Why Cultivating Community is the Best Way to Build Your Local Business

TUNE IN: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY

Opening a business during a pandemic?

That’ll be a heck yes for Mallory Richardson, the woman behind Des Moines Mercantile, a modern general store in the heart of the city.

Mallory opened up the Mercantile in June but already has almost 5000 followers on Instagram, sold-out products and socially distanced lines down the street for popup events. So what’s her secret? Community. Community + strong digital presence.

Mallory and her husband built Des Moines Mercantile to be a brand driven by local. They support local makers inside their shop by carrying curated goods from different small businesses, all with the goal of stocking timeless products that are inspired by the past. Soft wool blankets, beeswax candles, thick bristled brooms or a pint of Iowa honey all products you’ll see beautifully arranged in Des Moines Mercantile.

But her knack for store aesthetics aren’t what keep customers coming back. It’s Mallory’s heart for building authentic community with her vendors and her customers. In this episode of Local to Legend we’re breaking open Mallory’s story and how she exploded with growth in just 6 months amidst a global pandemic.

Tune in for topics like:

• The key to cultivating community IRL and online
• How Mallory helps her customers feel like they’re a part of something bigger
• Why building relationships is one of the most effective ways to grow your local business + how to do it

Links from the episode:

• Des Moines Mercantile website & Instagram @dsmmercantile
• Mallory’s Vendor Sources for Des Moines Mercantile
  • Made in Iowa
  • Faire
• Launch Your List - our free 5 day mini course that’ll leave you with a strong email marketing strategy and a business ready to grow
• Follow me (Emily Steele) (Love Local) on Instagram for a little business + a little life, and a whole lot of positive energy!

More From Mallory Richardson & Des Moines Mercantile

Visit Des Moines Mercantile at 3707 6th Avenue the next time you’re in the city or shop the goods online.

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I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Does your local business have a Facebook group? How do you authentically connect with people in your community?

Thank you for listening, friend. See you in the next episode!