There’s a distinctly Pacific Northwest spirit to Quimper Mercantile: Founded and originally funded by community members, stocked with everything from practical outdoor gear to local essentials, and built on the idea of self-reliance and economic sustainability.
Port Angeles’ Quimper Mercantile is celebrating its 12th birthday on Oct. 12, and to mark the occasion, it’s holding its annual anniversary sale. The community can enjoy 20 percent off storewide, a grand raffle and a chance to celebrate the store’s journey and impact over the years.
The event is more than just a sale – it’s a celebration of the town’s spirit and a thank-you to the locals who have made Quimper Mercantile a success.
“The anniversary sale is always a big draw,” says Casey Hannam, Quimper Mercantile’s general manager. “It’s our way of saying thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years. We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones.”
Quimper Mercantile got its start when a local retailer closed, leaving Jefferson County without a general store. In response, community members set up a publicly traded company, raising more than $691,900 in equity from 812 shareholders – almost all of them local.
Over the past 12 years, the store has grown from a small team to 18 employees and expanded its footprint to better serve the community.
Anyone can shop at Quimper Mercantile, but shareholders have a special interest in the store. They’re not shy about letting management know what’s working – or not – when it comes to merchandise and operations. “Their feedback is valuable in shaping what we offer,” Casey says. “If it’s not working, we know quickly.”
When it comes to pricing, Casey emphasizes that profit isn’t the main goal. “We do try to be price competitive and make sure we have selections across different tiers,” he says, ensuring there’s something for everyone while keeping the community’s needs in focus.
Casey credits the store’s longevity to hard work, competitive pricing, and a solid team that’s been in place since before the store opened. In fact, some original employees who started on day one have remained with the store, while others have become shareholders or transitioned to board members. “We’ve been able to keep a lot of these people since the very beginning,” Casey says. “It’s really a solid team.”
“We’ve built something unique here, and it’s because of the community and the people who are part of it,” Casey adds. “That’s what keeps us going – staying connected, listening to our customers, and growing together. We’re excited to see what the next 12 years bring.”