This week we are chatting with Amy Rutherford of Red Barn Mercantile and Penny Post. Amy leaped into action in March and swiftly took Penny Post online to make sure we could still get all of the goodies we have come to love from them. We are absolutely loving the puzzle selection at both of her stores - they are keeping us entertained and keeping our brains busy. Speaking of keeping us entertained, Amy is now encouraging us to "play with our food" as she's teamed up with Chadwicks for to-go game nights on Thursdays (seriously, how fun!). We know times are tough, but Amy and her team have been so creative in coming up with ways to keep us sane - thank you Amy! 

:Sarah Marcella Creative

ABOUT YOU

 How long have you lived in Alexandria? I've lived in Alexandria for about 22 years.Favorite item of clothing in your closet? My Frank & Eileen button downs from The Hive. They are easy and work well for Zoom calls like our Meet the Designer series. Our next Meet the Designer series will be on Thursday, May 21st, at 7:00 p.m. and you can still reserve your spot here.Biggest inspiration? My network of fellow shopkeepers and fellow business owners. Couldn’t survive this without them. They are endlessly inspiring!Dogs or cats? Dogs, duh.  

ABOUT YOUR STORE

 How long have you owned your store? I've owned Red Barn Mercantile since 2007 and Penny Post since 2017.What inspired you to start your business? My grandmother who owned her own antique store and my mother who always made our house beautiful with every new assignment.What are three of your favorite items currently at your shop? Puzzles at both stores - here and here! New French line of blankets for cozying up on the sofa to binge watch everything. And, our letter writing kits so you can send a little bit of joy to friends and family who can use a little surprise!Favorite designer? Depends on the category of design. Right now I’m totally feeling Robert Stilin’s interior design. You can get his book here. It will either inspire you or make you hate him for being so talented. It’s that good.Favorite “buy” of all time? My favorite buy from Alexandria would be a pair of Paul Green shoes I bought from The Shoe Hive three years ago. I wear them everywhere for at least three seasons. From anywhere else, I’d say the two vintage beds I got for my kids at auction for $30 each. What a bargain!  

AT THIS TIME

 How can the community support you and your employees during this time? We would be eternally grateful if you would shop online at redbarnmercantile.com or shoppennypost.com and then tell all your friends to do the same. Thank you!!One act of kindness you’ve witnessed? All of Spring2ACTion. This community showed up to raise $2.4 million for folks in need. I was so proud of Alexandria!Favorite new hobby? Sadly, I haven’t had time to find one.Top must-read books? I mostly read non-fiction books, so not sure how exciting they will be. But I loved Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking and anything by Brene Brown. Her latest Dare to Lead was brilliant.Binge-worthy suggestion(s)? Derry Girls. Run, don’t walk to watch a gang of foul-mouthed teenage girls in early 1990’s Ireland navigate life. It’s hysterical and sweet and touching all at the same time and you can stream it on Netflix.What local business have you supported this week? The Hive, Cheesetique, and Chadwicks.Favorite carry-out restaurant? Cheesetique for the sassy goat, Stomping Ground for the Not So Classic, and Bagel Uprising for the Classic!Favorite family passtime? When we are not quarantined, camping. When we are quarantined, jigsaw puzzles.Go-to at-home workout? Walking the dog.