By Lisa Carolin
Business name: Copper Crate Mercantile and Unique Rentals
Business address: 113 West Middle St.
Business email, telephone number: katina@coppercratemercantile.com, 734-748-2332
Business hours: vary
Business website: www.coppercratemercantile.com
Copper Crate Mercantile and Unique Rentals is a one-of-a-kind business where you can shop, play a game, and plan an event all in one place.
Owner KaTina Blanchard purchased Vintage Barn Boutique in 2014 and has gradually changed the business to a retail store that offers much more.
“The business has changed from primarily a retail store offering antiques, locally made products, gifts, vintage candy, clay-based paint supplies, and crafting workshops to also offering special event supplies such as beautiful paper products for every type of party, vintage items that would be used in entertaining (barware, records, games, decor), unique gifts, vintage inspired candy, and beautiful greeting cards,” said Blanchard.
You’ll also find a variety of eco-friendly products at Copper Crate Mercantile such as clay-based home decor paints and kitchen, bath, and laundry supplies. The business offers home decor workshops too with a focus of “Unique Rentals” for special events. Blanchard says the rentals were a result of the business’ large inventory of china, glassware, vintage furniture, table decor, and themed party decor.
“Between my 30 years of event planning, my passion for entertaining, and my love for vintage and antiques, I found the perfect solution: Copper Crate Unique Rentals,” said Blanchard. “We also design custom tablescapes for your home entertaining or dinner party. We provide everything you need to make entertaining a breeze. You pick up all items (linens, glassware, flatware, tableware, decor etc.), follow our video instructions, have an amazing time, rinse and return.”
Blanchard wants people to know that the store hours are not consistent, but they do schedule shopping and event planning by appointment. She reminds shoppers that Copper Crate Mercantile changed locations last year swapping with Serendipity Books.
“Our new location also offers an amazing covered alley to which we formed Alley Kat’s Collective,” said Blanchard. “Alley Kat’s is host to local artists and vendors during the Sounds and Sights events every Thursday in June and July and other special events throughout the year.”
She says the charm of Chelsea’s historic downtown, the connection with business owners, the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce, and the supportive community have made Chelsea an ideal location for her business.
