About Mercantile

The Mercantile building was bought by the Main Street Corporation in 2006, but has been in existence since 2005.  The Mercantile’s purpose is a business incubator to help new small businesses get up and running on their own, however, over time the focus has changed to include a cooperative spirit.  We believe our efforts can make our businesses successful, and we believe we are helping the community as a downtown destination.  The Mercantile is a project of the Main Street Corporation and together with our help and generous donations from the Bidwell foundation as well as the City of Portage we are a fun place to shop and commune.

Lease information

The operations of the Mercantile are overseen by the Main Street Board of Directors and/or Representative and are administered by the Mercantile Advisory Committee.  The committee proposes new merchants, proposes and administers marketing and advertising programs, determines staffing assignments and staffing levels, tracks and maintain inventory utilizing the point of sales system, and develops and maintains an overall merchandising plan to maximize sales.  The Board/Representative will provide operation over site, retail education and training, accounting and sale reports, assist with marketing and advertising campaigns, contract maintenance as necessary and make funds available for general maintenance and cleaning supplies.
Merchants will be required to have a BUSINESS and SALES PLAN that will be reviewed quarterly by MAC and the landlord’s representative.
Commercial retail space rates:
Base Rent:

• 30 square feet or less:  $3.00 per square foot or 10% of sales; whichever is greater and staffing equal to 16 hours of two shifts per month with a minimum rent of $60.00 per month.

• 31 to 100 square feet:  $2.00 per square foot or 10% of sales; whichever is greater and staffing equal to 21 hours or three shifts per four week period.

• >100 square feet:  $1.80 per square foot or 10% of sales, whichever is greater and staffing equal to 28 hours or four shifts per four week period.

• Wall Grid Consignment: $25/month + 20% - No Staffing

• Consignment Merchant:
• 1 shelf space = to 4 sq. feet, $25/month + 20% - No Staffing
• 2 shelf space = to 8 sq. feet, $50/month + 20% - No Staffing

(Products not conducive to shelf space sales will be looked at on an individual basis relative to space needed and type of display required for product.)

AN ADDITIONAL 5% OF SALES WILL BE ADDED TO ALL SALES TO COVER ADMINISTRATIVE COST

• Storage: Landlord shall designate storage areas for merchant inventory and fixture storage.  Storage of inventory in the retail space shall charge at a rate of $2.00 per square foot.

• Common Merchandising Areas:  Landlord will assign common areas on the retail floor for Merchants to cross merchandise their goods.

Staffing:

The Mercantile requires a minimum of hours per month as determined by the sq. footage rented.  It is important that merchants take responsibility for these shifts to insure consistent hours of operation.  Merchants who cannot cover their assigned shifts will be charged a fee of $50.00 per shift missed.
A one-time $50.00 set up fee shall be charged to each vendor at the beginning of their tenancy.  New merchants may use their own display equipment with approval of the Mercantile Advisory Committee.
Tenants agree to maintain the value of three times the monthly rent in stock in your space at all times, as well as keeping your rental space clean.
Rent to be paid to Main Street Portage, Inc. on the first of the month.

Sales revenues will be distributed on a monthly basis.  Sale revenues, less fees, will be distributed to tenants within ten days of the last day of each month.

Mercantile is located at 117 W. Cook St., in Historic Downtown Portage. Hour store hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM,
Saturday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Holiday extended hours - Mid November thru December: Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM,
Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Current merchants include:

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