LOCAL: Josephine's Mercantile
Josephine’s Mercantile is South Kitsap's favorite spot for gift shopping, vintage, and of course - a great cup of jo to keep you caffinated. It’s where the community comes together, young and old, new and repurposed, everything has value, and nothing is wasted.
Samantha ‘sam’ Smith, owner
Instagram + Website
Sam named her store in honor of her sweet and spunky Grandma Josephine.
‘Grandma Jo was a child during the depression and because of this, she saved everything. She saved old buttons off shirts, tin cans, and even JCPenney’s magazines to cut out clothing items to make me paper dolls, nothing was wasted. Her home was filled with classic vintage pieces that you just don’t see anymore. Her vintage home and passion for repurposing goods ignited my passion. I love using every little thing and finding a new purpose for it.’
10,000 Square Feet
It’s the reclaimed, repurposed, classic, vintage, shabby chic, mecca of South Kitsap. There are over 20 curators inside Josephine’s, who each have an area to show off their character and flair. You’ll also find numerous locally crafted items like Earrings By Sol and Pickles Pie - plus so much more - inside Josephine’s! The pairing of consistent local products you can always count on, plus a never-ending parade of impressive vintage finds, means each visit is guaranteed to be a successful, unique adventure.
Community centric
Sam’s grandma taught her that family and community are the most important elements in life. Sam remembers her grandma bringing family together, connecting with all age groups, from the eldest to the youngest. Because Grandma Jo engendered the importance of family, you’ll see Sam building that same ‘family’ structure - multi-generations working together - from the high school-aged entrepreneurs to the retirees who’ve been curating for decades. There is an intrinsic feeling inside Josephine’s that everything has value, everyONE has value, all are welcome.
So grab some gal pals, some dude pals, or your parents or grandparents and plan to wander, to reminisce an older time, learn something new, make a new friend, and we bet you’ll find a few pieces you simply can’t live without as well.
Bonus: Here are some pro tips for exploring more of downtown Bay Street. Within mere feet from Josephine’s, you’ll find small-batch, handcrafted ice cream and chocolate at Carters & Company. If you’re in the mood for a beer and burger, or a cosmo and a salad, pop into The Dock Bar & Restaurant (there is a beautiful underwater mural on the outside wall that is perfect for selfies and group photos). The sunset views glowing off the inlet will be the perfect icing on top of a perfect day. The adventures never end when you’re in Port Orchard.
MERCANTIlE COFFEE CO.
A trip to Josephine’s Mercantile is never complete without a little stop by Mercantile Coffee Co. Found towards the back of Jo’s, Merc Coffee will keep you caffeinated and offers a great space to sit and enjoy time spent with good company.
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