Based in Perry, Oklahoma, Yankee Dime Mercantile is a family-owned antique and junk store that collects finds like vintage furniture, pottery, artwork and unique goods from the 1800s through the 1970s.
Can you tell us how and why you started your business?
I’ve always had a recurring dream of owning a four-story antique shop. In 2012, I started buying and selling with my husband, Loyd’s, help. We started at vintage markets, then booth space followed. One year later we bought a building in Perry, Oklahoma, and decided to give brick-and-mortar a go with Loyd keeping a day job.
What services do you provide within the film/music industry?
We provide props. We’ve sold lighting, folk art, old document papers, furniture, barn tin, jars, fans… The list goes on.
How has your company grown to meet the needs of Oklahoma’s film and/or music industries over the last 3-5 years?
Our growth has been storage. We have acquired several buildings for this reason. We are able to store an assortment of things. So, when the movie folks come by, we go on a tour to see if we have what they need. If we don’t have it, I’ll do my best to send them to someone else that might be able to help.
What are the benefits of basing your company’s operations in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma is a central location for good picking. We are able to travel to Kansas, Nebraska and some into Missouri. Not to mention Ditch Witch has provided Loyd and our family a steady job since 1998.
What would you consider your business’s greatest accomplishment to date?
Our greatest accomplishment would be that our store has evolved into something I’m proud of. From working out of our garage to the renovation of two old buildings on Elm St. with a warehouse across the street. The buildings allow us to spread out and stack up our finds for people to see.
Are there any recent successes your company would like to highlight related to work within the Oklahoma film and music industries?
“Twisters!” “Twisters” was definitely a fun spring and summer for us! Ethan would text “this is what we need…” and sometimes I had it! Sometimes not, but it was nice that they appreciated our work.
What are you working on now/next?
We are now gearing up for the fall show in south Texas. We will set up at LaBahia Antique Show on October 11 as part of Round Top Antique Week. We do this in the spring and fall. It helps turn the store’s inventory and exposes us to more buyers.
What is your goal/vision for the future of your company?
Our goal is to continue to curate and grow our inventory, build relationships with the folks we meet along the way, expand our territory for antiquing, and most of all, let our customers know that we appreciate them taking the time to rummage our wares.
What advice do you have for others who are considering starting a film or music business in Oklahoma?
My advice to anyone starting out is to work hard and treat people that walk through your door like good friends. “Twisters” found us through word-of-mouth. Three years ago, Karen found us through a friend. She told Stefan who told Missy. They are just the nicest folks!
What opportunities do you believe await Oklahoma’s film/music industry in the future?
As long as we keep the incentives in Oklahoma, I feel like the movie industry will thrive along with the little folks like us. Everyone likes a good deal. If the movies get a good deal, then good people of Oklahoma working in the movie industry get a good deal.
Each featured individual or business is given the provided questions to answer in their own voice. Other than formatting and grammar, the answers are personal to each featured voice, and are not provided by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office.
