HOME: A Mercantile Company

I’ll start off by saying I have been shopping here for a few years. the selection is always different. used/​vintage, new, or just WTF?(as in this is very cool). staff are always on point… cool. owners are super cool. some items are pricey, but look around and you’ll find something that just says «buy me, please!» this place is like a hipster swap meet. if you are not a hipster, then keep buying what the big stores are mass producing… just saying. drink the Kool-​Aid, you just might like it. no other place like this in Northpark. yes, you may get ignored if they are busy, its a small shop. they will not hold your hand as you explore the goods. it is Northpark, so just chill.

This store is great if you’re a size 2 and like trendy knockoffs made in China. Great price points and curated street style vibe, but clearly a man’s ideals of what a woman should wear for the ladies apparel. Crop tops and booty shorts galore. Nothing over a size 6, or for women with an actual booty. Refuse to shop here, I feel it’s rather discriminatory, and I’m your average jean size 29. A few cool vintage finds, but I would say its better for the guys.

This place is everything I want in a small neighborhood boutique. Their vintage peices are perfectly curated and priced decently. The store is merchandised really well and has such a clean inviting feel. With the eclectic mix of vintage, Lush, Unif, and other brands this store really reflects my personal style. The sunglasses are super cute and definitely affordable. (Around $ 12?).
The staff is always so friendly, but not too pushy. My friend even had seen a vintage jacket when in town visiting. He liked it for his girlfriend and asked them if they still had it maybe a month later. I’m not sure who helped him, I wish I could give he or she credit, but they sent him photos and placed it aside for me to pick up on his behalf. Home is definitely a North Park neighborhood favorite.
Check out the cool buttons they have at the cash register.

So I know it’s not typical for someone to go shopping late afternoon on Superbowl Sunday, but I was in the area, and wasn’t too inclined to watch the game (sorry guys).
My boyfriend and I ran into this store walking around North Park and instantly was drawn to the uniqueness of the storefront. Inside, you can find an eclectic mixture of vintage, reworked vintage, and new clothing and accessories. Pricing for all of the clothes was not outrageous either— which was something I was expecting initially. I was falling in love with everything despite my current broke-​ness.
The manager was very informative about their custom vintage reworked pieces and was clearly very passionate about his business. We got a quick history lesson on how the store started out… apparently he’s one of two brothers who run the two stores (the other is located in Encinitas).
My boyfriend eventually decided on a reworked vintage sweater for about $ 40 that showcased «Shazam», the family German shepherd, as a logo.
All in all, if you want a unique clothing experience, Home is the way to go!

This is where you go when you want to shy away from the manufactured Gap/​Anthropologie look and wanna add a little FUNK to your style. You won’t find a plain cotton collared shirt here, no-​sir-​ee!
I initially found this place by chance while walking around my neighborhood a couple years back and was drawn in by the design and layout. I walked in to find unique, stylish pieces that perfectly fit the demographic of the people living in the surrounding area. Clothing, accessories, shoes, vintage, new, it’s all affordable and very thoughtfully picked to fit the overall aesthetic as well.
Probably one of the coolest things about this place is it’s heritage. Head on over to their website to read up on what John Lennon has to do with it’s rich history, and why the logo is such an important part of their aesthetic/​design.
The owners of the store are locals who grew up in San Diego and are all creative types, too. Which shines through in the presentation and curation of all the pieces that are sold there. Even the Home-​Made stuff is fantastic, and in my opinion, a genius way to recycle a lot of clothing that needs to be recycled rather than thrown out. They’re also pretty involved with the community.
This year is their 10 year anniversary, so watch out for some sweet events and promotions! Otherwise, just stop in and take a gander at what they have available. You will love it.
PS. I may or may not have a crush on the owner :) Tehehehe…

**!! Please do not forget to read the «Filtered Reviews» as they hide the less than positive ones**!!
December 8^th @ 4:12pm…walked in and started browsing. The girl with the BIG Diamond Tattoo on her wrist was chatting away with with a firend on the phone. No «Hi»…nothing. Ok ~ Cool. It must not be her business so she just does not care. She’s getting a check whether I spend my money there or not… right?
Very limited selction on the clothing and styles… but the ones they do have are pretty cool. I walked in wearing Armani, DKNY and Alfani with a leather Prada messenger bag. I was there for some serious «Retail Therapy».
WANTED the «Dia de la Muerte» T-​Shirt for $ 32.00, WANTED the Grey Army Hoodie for $ 28.00 and WANTED a Dictionary Ring… but had questions. The «Army Hoodies» had no size… just «1011″ on the price tag and I wanted to size the ring.
» Yappety yap… party…yappet y yap… yeah…over by… oh uh huh.” I stood by the jewlery case for a few minutes… gazing.
I also wanted to know about the consignments, as I have so many designer things I need to go through and want to consign. Waiting, waiting, waiting! At 4:37 I walked out. I said…“Thank you”…she raises her hand, other hand still holding the phone in the other hand… I finish…“for the lack of service”. My cash goes somewhere else now, girl with the big Diamond Tattoo on her wrist.
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Upgrading to a «2» for the apology the owner. But defending an employee’s poor judgement? Really?
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Dear Michael,
Thank you for your review. I would feel the same way if I were taking time out of my day for «Retail Therapy». I hate to defend our employee because it sounds like she should have made you a priority over the phone conversation she was having. We have already addressed this with her and it turns our she was talking to one of the owners about our Home Christmas party. Still this is no excuse nor is it the first time she has had a negative review or complaint in regards to her personality. She is on the other had a very talented artist and jewelry maker… some of her jewelry is in our cases here at the store.
If you would like to give us another shot I would like to offer you a 10% discount for your heartache.
Have a nice Day!
Dave Ross /​Home Mercantile
Michael K. a moment agoDear Dave,
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Dear Dave,
I really do not mean to be «pissy», but if you have had this problem with her in the past, why does she represent your brand? This, regardless of her talent as a jewelry maker and artist.
The fact that she was speaking to the owner makes it even worse in my opinion. It seems to me the owner would be more interested in having customers properly greeted in his business and his sales… rather than planning an employee party. «Excuse me Boss, I have a customer in the store, I will get back to you». The reason for the employee party is to celebrate good business and reward it’s employee’s for a job well done.
I was ready to drop at least a couple hundred in your establishment… but after «wandering» for over 20 minutes, I left.
Per your own admission, it sounds like this is not an isolated incident with her, which is disturbing. It is YOUR business, but the loss of even one possibly loyal customer is sad. Would you rather have one unloyal employee that turns customers away, or many happy loyal clients?
I truly do appreciate your sincere apology and meager discount. But «HOME» will no longer be a shopping destination for me.
Best regards,
Michael Kelly

I was in there today and I must say I love this store! They have a unique selection of items. From clothing to belts, accessories and great selection of rugged boots. The vintage heels selection was minimal but great (came across some white Christian Dior pumps). The atmosphere of the place is quite unique as well the owner was super friendly he even gave me a brief history of HOME. Be sure to check out the John Lennon pics as u walk in to the right. Oh yeah you can’t forget the cool American flag curtains at the fitting rooms! Check out this place, you will not be disappointed :)

**Very relevant public service announcement**
Fingerless gloves may be the sexiest article of clothing ever invented (after skinny jeans, horn-​rimmed glasses, and newsboy caps).
**Also relevant**
HOME sells fingerless gloves in abundance.
**Conclusion**
HOME is awesome.
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I discovered all of these things this past weekend, when I decided to do the Small Business Saturday thing and say «smell you later» to Saks Off 5^th and say hello to the various little boutique shops in North Park.
HOME was definitely my favorite.
Really, this little shop is perfect.
First, the selection of clothing is superb. Tons of jeans, cool button-​downs and tees, lots of accessories — and all in an aesthetic that I can appreciate.
Second, the goods are a mix of new and vintage, and at reasonable prices. The vintage items are in like-​new condition, much to my surprise.
Third, the fellow at the cashier (the proprietor, maybe?) is totally friendly, chill, and helpful. I didn’t catch his name, unfortunately.
The best part is that I bought a pair of fingerless gloves. I’m madly in love with them. I guess the holidays came early. :-)

I always find something here. They have a good mixture of affordable vintage clothes and new hipper clothes for both men and women. The staff is very friendly too!
If you are looking for something hip and cool then this is your place!

I’ve been like Bart Simpson lately with an extremely small cycle of clothes that I wear. Even the newer threads that I’ve bought seem to have fallen victim to my sock monster who’s grown into eating full on outfits.
Enter HOME. It’s a pretty dope shop full of men’s and women’s attire. Shoes, jeans, shirts, dresses, and hats… there’s something that almost everyone can enjoy browsing through. Prices are great as well with new and used threads ranging from about $ 22 to a few hundred.
I can honestly say that almost everything in the store I’d be caught dead in, and that’s rarely the case with me. They’ll probably get lost or stolen by friends, but I’ll be back soon for some fresh new digs.

Love this boutique! comfy hipster, very unique items here and decent prices, very very unique accessories
A friend bought the cutest scarf ever for only $ 10! Looked like a $ 30+ scarf too! Neat! Love this place! Part of North Park area so you can stroll around and get some eats, and there is a wine tasting joint down the street.
Parking: Street, difficult at times.

Yeah, so… went in here before dinner with a friend. Ummm, I love ya fellow Unilocalers but I just didnt see whats so great. I mean, they have some cool clothes, but the selection is pretty damn limited and they do have a lot of their own stuff there.
The guy behind the counter was totally chill and helpful and we had a great conversation about their «I love boobies» wristbands.
This doesnt seem to be the place to go every week to find new a new selection of cool vintage tshirts or a kick ass old dinner jacket.
But, I did love the lay out, loved the décor and the customer service is spot on. I would probably only drop in if I was right around the corner like I was last night. :-(

I just found out that the dress I bought for $ 24 yesterday is from Anthropologie. This has to be like the equivalent of a triple word score or something. I knew I was absolutely in love with this dress when I saw it hanging in the corner. Then I tried it on, and it was magic. This must have been kismet since it originally came from my most favoritest store evAr and it fit like a dream. Even Masa said, «that’s cute» (which I really hope is code for «I wanna spoon you»). The Universe works in mysterious ways sometimes… Mysterious…
p. s. I also bought a beautiful blouse that looks like two scarves sewn together. Assembled with capri leggings, kitten heels, over-​sized sunglasses and a carefree updo, I feel very early 1960’s Euro. Huge success!

This store is the reason that I’m going to have to wait another pay period to go to the dentist. Yes, I chose to tend to the cute clothes at HOME over my debilitating toothache.
Don’t judge me.
I actually really dislike shopping. I know, worst girl ever. HOME, however, makes the experience kind of bearable. You walk in, shop at your own pace, buy stuff, and go home happy. The people there are very nice and very patient (I think I was there for about two hours, tried on about 50 different things, 14 times each — do the math). I had to talk myself out of walking out of there with every last thing I tried on.
They have tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories — new and used — for both men and women. HOME, I will be back… after I pay my rent.

Another reason to love North Park.
Checked this place out after noticing it in place of Kate Ross. Ended up falling in love with the store. Prices are fair and the clothes + accessories are all great. They’re half thrift store, half new. Even my boyfriend loves this place and he never pays for things full price.
Recently met one of the brothers that run the place. Found out he does all the artwork and he’s a graffiti writer who also does Bunny Kitty (check it out, real dope stuff!). Super chill guy and really friendly. Didn’t try to get us to buy anything but we ended up getting into a nice conversation.
Go here! you won’t be disappointed ;)

As soon as you walk in you are greeted with a visual overload of art décor to your face! POW, right in the kisser. I’m for it…
First and foremost, this place is really easy on the wallet, which means it will not cut into your drinking funds. The select pieces they have here for men, in my opinion are amongst the best in North Park. This place has style to burn. There are a lotta choice plaids, pearl snap westerns, vintage band tees, leather jackets, boots, brixton hats, skate wear.” Holy shit balls, Batman… I just described my closet.“
I came in here in need of some 1930’s esque trousers to match some vintage steampunk suspenders I picked up. There is a 1930’s Jazz night that I will be attending so I want to make sure I roll in looking dapper and debonaire…
«He’s so greasy he glides when he walks…» –Two-​Bit Matthews
yeah, that’s what i’m going for, and I found just what I needed at Home. The neat lady working there was very helpful. I’ll definitely be back.

«I feel pretty, oh so pretty, I feel pretty!»
Thank you, HOME and lovely lady there on Sunday, for helping me pick out some great finds! I was sad to see Kate Ross leave, and am so glad to see this place open up in its spot. LOTS to choose from and decent prices as well. I found 2 new dress (with that vintage feel due to the fabric, but brought up to current trends style-​wise), each $ 35 and a used pair of cool cowboy boots for $ 40 (retail ~ $ 200 according to Google shopping) = score!
Men’s side is a bit more old school vintage, but if that’s your look, then this is a great place to shop.
Great dressing rooms! I know that sounds insignificant, but that can make (or not) your experience. I don’t love to shop, so if the time spent is not enjoyable, then I’m an unhappy girl. But seriously, they are roomy, clean, have good lighting and accurate and full-​length mirrors.
Hope to make this at least a monthly shopping stop :-)

LoVe LoVe LoVe this place! This is their second location, and their first one was a bit of a drive for me but I worth making the trip to. I’m SO excited to have them open up 5 mins from my work!
Their selection is very assorted and although not huge every piece is well selected. They sell both new and used and the used is always in excellent condition.
Price points super reasonable.
They have a small selection of jewelry, purses, shoes and sunglasses. They have only been open 2 wks and this selection may expand because their other location has quite a bit more of this.
I’m SO excited to have this store near by!!!
Love you guys:-)

I just moved down to SD in July and I’m so glad that my favorite store in North County (by way of Encinitas) followed me down here. Home is a mix of consignment & affordable new goods. Can’t speak for the guy stuff but as far as the new stuff for the ladies goes. I like almost anything by Solemio, Lush & Just USA jeans. Just got some black denim leggings that I’ll be living in for the next couple of months. Then there is the vintage/​consignment goods too. I think overall that stuff is more pricey here but they are pretty picky with the what they decide to carry. So the «rumage to find the good stuff» part of thrifting is pretty non-​existent at Home. It’s all good. Some deals to be had in the women’s used jean section (Hudson, 7 for mankind cut offs for $ 36ish). Really, really cute purses for around $ 50 too. I’ll definitely be back time and time again.
Staff was just the right amount of helpful. My only slight gripe would be the gravel like stuff they used on the floor (in the dressing rooms) hurts your feet when you take your shoes off to change. But it sure looks cool so I won’t deduct any points. I’m digging the whole look of the store. Excited that it’s so close :)

A little bit of Buffalo Exchange, a lot of good cute fairly priced items.
Stopped by after happy hour at North Park Sushi… sake bomb buzz + cute clothes = disaster for my wallet. But I love the variety here, very Mimi & Red style. They have some used clothes and some new clothes, and they’re all very cute and of good quality. It’s going to be dangerous to have this place within walking distance!
Just opened, and loving the addition to NP!