Erin Napier Explains Why Prices at Laurel Mercantile and Scotsman General Store Are Higher Than Expected
This story originally ran in July 2020, and has been updated to reflect new information.
Above average prices may typically deter customers from making purchases. But when it comes to the prices at Home Town's Erin and Ben Napier's two stores— Laurel Mercantile and Scotsman General Store — there's a good reason why some items cost a bit more than usual.
Last year, Erin Napier took to Instagram to explain how she and Ben come up with their prices. The main reason: the couple specifically sources locally-made goods. "We have chosen to support American manufacturing by featuring products made here in the USA because if we’re going to be serious about revitalizing small town America, we have to be serious about making things here to keep our hometowns strong," Erin writes.
She notes that if she and Ben imported their goods from countries without labor laws (think countries without minimum wage or minimum working age, etc.), their costs would be lower. However, their mission isn't to cut costs, but rather revive their small town of Laurel, Mississippi, as well as others across the country. To do so, the couple has opted for American-made goods to stock their shelves.
"We feel that it is worth the price to help support local economies by providing a demand for the jobs needed to create these products," she writes. While other stores may have lower prices for similar products, these items may have been made in factories outside the United States under harsh conditions.
"We hope you’ll consider the true cost of a bargain when buying items in the future as well, and whenever possible, think of how far your dollar goes when it stays in the USA," Erin says. While the HGTV star had turned off comments on her Instagram at the time, a few select users were able to leave a note on the post. One user even called out the coffee: " I can vouch for that coffee!!! It’s great! Thanks Erin."
Almost a year after her original post, Erin once again took to Instagram to echo her message about American manufacturing and the prices at the couple's stores. "As more of you are finding your way to our corner of the internet, you’re discovering our two stores: @laurelmercantile and @scotsmangeneralstore," she writes. "Someone on Twitter told me they were disappointed with our prices, and I’d like to share why our goods are priced the way they are."
She goes on to explain the couple's curis personalis approach. "Laurel, like many towns, was built on manufacturing. We believe that if we are going to be serious about revitalizing America’s hometowns, then we have to be serious about supporting American manufacturing and the small towns that depend on it." Later, she writes "When we buy things that are made in the USA, we make our small towns stronger."
➡ Love knowing what your favorite HGTV stars are up to? Same. Let's keep up with them together.
Laurel Mercantile is a home goods store located on 414 Front St in Laurel, Mississippi. It's known for its eclectic range of hip apparel, rustic furniture, and home accessories. Scotsman General Store & Woodshop is located at 1 Spec Wilson Blvd in Laurel, Mississippi. Here you can find vintage-style soda pop, candy, original preserves and other perishables to bring home. You can also shop handmade wood products made in Ben's workshop. All products are available to order online, too!
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.
You Might Also Like
