PORT TOWNSEND — Local artisans are being recruited to show off their wares for possible inclusion at the Quimper Mercantile Co. store.
The event — described as an arts and crafts show — will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 2 at the Team Jefferson headquarters, 2410 Washington St., Port Townsend. Artists can bring in samples of their work and show it to a “jury,” which will take a few days to decide if the item is appropriate for sale in the store, said Peter Quinn, chief executive officer of the publicly owned company.
The company plans to open a general-merchandise store in a 15,700-square-foot portion of the old Swain’s Outdoors location at 1121 Water St., Port Townsend, in September.
Artists will not be asked to leave samples behind Aug. 2, Quinn said.
Aside from the local origin, there is little criteria for the items other than that they not for sell for an excessive amount, Quinn said.
“We are totally open,” Quinn said, “although we will need to figure out where in the store it will fit.”
Potential categories include crafts, clothing, value-added farm products, jewelry and woodworking.
Company officials also are interested in speaking to service providers, such as knife sharpeners or seamstresses, to be available for customers.
The Quimper Mercantile Co., also known as QMC, was formed after Swain’s Outdoors closed in February 2011 with the goal of replacing the general-merchandise store.
The plan is for it to offer many of the goods not readily available at other stores in Port Townsend.
Quinn said the company has passed the $500,000 mark in its stock sales, “which is exactly where we thought we would be at this time.”
It is continuing in its efforts to raise a total of $950,000.
The company has raised enough stock now to proceed in purchasing goods and services, Quinn said.
Any additional funds will be used to add depth and breadth to the inventory.
Sheldon Spencer began work last month as general manager.
The store also has hired Holly Mayshark, former owner of Holly’s Flowers in Port Townsend, as assistant manager.
Quinn said certificates will be delivered to stockholders soon but did not have a specific date.
For more information and a prospectus, phone 360-379-4693 or visit www.Quimpermerc.com.
Stock also is sold each Saturday at the farmers market in Port Townsend.
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
