Shop sets ribbon cutting ceremony for Saturday
Sisters Kerry Vellieux (left) and Jami Ryan are the owners of Chippy Barn Mercantile in the Mill. A ribbon-cutting is set for next Saturday at 12:30 pm.
Chippy Barn Mercantile, located within the Shoppes of Alber Mill, will be celebrating its 6 month anniversary in Manchester with an open house and ribbon cutting this Saturday!
It was the new Third Thursday vendor shows last summer that attracted sisters Jami Ryan and Kerry Vellieux to Manchester, but it was the old mill that got them to stay. The two, who have lived in Michigan for 12 years, currently reside in Adrian and have been doing craft shows together for a couple of years now.
“We had always wanted to own a shop together,” says Kerry. “We like the small town feel of Manchester and its people. While we were at the vendor shows on Thursdays, we saw that the Mill had spaces available to rent, and with its history, river rocks, and barn wood, it is a perfect backdrop for our style of shop – rustic, vintage, and farmhouse.”
They were also attracted to the great view of the River Raisin and spillway from their downstairs shop. Its cozy and unique character just felt right to them.
Opening on October 2, 2018, the Chippy Barn had a busy and successful fall, followed by a couple of very long winter months in January and February. Spring is bringing fresh optimism and new products at the shop, and business is definitely picking up as the weather improves.
About half of the items in the store are hand crafted by Kerry and Jami, with the other half being items for the home such as candles, coffee, tea, mugs, and other specialty items.
“We started out selling about 80% of our own items, but we were having trouble keeping up with demand, especially around Christmas,” Kerry said. “So we stepped up the specialty items and we have tried to focus primarily on Michigan-made products.”
Although, one of their most popular products actually hails from their home town of Ponca City, Oklahoma–a great barbecue sauce called Head Country. Stop in and try it while it’s still in stock.
The sisters also have a craft room separate from the shop where they can create even more during their down-time in the shop. They also will be hosting a Make & Take Dreamcatcher Party in the craft room of the Mill on Saturday, May 18th. Interested persons can book a spot/spots on their Facebook page.
They are currently open Wed-Fri from noon noon to 6pm and Saturday 11am to 5pm. They will be participating in and open later on 3rd Thursdays this summer. The best way to keep up with sales & updates is through Facebook.
Saturday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony will be a customer appreciation day, with sales and a treat for each customer. Don’t miss this special event, which begins at 12:30 pm with the Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting.
A constantly-changing variety of home goods and treats is making Chippy Barn Mercantile a popular shopping spot!
About half of the items for sale in the store are created by sister-owners Kerry and Jami.
Great natural lighting and a beautiful view of the River Raisin make the Chippy Barn Mercantile a must-stop in Manchester.
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