River Raisin Mercantile going out of business
Sue LaRocque, owner of River Raisin Mercantile, which is going out of business this winter after more than eight years. Photo courtesy of Sue LaRocque.
by Sara Swanson
Sue LaRocque, owner of River Raisin Mercantile, is announcing this week that she is going out of business. Opening on May 5, 2017, River Raisin Mercantile, located at 138 Main St, has been a go-to location for more than eight years for antiques, collectibles, gifts, toys, and decorations.
LaRocque’s lease expires at the end of February. She states that she will keep her doors open until her lease expires unless everything sells earlier. And she does want things to sell. Starting on November 8, almost everything will be 30% off. She stated, “I want to start the sale quickly, so people have the chance to get Christmas gifts at a great price. I’m hoping that people think ahead and purchase gifts for birthdays, holidays, etc.” After a couple of weeks, the percentage off will go to 35%, then 40%, then 50% after the holidays. The shop does have items from vendors for sale and most vendors are removing their items before the sales start. LaRocque added that candles, syrup, jam, honey, quillery cards, and felted products will remain but stay at their regular price.
River Raisin Mercantile opened on what would have been LaRocque’s grandma’s 100th birthday. She owes her interest in antiques to her grandma in the first place. When her grandmother passed away at 96 years of age, LaRocque helped clean out her old farmhouse, and her appreciation of and curiosity about antiques grew from there. She began attending estate sales looking for more treasures and eventually opened two booths in antique malls, which led eventually to the store. Even though the store is closing, her passion for the antiques business hasn’t wavered. She stated, “I am keeping my booths in other malls. I even plan on expanding into other antique stores. I love this business and it will keep me busy until I decide what to do next with my time.” She plans to keep some of the shelves and cabinets for booth spaces but will be selling some as well at reduced prices.
LaRocque doesn’t have a plan yet for this next phase of her life except to continue finding unique treasures for her booths. She stated, “I will take some time to reflect and decide how to use my time. I am the type of person who likes to stay busy. I am confident I will find the perfect path.” She is also looking forward to having more time to spend with her family locally and in other states.
Through her store, she became very involved in downtown efforts. She helped plan Christmas in the Village, Witches Night Out, 3rd Thursdays, winter events, and downtown beautification efforts with the hanging baskets, fall decor, downtown luminaria, and alley renovations. She also got involved in local organizations. She became SRSLY Manchester’s business representative. She also joined the Downtown Development Authority board, which led to her running for and serving on City Council, as well as joining the board of the Historical Society, which lead to her becoming the curator of the historical society’s museum in the Kingsley-Jenter House.
LaRocque has loved having a store in Manchester and providing the community a place to find something for everyone on their gift-giving list. She stated, “I have enjoyed finding unique antiques, as well as new products like toys, towels, socks, signs, home decor, cards, etc. I have also loved giving local artists a place to sell their art! One thing I enjoyed most is connecting with the people of Manchester. I have some regular customers and those who just want to chat. This is something I will miss.”
You may be wondering why she is closing her doors. Like many small businesses, River Raisin Mercantile is struggling in the current economy and can’t compete with the ease of ordering online. LaRocque saw her business take a drastic downturn in sales when COVID hit and the sales never recovered. She states that the store hasn’t actually been profitable in a couple of years.
“It seems many people these days don’t appreciate the value of having small businesses in their hometown,” LaRocque said. “I wish people would take a minute and try to picture their downtown with no retail stores. I can’t imagine a town filled with just service businesses. My hope is that someday soon folks will begin to value places where you can actually talk with a store owner, plus see, feel, taste, smell, and experience the joys of a small business.”
She will be taking many positive memories with her into her next chapter of life. As a retired teacher, many of her former students would stop in to see her and talk. She stated, “I love connecting with them after many years.” But with more than just her former students, having a store allowed her to connect with so many people and hear their stories, struggles, and joys. She also loved having her grandchildren and special friend, Cal, help in her store. She said, “They love to come to work with me, greet customers, and do small jobs. I know they are sad that my store, which they have known their whole life, will no longer be here.”
She concluded, “I want everyone to know that I have enjoyed their friendship and loyalty. I have met some amazing people! I will still be involved in Manchester. I plan on continuing in my volunteer roles and maybe pick up a couple more. Time will tell.”
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