Bollinger County Chamber Selects Rising Star Business of First Quarter

The Bollinger County Chamber Rising Star Business of the first quarter is Hellebusch Mercantile. Kimberly & John Hellebusch opened their store at the junction of highway 51 north and M highway (5 miles south of Patton) on November 9, 2013. They are open Monday to Friday from 8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:00a.m-3:00p.m.

Kimberly told us "John and I own a few rental properties and several head of Angus cattle. We have never run any other retail businesses. John and I got started in the Mercantile almost by accident. We purchased the home on the corner of 51 and M as a rental property. I grew up going to the store there as a child and had fond memories of the location. The store building was in bad condition (missing roof, broken windows, and lots of electrical issues.) John and I decided we couldn't let the building continue to deteriorate. So, we launched a major remodel.

We were able to obtain a Nutrena dealership for the feed store. A family member in auction and resale helped connect us to the right people for produce and vegetables. We have been expanding our product line ever since.

We feel the store is a true Mercantile to mirror old time general stores. We have feed for any kind of animal. We carry groceries and fresh produce. Hellebusch Mercantile also carries some sewing needs, kitchen products, a full line of cleaning products, personal care items, and various household decorations and collectibles. We have hundreds of movies in stock, children's toys, men's toys (tools that is), nuts, bolts, screws, and even fencing supplies. During the seasons of the year we carry bedding plants, flowers, pumpkins, mums, cantaloupe, and watermelon.

We are unique in that we offer such a wide variety of items. Our goal is to keep the variety high and the costs low. This combined with great customer service is what gives us success and will hopefully allow us to continue to grow! We are even going to have Flea Market days the first Saturday of each month beginning in May. It will be a park and sell venue."

Stop by and check out Hellebusch Mercantile or give them a call at 573-866-2801.