HYP April Business Spotlight: The General Mercantile

General Mercantile, home of the finest “gold” to be found on Helena’s historic Last Chance Gulch. Once upon a time in the West, this winding gulch was the home of gold strikes, dreams of better times, and gun fights. These days The Gulch is a place of unique restaurants, galleries, bookstores and shops. The conversation isn’t bad either. For the past 45 years the General Mercantile has been at the center of the somewhat offbeat and relaxed lifestyle found on The Gulch’s 400 Block. If you want to march to a different drummer, or if you don’t want to march at all, linger a bit at the General Mercantile and other 400 Block businesses. Lindsey and Aaron are excited to carry on the beautiful legacy built over the past 45 years at the General Mercantile.

Why did you choose to start your business in Helena?

I didn't start the Mercantile--it was established by Ray Domer in 1971 and I was lucky to work here while attending Carroll. Afterwards, Ray and I stayed close so when he become ill I bought the store so that its legacy could continue.

What makes your business unique to Helena?

For the past 50 years the Merc has been at the center of the somewhat offbeat and relaxed lifestyle found on The Gulch’s 400 Block. Our motto is to "embrace the counter culture" and we take that seriously. We make the most delicious drinks from hand-pulled Italian machines and have about as random of merchandise as one can get.

What is your biggest personal reward from running your business?

The Merc is a community hub. I bought it so as to preserve its unique ambiance free from wifi, laptops and the disconnected culture we find ourselves in. We encourage anyone to pony up to our bar and share in conversation--most of which leans strongly on the liberal side when myself or my baristas are involved!

What advice would you give people who’ve recently moved to Helena?

I'm a strong believer in community--a progressive community that is welcoming to good and kind people. My advice would be to find their way into this community and there's no better place in which to do that than the General Mercantile.

What is your favorite trail to hike near Helena, if any?

My favorite spot to hike in Helena is the Barking Dog Trail because it's uncrowded and lined by beautiful large old trees.

How have you adapted your business in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Sadly the best part of the Merc, the community chatter and counter culture, has been put on pause during the pandemic. Our staff are family to me so we have mandated masks and don't allow seating at the time so as to make it as safe as possible for them.

What can HYP members do to help support your business during the pandemic?

In the spirit of symbiosis you can support the Merc by treating yourself to the best coffee this side of the Mississippi!

Fun Fact:

As of May 1st General Mercantile will be celebrating 50 years strong in Downtown Helena MT.