B Street Mercantile opened in April of 2013 in downtown Petaluma, CA. Patti Looper and Jenny Paisley, both owners of their own indie craft businesses, Patti Lou Designs and Blockhead Press, are the owners. Located in the heart of downtown Petaluma, this shop prides itself on being "a celebration of the independent designer, artist, and craftsperson." The store carries over 65 brands, many of them local to Northern California, including 2 of our own Creative Business League members, note•ify and Drywell Art.

Why did you decide to open B Street Mercantile?

There so many amazing local and independent artists creating unique items for savvy customers who want to shop local, and we felt we could provide Petaluma with a shopping experience they could not find anywhere else in town. We could not pass up an opportunity to move into our bright and happy location in downtown Petaluma, so it was the perfect timing to make our dreams a reality. With our combined talents, artistic backgrounds and similar tastes and styles in the products, we knew we could create something special.

What helps you decide which pieces to carry in your shop?

People are always looking for unique, high quality, and reasonably priced items that they can't find anywhere else. We search throughout the Bay Area and beyond for just the right mix of home decor, children's items, stationery, textiles, special occasion gifts, and more that we feel our customers will love and enjoy as much as we do. We always venture to find small batch, independently-minded craftspeople to stock the best in gift items.

note•ify prints on the top row next to Drywell Art prints

Where do you recommend customers eat or grab a coffee and snack near the shop?

There are so many wonderful eateries in downtown Petaluma. Just a few doors down from us you will find a fabulous cup of coffee and fresh homemade cookies at Acre Coffee. Bovine Bakery up the street offers a hearty rice bowl and fresh salads made daily. Wild Goat Bistro for lunch and dinner is not to be missed and a local Petaluma favorite!

What is the best part/most surprising part about owning the shop?

Historic downtown Petaluma is a wonderful place to open just the kind of store we created. We have the support of all our wonderful artists, and our customers truly appreciate the unique items we offer. We have been pleasantly surprised at how welcoming our customers are each day and how they love coming in to find that perfect gift. Our partnership has been such a rewarding experience, and we love how the shop continues to be our happy place each morning when we come down to open our doors.

Drywell Art's Charcoal Butchery Diagrams

A selection of note•ify's cards and notebooks

B Street Mercantile

316 B Street
Petaluma, CA 94952

Tues - Sat. 10am-5pm
Sundays 12pm-4pm
Closed Mondays