MORRISON, Ill. — Kari Carpenter’s deep connection to the Midwest has become the foundation of her small business. As the owner of The Midwest Mercantile, Carpenter offers a handpicked selection of products from Midwest-based and women-owned businesses. Her shop features clothing, jewelry, candles, and beauty items, all chosen for their quality and gift-ready appeal.
Originally from Iowa, Carpenter describes herself as having strong Midwest roots, with family in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Now based in Morrison, she launched her business two years ago while continuing her full-time job in corporate accounting. With over 20 years of retail experience, she started by selling at pop-up markets and in shared retail spaces before securing a location at the Shoppes at Grandon Plaza in downtown Sterling.
The plaza, located at 312 Second Avenue, opened in 2023 as part of a retail incubator program run by Sterling Main Street. The initiative supports online and home-based entrepreneurs as they move toward establishing permanent storefronts.
Starting a business came with challenges, Carpenter said, but the support from Sterling Main Street made a difference. She noted that with time, running her own shop has become easier, and she appreciates the efforts to promote local businesses.
The Midwest Mercantile also operates online, allowing customers to browse the full selection and receive free shipping. Carpenter hopes to expand into a larger, permanent space in the future and continue developing the store based on customer feedback. She said she is eager to grow the business and offer even more products inspired by the region she loves.
