Opening Up Women Entrepreneurship
LOT 3 MERCANTILE: Vintage Boutique Opens in Downtown E.C.
owner Kersten Foster opened Lot 3 after finding success upcycling furniture
Justine Childs, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
Kersten Foster recently opened Lot 3 Mercantile, named after her favorite beach access in North Carolina where she found inspiration by the water. She had been upcycling furniture and working as an interior designer in Wilmington, North Carolina, when her husband received a job offer bringing them back to her home state of Wisconsin.
As a new empty nester, Kersten’s dreams of owning her own store selling a curated mix of vintage and new goods became a reality. Located at 205 Gibson St., Eau Claire, she wanted to bring something different and unique to the community.
Lot 3 Mercantile offers a broad array of products, including leather goods, antique quilted bags, kitchenware, silk robes and caftans, men’s organic cotton tees, handmade cast iron and carbon steel pans, along with so much more. The bulk of her carefully compiled goods are from women-owned businesses.
Her 500-square-foot space in downtown Eau Claire is filled with distinctive goods arranged beautifully and filled from top to bottom. Should the shopper be in a rush, the garland of fabric birds from Nepal, the gold link bracelets, or the yummy-smelling candles in the hobnail glass jars would be missed – there’s so much to discover in the space!
Kersten’s current obsession with vintage drinking glasses, picture frames, and rugs can be yours, too. Her vintage drinking glasses range in price from $6-$12 and vintage rugs range from $90-$300+.
Her plans for the future include bringing in more furniture, home goods, and distinctive men’s and women’s apparel. She envisions her store constantly changing and evolving as she discerns what shoppers are looking for and interested in.
Lot 3 Mercantile is located at 205 Gibson St. (the former location of Hello Adorn) in downtown Eau Claire, the hours of operation Wednesday-Saturday from 10-5pm. Kersten can also schedule a private shopping experience outside of regular business hours.
When you go, take time to smell the candles and touch the silk robes. You won’t regret it.
Check out Lot 3 on Instagram (@Lot3MercantileCompany) or online at lot3mercantile.com. Swing by the store in person at 205 Gibson St., Eau Claire.
