residents and surrounding areas. Our mission was to create a welcoming space where people could gather and enjoy high-quality ice cream. By embedding ourselves in the heart of Canton, we aimed to contribute to the local charm and provide a sweet spot where everyone could come together and savor delightful treats. 

When did you first open your doors? What kind of goods do you offer, and are there any events you’re a part of that you’d like to highlight? 

We opened The Daily Scoop on October 14th, 2021, with a mission to bring delightful ice cream experiences to the residents of Canton, Mississippi and the surrounding areas. Since our opening, we have proudly served the community by offering a range of delicious ice cream flavors, hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, rice Krispy treats as well as other sweet treats. We enjoy participating in local events and our ice cream can be enjoyed at popular gatherings such as the Canton Flea Market, Canton Christmas Lights, Ladies Night Out, Upstairs Downtown, and Trick & Treating on the Canton Square, helping to sweeten these cherished community occasions. 

What would you say are the key elements to starting and running a successful business? 

At The Daily Scoop, the key to our success lies in our unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming environment where every customer feels valued and appreciated. Our focus on personalized attention and friendly interactions ensures that each visit is a pleasant experience, making our ice cream shop a cherished part of the Canton community. 

How did you decide to open The Daily Scoop on The Square? What makes Canton special as the home of your business? 

We decided to open The Daily Scoop on the Canton Square because of the city’s unique charm and its close-knit community. The historic square provided the perfect backdrop for our ice cream shop, allowing us to connect with locals and immerse ourselves in the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that defines Canton. The sense of community here made it an ideal location to create a gathering place where residents could enjoy our delicious ice cream and share in the town’s special character. 

What do you hope to see in the future for small businesses, especially in Canton? 

We hope to see Canton businesses continue to grow together, collaborating and supporting one another to strengthen the community. By working in harmony, we believe that local enterprises can collectively contribute to a vibrant and thriving environment, enhancing the town’s charm and fostering a sense of unity. Our vision is for Canton to flourish as a close-knit community where businesses and residents alike come together to build a brighter future for everyone. 

What advice would you give to a fellow entrepreneur just beginning their journey? 

The advice I would give to an aspiring entrepreneur is to dive in head first and follow your dreams with determination. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way, and trust in your vision and abilities. The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with learning and growth, and pursuing your passion wholeheartedly can lead to incredible rewards and personal fulfillment. 

Where do you hope to see your business in five years? 

In five years, we envision our business making significant strides by expanding into new ventures within the hospitality industry. Our goal is to leverage our experience and success in the ice cream sector to explore innovative opportunities and enhance our offerings. By embracing new business avenues, we aim to broaden our impact, continue delighting our community, and contribute to the evolving landscape of hospitality.