Southern Mercantile Antiques , is the perfect example of what makes Prairie Grove a must-shop for vintage lovers and antique connoisseurs alike .

When you visit Southern Mercantile Antiques , you leave behind the convoluted world of flea markets and modern decor and step into a true mercantile . With the likeness of a Little House on the Prairie-esque mercantile that meets the needs of every customer , Southern Mercantile Antiques prides itself on a wide variety of true antiques . We sat down with Larry and Carrie , the owners of Southern Mercantile Antiques , to find out a little more about this diamond in the rough business .

“ Everyone historically has gone to a mercantile for everything they need , and we have tried to continue that tradition with vintage items , candies , snacks , country and primitive antiques , and so much more . No matter what you ’ re looking for , if it falls into that historic-need category , we have it .”

Even the snacks leave behind the feel of an old country store , with candies like saltwater taffy . The building is located on Main Street in Prairie Grove and was built in 1888 . Serving as a mercantile since its construction , everything from the building to the nature of the business is historic . In 1907 , the building was bought from the first owner , renamed and rebranded , and continued to function as a mercantile store .

After the next owner passed away , the business , building and inventory sat dormant until 1988 . It was purchased with all of its inventory still intact ( albeit a bit dusty ), and reopened once again as Southern Mercantile Antiques . In 1992 , the building was officially placed on the National Registry for Historic Buildings , helping to preserve

the structural integrity and the historic location and architecture of the building .

Larry moved to Prairie Grove in 1988 and Carrie has lived in Prairie Grove for more than 20 years . The two of them were looking for their next adventure in life , and they knew that Prairie Grove was already home when the mercantile business

came up for sale . They were both already heavily involved in antiquing , and the historic location was just the cherry on top .

“ It was a natural fit , really . Carrie is a skilled decorator , and since the building was in desperate need of refurbishment , it provided a great opportunity to restore the structure and the business to an upscale antique store ,” said Larry . “ It is very important to us that we carry quality , truly antique inventory and keep the building a historic centerpiece to display that inventory in . We specialize in unpainted furniture and ones that have their original painted finish . It is all upscale antiques meant to accentuate your home with a vintage feel .” Larry and Carrie were in the antique business long before buying and refurbishing Southern Mercantile Antiques and built a network of connections to help procure their merchandise . Some of the wares are purchased from trusted vendors and individuals who know the type of product that Larry and Carrie carry , some is bought from real estate auctions and trips to Carrie ’ s home state of Wisconsin . The antique scene in Wisconsin is strong and Carrie knows the hot spots to find the perfect product , so occasionally they will make the long trip North to bring new merchandise back to Arkansas .

“ It is so hard to find quality antiques nowadays . People have painted vintage items or they have simply fallen apart or been lost to time , and to find a