By Kimberly Kremer (Read her blog “Fishbowl Living” at fishbowlliving.com)
As the mother of four small children, I completely understand the need for convenience. When I am already single-handedly driving up demand for oil by cruising all over Montgomery county in my gas-guzzling mom-mobile, the last thing I want on my to-do list is something that requires more than hitting a drive-thru. With the advent of internet sales and the insanity that we refer to as our “family schedules” many of us find few reasons to head to the local bookstore anymore. What a tragic turn of events! I have found that when I force myself out for my daily dose of vitamin D-infused sunshine and take the time to stop into some local stores I am rarely disappointed.
Friday, I made a trip to Master’s Mercantile in Pottstown to look for a birthday present for a party my boys were attending the next morning. I just love bookstores! If you haven’t read my “About” page then you might not know that I am an avid reader. I could spend an hour wandering around a good bookstore and if they have comfy chairs and a coffee shop…well, they might be forced to ask me to leave the store as they lock up behind me. Fortunately, for my family, Master’s Mecantile does not have comfy chairs and a coffee shop but they do have a great selection of inspirational and practical Christian literature with topics ranging from fiction to the spiritual disciplines to finances and everything in between. There are many beautiful, funny and interesting items that would make just the right gift and, my personal favorite service, for a nominal fee they will engrave any leather-bound book. Could there be a more perfect baptism or confirmation gift than a personalized Bible?
Can’t find what you’re looking for? No problem! The friendly folks at Master’s Mercantile will be more than happy to order it for you and if you pre-pay for the order you will receive a 10% discount. Woot! Who doesn’t love a discount?! Speaking of discounts, the owners, John and Charlene, know that we are all on tight budgets so every other month you’ll find that they have placed a 20% off coupon in the tri-county edition of the Clipper Magazine. Between the Clipper coupon and the coupons in the catalogs that they mail out to the customers on their mailing list, there is no reason to pay full price at MM. And, if you really can’t get out of the house to shop in their store you can order your items on their website at http://www.onthethirddaymm.com/. When you choose to pick up the order at the store you won’t pay shipping. Can I get another “woot!”?
And, now….drum roll, please…the best part: This coming Saturday (October 23rd) is National Christian Retail Store Day and Master’s Mercantile is going all out for their customers. You’ll find terrific discounts throughout the store and every hour, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., they will have give-aways with the grand prize, a Willow Tree Christmas Story Sanctuary*, being given away at 5 p.m. For the grand prize, you must be present to win. In addition, local artists Dustin Tavella and Tommy-Lee Sexton will both be making musical appearances and Mary Hill will be signing copies of her book The Gift.
So, if you’ve been thinking about popping in to Master’s Mercantile to check it out, what are you waiting for?! On Saturday morning, finish up those pancakes, leave the dishes in the sink, load up the kidlets and head on over for a rockin’ good time. Prepare to have your socks blessed off!
*Animals not included with Willow Tree Christmas Story Sanctuary prize.
