History and Background
The Mercantile opened on Main Street in Bradford, PA on June 2, 2005 as a cooperative retail venture. Underwritten by the Downtown Bradford Revitalization Corp., this not-for-profit business operates under the management of Bradford’s Main Street Program. Just sixteen different vendors offered their wares when the store opened. That number quickly grew to more than 50.

Members of this cooperative pay to rent retail space along with a minimal commission on sales. In turn the Mercantile provides a dynamic retail outlet for all types of merchandise, fine art, and antiques. It offers an opportunity for area tradesmen, artisans, and merchandisers to showcase products in a prominent retail location in Bradford’s Historic District that is cooperatively staffed and marketed. The nature of the business creates a fluid environment where inventories are distinctive and diverse making it an interesting place to visit frequently because of the ever-changing displays.