Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pipe Creek Mercantile?
Pipe Creek Mercantile is an 11,000+ square foot antique and vintage destination featuring a thoughtfully curated mix of antiques, vintage goods, primitives, collectibles, textiles, boutique items, and seasonal accents. Our space is home to more than 50 independent vendors, each bringing their own unique story and carefully sourced treasures.
We focus on curation and experience, not just size. Every vendor and item is chosen for quality, character, and story—creating a space that feels intentional, beautiful, and inspiring.
What the name Pipe Creek Mercantile?
Maci and Tressie grew up just down the road from Pipe Creek Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Indiana. Their great-great uncle once owned the Pipe Creek Falls Resort—first as a restaurant, later as a tavern—and the area holds deep family memories, including camping “down by the river in an old bus.”
Today, Pipe Creek Mercantile sits in Pipe Creek Township, just six miles from the picturesque falls that shaped so many of those early memories. There’s a special sense of nostalgia in building something meaningful so close to the place where generations before them gathered, worked, and lived. Many of the items now sold as antiques at the Mercantile were once everyday necessities in those earlier times—used, loved, and passed down.
Maci and Tressie feel deeply blessed to be small business owners in Miami County. This community has provided the inspiration, support, and care that allowed their vision to grow—both locally and beyond. They are profoundly grateful for where this journey has led and for the people who continue to support and give back to them every day.
How do I become a vendor?
Go to the bottom of the home page, under “become a vendor”, click on the “find out more” button. Many questions regarding having a booth here can be found on this page. If you have any further questions, come on in and talk to the storekeeper. After your application is finalized you will be put on the waiting list of those who want to join our Pipe Creek Family.
What is the difference between vintage, a collectable and an antique?
The technical answer : Antique is something that is 100 years old or older. A collectible is less than 100 years old, and a vintage item is less than 25 years old or something that has cycled back into fashion. Here at Pipe Creek Mercantile, we have 40+ vendors who love all categories. We have something for everyone, from high-end primitives to vintage enamel tables to farmhouse decor.
Do we buy merchandise or take consignments?
Bring in a picture and price of your item and we will let you know!
I’m looking for a specific item; can you help me locate it in your store?
We will try to help you find what you are looking for but we have 10,000 square feet of space, filled with constantly changing merchandise. Sometimes it is just fun to come treasure hunting because you never know what you might really need!
Do you ship or mail merchandise?
No we do not ship, however we recommend local packaging stores. Customers do have to make their own arrangements.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards and cash.
Do we deliver furniture?
We have a local delivery service for a fee. This is only available on specific days and must be arranged at the time of purchase.
Can we hold items after purchase?
Yes. Purchased items can be held for up to 10 days. After that, a holding fee may apply, as vendors rely on booth space for new inventory.
Questions about the Cafe
What do you serve?
The Trading House Café offers a fresh & seasonal menu with a twist from your Grandma’s Kitchen.
Do you offer different dietary accommodations?
Yes! We have gluten-free, low-carb bread and crackers, fruits for dessert, almond milk and coconut milk. Many of our products are organic and all-natural as we desire these nutritious foods ourselves. If you have any special dietary needs just let the employee know upon ordering.
Does the café change menus seasonally?
Yes. The café releases seasonal menu drops throughout the year, inspired by the rhythm of the seasons and special market weekends.
Do you deliver?
We use delivery.com for our food delivery service. If the order is more than 15 meals we will personally deliver for free, please call the café directly (765-244-9573) to place orders over 15 people.
Can I host an event at the café?
Yes. The Trading House Café is available for private gatherings and celebrations. To inquire, call 765-244-9573.
Do you offer a Military Discount?
Yes! We come from a line of military families and are proud to offer a discount with proof of service.
Why the name "The Trading House Café"?
DEFINITION OF TRADING HOUSE
pronunciation /treiding haus/
Noun: Historical, especially in North America: a building in which trade or barter, especially between settlers or traders and indigenous peoples, takes place; compare “trading post”.
When we—Maci and Tressie—step through the doors of Pipe Creek Mercantile, we imagine the history around us quietly coming back to life. The land we are on holds deep historical significance in Miami County, layered with stories from generations past. (https://www.in.gov/library/collections-and-services/indiana/county-history-holdings-guide/miami-county/)
We often find ourselves wondering how the antiques within the Mercantile may once have been used on this very ground—grinding wheat, carrying water, or swaddling a baby at the end of a long day. Tressie likes to believe there was once a log-built, lantern-lit trading house right here, filled with the scent of pipe smoke and the hum of everyday life.
Today, we envision Pipe Creek Mercantile as much the same—a gathering place for people of all walks of life. A place where stories are shared, friendships are formed, fellowship is had, and community is built, just as it was generations ago.