Founder, curator, and interior designer Kelli Kaufer opened the store in 2019.
As a Lead Designer for HGTV and DIY television Kelli designed over 250 remodel shows over 15 years. Designing for TV required Kelli to create spaces that were trend setting and unique.
To accomplish this, she incorporated custom artisan pieces as inspirations for her designs. Working with these artisans Kelli realized it was difficult for them to showcase their craft to the public and build a following – this was where the store concept was conceived.
In 2019, Smith + Trade Mercantile became a reality with help from her husband Paul. Her goal: provide artisans an opportunity to jumpstart their business and build their brand alongside the Smith + Trade brand.
The concept grew, even through COVID, and in 2022 the Merc moved to a larger space and grew from 40 to over 100 Smiths.
Our plan is to plant other Smith + Trade Mercantile's around the state of Minnesota to support their local maker community.
Smith + Trade Mercantile
We put a face and a story to a handmade product and let the buyer identify and embrace why that person put such passion into their creation.
