B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 59 DOWNTOWN OCILLA “Southern Mercantile has been something I have always dreamed of, but as more of an actual store,” Roxie said. “We wanted not only to expand what we offered here at The Shoppes but also share our town.” Matt and Roxie spend their weekends traveling to markets throughout the southeast to promote Southern Mercantile and Ocilla. Roxie said sharing a little southern hospitality and charm is part of the Southern Mercantile mission. “The Southern Mercantile is more than an online store; it’s about small-town living,” she said. “It may seem strange to us living here, but people in bigger cities like the idea that we have a canning plant and everyone knows everyone.” A part of sharing Ocilla is done through a blog on the Southern Mercantile website. Roxie, Jorjanne, and Tara write about all things southern, from family traditions and recipes to tips on renovating a historic home on a budget. Roxie describes Southern Mercantile as the place to “relax, read funny stories or helpful how-tos, and feel connected in some way to our little town and crazy southern way.” Matt and Roxie Seale, owners of The Shoppes at Fourth and Cherry, were introduced by mutual friends Jorjanne and Chris Paulk.