Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Kinney.
Hi Stephanie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Mercantile 1888 isn’t just a bar…it’s a story of passion, purpose, and a whole lot of heart. It all started with Stephanie and Amanda, two women with a shared dream of creating something truly unique for their community. Stephanie’s journey to sobriety was the spark that lit the fire. She recognized a gap in the social scene…where could people go to unwind, connect, and feel included without the pressure of alcohol? For her, it wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about building a safe haven where anyone could feel comfortable, no matter their lifestyle choices. That’s how the concept of a zero-proof bar was born.
Amanda, on the other hand, brought her love for storytelling and all things local to the table. She’s the kind of person who can find the soul in a vintage piece or the beauty in a handmade item crafted with care. For Amanda, every detail matters : from the decor that tells a story to the partnerships with local makers and farmers that breathe life into Mercantile 1888. Together, they envisioned a space that not only served creative, zero-proof cocktails but also celebrated the community and its incredible talent.
The name “Mercantile 1888” nods to the history and charm of their Collingswood location, but everything inside is forward-thinking. The store is filled with Amanda’s thoughtful touches, pieces with meaning, like a reclaimed wood bar top. Every corner feels intentional, warm, and welcoming, just like the drinks they serve.
Stephanie and Amanda didn’t stop at creating a bar; they built a community. They forged partnerships with other small businesses and local makers. It’s not just about serving drinks…it’s about sparking conversations, creating memories, and building connections.
Today, Mercantile 1888 is more than a place to grab a drink. It’s where people come to laugh, share stories, and feel at home. It’s a space where sobriety isn’t just respected, it’s celebrated. It’s where local makers shine, and every drink has a story behind it. For Stephanie and Amanda, this is more than a business; it’s a labor of love, a celebration of community, and a testament to the power of dreaming big.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth? Not even a little…We’re a zero-proof bar and curated retail shop. Building a customer base from nothing, in a category a lot of people were still learning about, took time and patience.
Early on, the struggles were the ones most small businesses know well: money is tight, there are only two owners and a handful of part-time staff, and you’re wearing every hat at once. You’re the bartender, the marketer, the designer, the bookkeeper, and the person taking out the trash. Getting the word out is hard when you’re also trying to keep the doors open.
Our biggest struggle came in April of this year. Hemp-derived beverages made up over 50% of our sales, and then New Jersey banned us from selling them. We’d built our compliance around being responsible, with 21+ only, lab-tested products (with paperwork to back it up) and dose caps. Before the ban took place (and even after), we reached out to the state about creating a regulated retail license so shops like ours could do this the right way. But never got a response and took the items off our shelves. And overnight, more than half of our revenue was gone. That’s terrifying for any business, and it’s especially scary when you have a team counting on you.
We are currently still working through this challenge and rebuilding. We recognized that what is getting us through is the same thing that’s always carried us: the community. Customers found out we were struggling and showed up. We’ve leaned back into what we’re really about: great NA cocktails, handcrafted goods and quality products we’re proud to stand behind, we make small-batch syrups, we host craft nights, classes, and a we’re a spot where you can just be you.
It’s been a very bumpy road the last few months, and we’ve felt every pothole. But it taught us who we are and who has our back. We’re still here, and honestly, that’s because of the people who keep walking it with us
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Mercantile 1888 is a zero-proof bottle shop, non-alcoholic cocktail bar, and community space in the heart of Collingswood, NJ. We’re a small, community-powered shop with a vintage, welcoming feel. It’s the kind of place where you can walk in solo, with a partner, or with a group of friends and feel at home.
What we do and what we’re known for
1. A zero-proof bar: Our menu features creative non-alcoholic cocktails, plus NA beers and basics like coffee and tea. We also make small-batch syrups in-house.
2. A curated bottle shop: Quality zero-proof products for sober-curious folks, people in recovery, home bar enthusiasts, and anyone who just wants a great drink without the alcohol.
3. Quality goods: Everything on our shelves is chosen with care, and much of it comes from our community or another small business in the country.
4. Local artisan goods: We stock handcrafted jewelry, apparel, and soaps from local makers.
5. Events and community: We host craft nights, silent reading, wellness events, and many other classes. We also do private events and batched drinks.
What sets us apart
We’re not a bar with a “mocktail” section. Zero-proof is the whole point. Everything here is built around an inclusive, judgment-free space. There’s no pressure to drink, to explain yourself, or to be social if you’re not feeling it. You can chat with a stranger, sketch, read, or just sit. Our team is warm, real, and part of the community.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise
I’m most proud that people feel safe and welcome here. We’ve built something with a real personality, with vintage charm, and a lot of heart. Our customers have celebrated milestones here, including two who got engaged in the shop. I’m also proud that we’ve stayed true to our values through some hard times, and that the community keeps showing up for us.
What I want your readers to know
Come as you are. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just thirsty for something delicious, there’s a seat for you. Stop by, try something new, meet your neighbors, and support a small business that’s doing its best to build a more inclusive kind of “night out.” Find us at mercantile1888.com, and on Instagram (@mercantile1888) and Facebook.
How do you think about luck?
The bad luck is easy to point to. We’ve had our fair share of bad luck this year. It’s been that kind of bad luck, where the ground shifts under you through no fault of your own, and it’s brutal for a small business.
But we’ve also learned that luck isn’t only what happens to you. It’s also who’s standing next to you when it does. Our good luck has been the people. We have a small team that cares. We have a community that shows up, shares our posts, books our events, buys gift cards, and tells their friends. We get to exist in a town like Collingswood, where neighbors really do support small businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mercantile1888.com
- Instagram: @mercantile1888
