Have You Been to The Proctor Mercantile?

The Proctor Mercantile, 2704 N Proctor St, Daily: 10 am-8 pm

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Maybe you're still shopping for Christmas gifts (it's okay). Maybe not. Either way, you might enjoy stopping by The Proctor Mercantile to say "hello" and see what's there. Open since September, the shop occupies the space formerly home to Colors. Although this is a brand new shop, its roots are in The Old House Mercantile, a shop you might remember for its Fiestaware. At the new shop, you'll still be greeted by the bright and bold colors of the famous pottery, as well as a beautiful display of Polish ceramics. 

What you'll find

Lala Beans maternity scarves/capes. Made right in UP!

Lala Beans maternity scarves/capes. Made right in UP!

  • big, old-time display windows (complete with brick planter boxes where kale obligingly grows until spring blooms can take their place again)
  • dishes - Fiestaware and Polish pottery
  • notebooks and stationary
  • jewelry
  • home and holiday decor
  • candles and soaps
  • baby clothes and accessories 

Notably, this small business supports local makers. It's so good to see our shops in Tacoma featuring unique, local wares. At The Proctor Mercantile these days you'll find great momma and baby items such as nursing capes that double as car seat canopies, and infinity scarf nursing covers in whimsical prints, sewn by the ladies of Lala Beans in University Place.  There's also a shelf dedicated to creative candleholders and other items fashioned from hardwoods from Into the Woods designs of Port Orchard. 

Into the Woods Designs, they'll take custom orders - ask at the sales counter.

Into the Woods Designs, they'll take custom orders - ask at the sales counter.

This is a friendly place to shop, a little treasure hunt experience in a low-key part of town where it's almost always easy to park and there are lots of treats and other shops nearby. 

Gifts and goodies from The Proctor Mercantile.

Gifts and goodies from The Proctor Mercantile.

Meet 12 Other Local Shops

If you are one of those still out and about on the search for gifts to give this season, here are a dozen other small businesses worth visiting; you never know what you'll find:

Proctor: Compass Rose, The Pacific Northwest Shop, Teaching Toys & Books, Megs & Mo Upscale Resale, Chirp & Co., GardenSphere, (and The Proctor Mercantile, of course!)

Pt. Ruston: Purpose Boutique

Downtown: Watermark (open since 1974!), Stocklist Goods & Gifts, Satori

West End: Paper Luxe

South End: Marlene's Market & Deli

If you're in search of a book for a reading lover, take a look at our tour of Tacoma bookstores. 

Best wishes and be safe out there!

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