5 Ways to Shop Local and Shop MerCo
It is that time of the year - time to shop for the holidays!
Supporting local businesses is a great way to contribute to the community and find that perfect gift. Mercer County, Illinois has great places to visit and explore. We have put a list together to help you find where to go this holiday season.
The Mercantile
There is a new addition to Viola this year! The Mercantile has candy, clothing, blankets, and so much more. Walk inside this 112+ year old building for your holiday needs. Needing a sweet treat? This little shop serves up ice-cream as well. They source many of their items from small businesses and can help you find just what you are looking for.
Located: 1701 13th St, Viola, IL, United States, Illinois
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday 12-4pm
Sales from the Krypt
Creep on in to this store in New Windsor! There are two stories of a seemingly endless collection that is easy to navigate through. You are greeted by a large children’s section that is perfect for the young ones in your life. Their small toy wonderland is sure to draw in any parent doing their holiday shopping. Continuing on into the store, you can find anything from unique antiques to niche items for someone with a specific taste or style.
Not only do they have a store in New Windsor, but Sales from the Krypt has a warehouse location in Viola to keep your shopping day going. Their warehouse is open on Thursdays and some Saturdays - you can stay updated on their Facebook page.
Located: 400 main street, New Windsor, IL, United States, Illinois
Warehouse: 2797 95th Ave, Viola, IL
Hours: Monday, Friday, & Saturday 9am-5pm
Warehouse: Thursday & some Saturdays: 9am-5pm
Odd Bettie’s
Conveniently across from Central Park in Aledo, Odd Betties is two stories of antiques and oddities. Walking through the store, you will find many different items for the variety of people in your life. For clothing and fashion lovers, there is a vast selection of clothing to search through. From dresses to repurposed deer skulls, you never know what you will find inside.
Located: 217 South College Ave, Aledo, IL, United States, Illinois
Hours: Thursday-Saturday 10am-3pm
Photo from The Alley Marketplace
The Alley Marketplace
In Historic Downtown Aledo, the Alley Marketplace has two store-fronts for you to explore! To the right, you can find the main store that holds a variety of items perfect for your holiday shopping.
Shopping for a little one? They’ve got you covered.
Shopping for a candle lover? Look no further!
To the left, you can explore their re-sale shop. You can find clothing, decor, and other odds and ends that fit you shopping needs.
You won’t be able to resist looking a bit for yourself…it’s okay we won’t tell! Stop by and explore this little shop om Aledo, Illinois.
Located: 110 E Main St, Aledo, IL, United States, Illinois
Hours: Monday-Friday 10-6pm
Saturday 10-3pm
Blessed by Nature
In Aledo, Blessed by Nature is full of things to explore. Inside their store, you can find vitamins, healthy snacks, natural soaps, and many more all-natural products. Don’t forget to grab a smoothie once you’ve taken a look at all they have to offer!
Located: 315 SE 3rd St, Aledo, IL, United States, Illinois
Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5pm
Mercer County, Illinois is the place to experience for your local shopping. You can find more places to shop on our Shop with Us page.
Happy Holidays from the Visit MerCo team!
Don’t forget to #visitmerco and #merrymerco when you post, so we can share your captures.
