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METALINE FALLS – A new business moved to Metaline Falls on May 11. North Woods Mercantile set up shop at 125 E. 5th Ave., providing many household goods to the local community.
“We saw its potential and a need for things not available in the community,” owner Lindsay Mathes said.
Mathes said North Woods Mercantile is the only general store north of Newport.
After opening day with a line out the door, business remains steady, she said.
North Woods Mercantile sells second hand and vintage items, clothing, gifts, houseware, hats and books, and farm feed for chickens and cows. Local vendors can also be found at the store selling crafts like pottery and candles.
Mathes said she is also seeking a supplier for hay.
“We started carrying specialty pop: Root beer and sarsaparilla,” she said.
“Next year, we are planning on offering local food options like cheese, meat and wine,” Mathes said.
Although growing up in Kettle Falls, Washington, Mathes has roots in Metaline Falls, saying she used to visit her grandparents. Her great-grandfather owned a soda fountain on Main Street.
She moved with her family to Metaline Falls in 2021.
North Woods Mercantile moved to a nearly vacant building used for storage and once used as a car dealership in the 1940s.
Mathes said she had tremendous help from her husband Jon who renovated the space from electrical work to floor installation.
The Mathes’ took the old patchwork window out, had the frame rebuilt to the original look and put in all new glass.
The store is open Monday through Wednesday, and Saturdays from 10-3 p.m.
Mathes said there were challenges opening the store.
“One challenge is the smaller population. But we will augment that with summer rush traffic,” she said. “Another challenge was finding the courage to open.”
She hopes the store will help locals and visitors find what they need.
“It’s very exciting. We are blessed and honored to be a part of it,” Mathes said.
