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.